Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Are you looking for fun activities during your visit to an Arkansas State Park? Our park interpreters routinely schedule fun, family-friendly programs that are designed to help you have a more meaningful park experience and make memories of a lifetime. We offer more than 50,000 activities each year, including guided hikes, lake tours on park boats, birding adventures, kayak tours, living history demonstrations, nature games, historic site tours, bald eagle watches, spring wildflower walks, campfires, outdoor skills workshops, A.D.E.-accredited teacher professional development, and much more — there’s something going on all the time.
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The dates, details, and admission prices in this calendar of events were submitted to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and are accurate to the best of our knowledge. We recommend that you check with local sponsors before making a trip to any event.
Friday, April 26, 2024
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is home to many kinds of birds from vultures to warblers. Meet Park Interpreter Mystina to go on a birding stroll to look for the many birds in the park. Binoculars are…
Friday, April 26, 2024
/ 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Journey with a park interpreter down historic Will Apple’s Road, a pathway that felt more hooves than tires in its heyday. At the end of this trail, you will witness the ruins of what was once a…
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Friday, April 26, 2024
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina to play a fun game of nature bingo. As we play, we will discover more about the natural things found at Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Friday, April 26, 2024
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources of…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
There is great diversity in habitat and animals at Lake Dardanelle State Park, making it easy to explore and enjoy nature here. We will see how many of the nature items on our list you can find. There…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Women’s participation in the war effort wasn’t limited to the home front. Women seeking adventure,
employment, and patriotism fought during the Civil War. Learn about the
hardships these women faced.…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What is the difference between a wildflower and a weed? Join Park Interpreter Chris on this easy 0.5-mile hike as we discover the beautiful wildflowers in Van Winkle Hollow. This is a great way…
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Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
You get all the tools you need for adventure and creativity neatly packaged in a backpack along with an adventure guide full of ideas on what to do with all the items. Our P.A.C.K.s can be checked out…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
It’s not easy being green and slimy! See a live frog, toad, and salamander, as we learn more about our
amphibian friends at Hobbs State Park with Park Interpreter Chris. We’ll also check out the ponds…
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a fox? How about a bobcat? Join Park Interpreter Mystina to touch some real furs and find out about the furry mammals of Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Humans aren’t the only ones that build. Discover how birds at Mount Magazine State Park are quite the builders! This program includes a fun hands-on activity that is best suited for ages 7-12.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lives were forever changed here on December 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove. Meet…
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Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a night of music and fun as we learn four popular dances from the 1800s during our Barn Dance. Ages 13 and up are welcome, no dancing experience required. Call ahead to reserve…
Heart Healthy
Saturday, April 27, 2024
/ 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy Lake Fort Smith's history, scenery, geology, wildlife, and possible waterfalls and sunset on this boating adventure! Meet Park Interpreter Mystina at the marina dock. Binoculars and life vests…
Sunday, April 28, 2024
/ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join Dr. Graves, zoologist, and curator of birds at the
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for a birding hike along the
Sinking Stream and Van Winkle trails. Both trails are rated easy and…
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Sunday, April 28, 2024
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to explore an Ozark mountain trail and take in your surroundings. We will search for and discover more about the native Ozark plants, animals, and…
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Sunday, April 28, 2024
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
Heart Healthy
Sunday, April 28, 2024
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Before text messages and phone calls, letters were the primary means of communication for families and friends. Join us to experience the power in these messages and craft your own using 19th-century…