Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Arkansas State Parks!

Arkansas State Parks invites everyone to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a host of exciting events across our beautiful state parks. From canoe floats to lively music festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 
LAST-MINUTE MEMORIAL DAY DEAL
Make this Memorial Day one to remember at one of our select Arkansas State Park lodges or cabins! Stay 3 nights and get 25% OFF your total stay!

Valid for arrivals on May 23, 24, or 25, 2025

Choose from a selection of our lodge and cabin parks:
• DeGray Lake Resort State Park Lodge
• Mount Magazine State Park Lodge
• Ozark Folk Center State Park Cabins
• Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge

Use promo code: MDAY25 when booking online. New reservations only. There is limited availability so don’t wait!

NWA & North Central
Lake Fort Smith: Sunset Kayak Tour - Saturday, May 24 - Adults $18, Children 6-12 $12
Want to relax in a kayak while watching the sunset colors dance on the open water? Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a sunset kayak tour on Lake Fort Smith. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Register at the marina or call (479) 369-1018. Ages under 6 are not permitted. There will be a brief kayak paddling instruction at the beginning of the tour. Everyone will be required to wear a lifejacket on this tour. This activity is dependent on weather and lake conditions. Click HERE for more.

Ozark Folk Center Memorial Day Weekend Hootenanny - May 23 & 24
Enjoy two nights of old-time mountain music and dance at the Ozark Folk Center. The Homecoming Hootenanny will feature performances by lively Ozark string bands and Mountain View's favorite pickers and folksingers. The festivities include Carolyn Carter, Gary Rounds & Co., 5 South, George Hulsey & Friends, Possum Juice, The Parker Unit, and the Ozark Folk Center Square Dancers. More Information HERE.

Lake Dardanelle: Lake Cruise - Monday, May 26
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley throughout this 1-hour cruise. There is no fee for the tour, but space is limited. You must register for the tour. Call (479) 967-5516 to register for a seat. We will begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour, at the boat dock near the south boat ramp. Click HERE for more.

Mount Magazine: Mountain Songs on the Lodge Terrace - Sunday, May 25
Join a park interpreter and enjoy the beautiful view of Blue Mountain and Blue Mountain Lake, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might encounter while adventuring Magazine State Park. This program will relocate inside the lodge in the event of bad weather. Information HERE.

Central
Pinnacle Mountain Monumental Matters Hike - Monday, May 26
This Memorial Day, meet with a park interpreter to briefly discuss park history, ecology, growth of our monument trails, and how it all matters to you. Guests are encouraged to hike or ride the trails following the program. HERE.

Woolly Hollow: Discovering Nature Journals - Saturday, May 24
Preserve your memories and experiences in the great outdoors in a journal. Meet a park interpreter outside the Lake Center to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling tips. All materials are provided. This program lasts 45 minutes. Check it out HERE.

Pinnacle Mountain: Memorial Day Sunrise Hike - Monday, May 26 
Scale Pinnacle Mountain with a park interpreter and prepare for a breathtaking 360⁰ view of the Arkansas River Valley as the sun rises. Find out more HERE.

Southwest
Daisy State Park: Morning Kayak Tour - Sunday, May 25 - Adult: $18.00, Children 6-12: $12.00
Join a park interpreter for an awesome morning kayak outing. This is an easy kayak expedition, perfect for first time kayakers or those wanting a relaxing activity. Bring clothing and shoes that can get wet. Kayaks are limited; sign-up in person at the visitor center or by calling (870) 398-4487 as reservations must be made by 5 p.m. the day before. More information HERE.

DeGray Lake Resort: Geocaching Island Hopper - Monday, May 26 - Adults: $14.00, Kids 6-12: $8.00, Under 6: Free
Whether you are a diehard geocacher or completely new to the activity, this excursion is sure to satisfy your craving for adventure! With GPS units/smartphones in hand, we will travel by boat to a few of DeGray Lake’s islands in search of these hidden capsules! Smartphone users are encouraged to download a geocaching app ahead of time to be ready for the action. More information HERE.

Crater of Diamonds: Diamond Mining 101 - Monday, May 26
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods! More Information HERE.

Northeast & Southeast
Village Creek: Trail of Tears Guided Hike Saturday, May 24
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’ most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike. Please bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
More Information HERE.

Lake Frierson: Kayak Cruise Monday, May 26 Admission: Adults: $18, Kids 6-12: $12
Join the park interpreter on kayak to explore Lake Frierson. Discover the lake's history as a watershed and the opportunities watersheds provide. We all live in a watershed. We play in it, our homes need it, and we shape the future in how we treat it. Recreational kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets will be provided. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, towels, insect repellent, and wear clothes that can get wet. Registration is required. Call or visit the visitor center to reserve your spot. More Information HERE.

Lake Poinsett: Firebuilding 101 Saturday, May 24
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to tell! More Information HERE.