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Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park
Calendar of Events
Petit Jean State Park

Programs Schedule

Events & Programs
Calendar of Events
Programs Schedule
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Arkansas Wildflowers
OCT 10, 2008:
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Meet at the amphitheater.

Spring, summer, fall, sometimes even in winter – Arkansas abounds with many different kinds of wildflowers, adapted to many different growing conditions. Join Park Interpreter Rachel at the amphitheater to view a sampling of these colorful beauties, especially those that can be found at Petit Jean State Park.
Admission: Free

Rim Trail Hike
OCT 11, 2008:
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Meet at the Rock House Cave trailhead.

Meet Park Interpreter BT to hike one of the most scenic sections of the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the rim of Cedar Creek Canyon. This guided hike is about 1 mile in length. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Admission: Free

Contact: BT

Petit Jean Bird Bingo
OCT 11, 2008:
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Meet at the amphitheater.

Join Park Interpreter BT for a fun game of Bird Bingo. Learn more about the birds living here at Petit Jean State Park as we play this fun game. This is a great activity for families with young children to connect with nature outdoors together.
Admission: Free

Contact: BT

Be a Forest Foot Soldier
OCT 11, 2008:
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Meet at the visitor center.

Meet Park Interpreter Natalie to step back in time and experience life as a Civilian Conservation Corps member at Petit Jean State Park. The CCC built this park in the 1930s, including many of the buildings and trails we still use today. This walking tour includes the history, works, and structures of the CCC legacy at Petit Jean State Park.
Admission: Free

Contact: Petit Jean State Park

Sunset Stroll
OCT 11, 2008:
6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
Meet at the Richter Memorial Overlook on Red Bluff Drive.

Meet Park Interpreter Natalie to take a short stroll to the CCC Overlook to watch the sunset from one of the most spectacular locations in the park. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car.
Admission: Free

Contact: Petit Jean State Park

Birds of Seven Hollows
OCT 12, 2008:
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Meet at the Seven Hollows trailhead.

Meet Park Interpreter Rachel look for woodpeckers and other birds. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water to drink, and bring binoculars if you have them. This slow-paced hike is about ¼-mile long.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Cedar Falls Hike
OCT 12, 2008:
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Meet at the Mather Lodge breezeway.

To know Petit Jean State Park, you have to know Cedar Falls. Meet Park Interpreter Natalie for a hike to the base of a 95-foot waterfall! This guided 2-mile hike is moderately strenuous. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring along plenty of water.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park

Senior American Special - Registration and Refreshments
OCT 14, 2008:
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meet at Mather Lodge CCC Room.

This afternoon of fellowship will give you the opportunity to register for our Senior American Special and will feature snacks provided by the Petit Jean Women’s Extension Homemaker Club.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Another Senior Spectacular Welcome
OCT 14, 2008:
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Join the park interpreters in the Rec Hall to get reacquainted with friends from past years, to meet first time visitors, and to find out why this is considered to be a “special year” at Petit Jean State Park!
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Dutch Oven Breakfast
OCT 15, 2008:
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Meet at the amphitheater.

Join the park interpreters at the amphitheater and sample a dish of delicious Dutch oven-cooked breakfast. We will have the recipe on hand.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Meet a Moonshiner
OCT 15, 2008:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Meet at the Pioneer Cabin.

Stop by the Pioneer Cabin at the Cedar Creek Trailhead this morning. The moonshiner will be coming out to talk to folks about his life here on Petit Jean during the Prohibition and Depression times. His still is located just down the trail from the pioneer cabin, but be careful sneaking up on him - he can be jumpy when the still is running!
Admission: Free

The View from Petit Jean Mountain: From 11,500 Years Ago, to 500 Years Ago, to 1953
OCT 15, 2008:
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Meet at the Rec Hall.

Join archeologist Skip Stewart-Abernathy at the Rec Hall for a journey back in time. Dr. Abernathy and other archeologists have been working hard to answer basic questions about the nature of Native American occupation of the area surrounding Petit Jean Mountain. Learn about the rich archeological heritage that has been discovered.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Senior American Special - Be a Forest Foot Soldier
OCT 15, 2008:
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Meet at the visitor center.

Meet Park Interpreter Natalie at the visitor center to step back in time and experience life as a Civilian Conservation Corps member at Petit Jean State Park. This one-mile walking tour will include the history, works, and structures of the CCC legacy at Petit Jean State Park and will last about one hour.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Monarchs and Their Islands in the Sky
OCT 15, 2008:
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Meet at the Rec Hall.

Where are the monarch butterflies going in such a hurry? Explore the monarchs' journey south as they migrate to southern Mexico. Discover the complexities of their life cycle and what you can do to help them in their struggle to survive. Our guest speaker today is Lori Spencer, author of Arkansas Butterflies and Moths. Lori is one of the state's leading butterfly experts! A book signing will follow.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Dr. T.W. Hardison and the State Park Idea
OCT 15, 2008:
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Petit Jean Mountain resident and historian Don Higgins will give a talk on the life and times of the “father” of Petit Jean State Park, Dr. T. W. Hardison. Meet at the Rec Hall for this presentation that helps to explain how the beauty of this area inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - 19th Century Dance
OCT 15, 2008:
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Did you know that there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Come to the Rec Hall and learn this dance and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-cake Polka, and more. Dance Caller Joshua Williams, from Historic Washington State Park, will teach the various dances to the participants. Costumed dress is welcomed but not required.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special – BINGO
OCT 15, 2008:
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Another year, another BINGO game! The park interpreters will be setting up in the Rec Hall for this fun evening of BINGO and prizes.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - A Hike Through the Ages
OCT 16, 2008:
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Meet in the breezeway of Mather Lodge.

Meet Park Interpreter Rachel for a ¼ mile, 45 minute hike to the Cedar Falls Overlook. Along the way, we will explore the history of Petit Jean State Park, from the distant geological past to the present day. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring along some water.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Wild Medicine
OCT 16, 2008:
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Meet at the Rec Hall.

Noxious weed, or key to health? The answer may surprise you! Join special guest Shirley Pratt for a close up look at some of the medicinal plants that were used by Native Americans and European settlers during the frontier days of Arkansas.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Is There a Bear Out There?
OCT 16, 2008:
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Meet at the Rec Hall.

In pioneer days, Arkansas was known as the Bear State. Then the Native Americans who first farmed and hunted the land were driven westward, and the black bears began to disappear too - along with once-abundant bison, panthers, and wolves. Now numerous bears again roam the forested hills of Arkansas and leave their tracks on the landscape. Are there bears in or around Petit Jean State Park? Join Park Interpreter BT in the Rec Hall to find out.
Admission: Free

Senior American Special - Autumn Crafts
OCT 16, 2008:
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Create special state park memories! Meet with visitor center manager Phyllis to make a fun autumn nature decoration. Supplies are provided.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Senior American Special - Cooking Demonstration
OCT 16, 2008:
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Meet at Mather Lodge.

Join Petit Jean State Park Restaurant Manager Johnny Bedford in the CCC Room at Mather Lodge to learn how he creates his delicious recipes. Samples are provided!
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Senior American Special - Native Americans and Petit Jean
OCT 16, 2008:
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Meet at Stout’s Point (Petit Jean’s gravesite overlook).

Meet Park Interpreter Rachel to hear a story from the Cherokee, and learn about the “Trail of Tears” and the connection between Native Americans and the Petit Jean area.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Senior American Special - Catfish Dinner at Mather Lodge
OCT 16, 2008:
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Meet at Mather Lodge.

Enjoy a wonderful catfish dinner complete with salad, all the fixin’s and a delicious cobbler dessert. The price for the meal includes your tea, coffee, and tip. Tickets for the meal may be purchased at Mather Lodge.
Admission: $14.95

Contact: Park Interpreter

Senior American Special - LIVE Concert Featuring the Larry Nelson Family
OCT 16, 2008:
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Join us for the fun of our final evening as we enjoy LIVE music performed by the multi-talented Larry Nelson family, featuring bluegrass and gospel. The concert is in the Rec Hall, behind the visitor center on Lake Bailey.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Vulture Watch
OCT 17, 2008:
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Meet at Stout’s Point (Petit Jean’s gravesite overlook).

Many people in Arkansas call them buzzards, but vultures are their true identity. Learn about these often misunderstood birds, and how they play a vital role in nature. Meet Park Interpreter Rachel to observe the vultures of Petit Jean Mountain, along with some spectacular scenery. Bring your binoculars if you have them.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

The Best Idea Arkansas Ever Had
OCT 17, 2008:
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Meet at the amphitheater.

In September 1923, Governor Thomas McRae signed legislation to create Arkansas’s first state park on Petit Jean Mountain. Meet Park Interpreter BT to discover the history of our flagship state park as well as a look at earlier and later works of conservation in the Natural State.
Admission: Free

Making Memories at Petit Jean – 75 Years
OCT 17, 2008:
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Meet at the amphitheater.

The Civilian Conservation Corps arrived on Petit Jean Mountain in 1933 and began laying the foundation for the park as we know it today. Join Park Interpreter BT to visit Petit Jean’s early years and watch Arkansas State Parks’ NEW 75th year documentary. Families will enjoy this program which appeals to all ages. Bring your special state park stories to share.
Admission: Free

Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
OCT 18, 2008:
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Meet at the Cedar Falls Overlook parking area.

To know Petit Jean Mountain, you have to know Cedar Falls. Join Park Interpreter Natalie for this easy 1/4-mile stroll. Discover what surprises lie along the way and enjoy the view of Cedar Falls from the overlook. Bring drinking water and binoculars.
Admission: Free

Contact: Petit Jean State Park

Be A Forest Foot Soldier
OCT 18, 2008:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Meet at the visitor center.

Meet Park Interpreter Natalie to step back in time and experience life as a Civilian Conservation Corps member at Petit Jean State Park. The CCC built this park in the 1930s, including many of the buildings and trails we still use today. This walking tour includes the history, works, and structures of the CCC legacy at Petit Jean State Park.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park

Remembering Petit Jean
OCT 19, 2008:
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Meet at Petit Jean's gravesite overlook.

How will you remember Petit Jean State Park? Meet Park Interpreter Natalie for a beautiful sunrise stroll along the boardwalk and a quiet, peaceful way to start the day as we focus on the fascinating legacies of Petit Jean State Park.
Admission: Free

Contact: Petit Jean State Park

Cedar Creek Hike
OCT 19, 2008:
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Meet at the Pioneer Cabin (Cedar Creek trailhead).

Meet Park Interpreter Natalie for a guided hike on the Cedar Creek Trail. This guided hike is about 1 ¼-miles long. It does not go to the waterfall, but does cover one of the most beautiful areas of the park. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Admission: Free

Contact: Petit Jean State Park

Pioneer Tools
OCT 19, 2008:
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Meet at the Pioneer Cabin (Cedar Creek trailhead).

Meet Park Interpreter Natalie to learn about an important tool used by early settlers on Petit Jean Mountain: the draw horse.
Admission: Free

Contact: Petit Jean State Park

Watchable Backyard Wildlife
OCT 24, 2008:
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Meet in the visitor center exhibit room.

Join Park Interpreter Rachel for a program on songbirds and other animals that we may see through the big window, including tips for attracting wildlife to your own backyard! This is a great activity for families with young children to connect with nature together.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Campfire Ghost Stories
OCT 24, 2008:
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Meet at the amphitheater.

Meet Park Interpreter Rachel to hear several entertaining tales that are a combination of spooky and silly. This program is family-friendly and a great way to create special state park memories!
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

A Hike Through the Ages
OCT 25, 2008:
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Meet at the Mather Lodge breezeway.

Meet Park Interpreter BT for a ¼-mile hike to the Cedar Falls Overlook. Explore the history of Petit Jean State Park, from the distant geological past to the present day. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water.
Admission: Free

Contact: BT

The Eagle and the Wren
OCT 25, 2008:
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Meet at the Mather Lodge breezeway.

Meet Park Interpreter BT to hear Dr. Jane Goodall’s version of this classic story. When the birds have a contest to see which one can fly the highest, they all learn a valuable lesson about cooperation. After the story, go on a short bird walk to learn different birds found in Petit Jean State Park.
Admission: Free

Contact: BT

Rock House Cave Hike
OCT 26, 2008:
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Meet at the Rock House Cave trailhead.

Meet Park Interpreter Rachel to explore the ancient history of the mountain. This guided 1/4-mile hike journeys to the park’s archeology site, Rock House Cave, to view ancient Native American pictographs.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Halloween at Petit Jean - Arts and Crafts
OCT 31, 2008:
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Is Petit Jean Mountain haunted by the ghost of a crazy pirate? Learn more and have fun celebrating this “spooky season!” Costumes are welcome but not required. Hey kids! Enjoy our arts and crafts tables! This is a great activity for families to create special state park memories.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

Haunted History
OCT 31, 2008:
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

During this special program, listen to ghostly folklore about real places in Arkansas, presented by special guest speaker Rachel Miller. A "Best Spooky Sounds" contest follows this program!
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter

The Pirate Legend of Petit Jean
OCT 31, 2008:
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Meet in the Rec Hall.

Hear the tragic but enduring story of a “Pirate of the Caribbean” who, according to legend, wound up losing his sanity on Petit Jean Mountain. A "Best Pirate Costume" contest follows this program.
Admission: Free

Contact: Park Interpreter


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1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road - Morrilton, AR 72110 / Phone: (501) 727-5441
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Petit Jean State Park
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