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Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center

Discover the beauty and history of Arkansas's first state park at the Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center. Your adventure starts here!

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The Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center serves as the central hub for exploring Arkansas's first state park. Here, visitors can gather information, explore interactive exhibits detailing the park's history, geology, and natural resources, and learn about the legend of Petit Jean. It's the perfect starting point for discovering the park's diverse landscapes and attractions.

A brief summary to Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Pick up a park map and brochure at the visitor center to plan your route and learn about the park's points of interest.
  • Check the visitor center's schedule for guided hikes, nature talks, and other events.
  • Explore the interactive exhibits to learn about the park's history, geology, and wildlife.
  • Ask the staff for recommendations on the best trails and overlooks based on your interests and abilities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Morrilton, take AR-9 N for approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto AR-154 W (Petit Jean Mountain Road) and follow it for about 8 miles to the park entrance. The visitor center is located a short drive inside the park. There is no fee to enter Petit Jean State Park. Parking is available near the visitor center.

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Discover more about Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center

Located in the heart of Petit Jean State Park, the visitor center is the ideal place to begin your adventure. Opened in December 2020, the 17,000-square-foot Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center offers a multi-sensory introduction to Petit Jean Mountain, its people, and its history. Inside, you'll find exhibits detailing the park's diverse ecosystems, geological formations, and the story of Petit Jean herself. The park itself is steeped in both natural beauty and history. Legend says that a young French woman, Adrienne Dumont, disguised herself as a cabin boy named Petit Jean to follow her fiancé to the New World. She fell ill during their visit to the mountain and was buried there. The park's establishment in 1923 was inspired by the area's unique geology and beauty. From 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the park, constructing roads, trails, bridges, and the rustic-style buildings that are still in use today. Today, Petit Jean State Park offers a variety of activities, including hiking trails that lead to Cedar Falls, Bear Cave, and the Natural Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Bailey and Lake Roosevelt. The park also features a restaurant and gift shops, as well as camping, cabin, and lodge accommodations.

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