Most programs/events are free and will meet at the David H. Pryor Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Call the park office at 479.789.5000 or visit the Arkansas State Parks web site under Hobbs State Park events or the Friends of Hobbs State Park Facebook page or web site for more info.
Thurs., July 2nd, 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Outdoor Safety on Monument Trails: There are several potential dangers you couldencounter when exploring the trails at Hobbs or elsewhere. Spin the “wheel of misfortune” and discover more about these dangerous situations, the plants and animals to avoid, and what to do if you should encounter them.
Thurs., July 2nd, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunset Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, flashlight, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Fri., July 3rd, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Leave No Trace Principles on Monument Trails Hike: The choices you make while enjoying outdoor recreation can have a positive or negative impact on the park resources and trails. Join the park interpreter on an easy 0.25 mile-hike on the ADA accessible Ozark Plateau Trail as we discover the Leave No Trace principles.
Fri., July 3rd, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Live Reptiles and Amphibians of Hobbs: These important creatures don’t deserve the bad rap they’ve gotten! Check out some live examples of these live “herps” found at Hobbs and discover their role in our ecosystems. Join the park interpreter in singing the reptile rap!
Fri., July 3rd, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Creek Critter Hike: A park interpreter will lead an exploration of Little Clifty Creek along the Van Winkle trail. We’ll catch crawdads, aquatic insects, and other creatures! If the water is high enough, we’ll put on masks and snorkels to help discover what lives in the creek. Learn how the “bugs” can tell us if the water is clean or polluted. Participants are welcome to borrow our masks and snorkels or bring their own. Meet at the Van Winkle/Sinking Stream Trailhead and wear water shoes or old tennis shoes for wading.Recommended age 5+
Sat., July 4th, 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Hobbs Hiking Club for Adults: Join us for our monthly hike for adults on the first Saturday of each month. Each hike will include healthy outdoor recreation, sharing some of nature’s secrets, and the opportunity to socialize. Bring a friend and meet some new ones! Dogs are welcome if they are leashed and not aggressive. The trail, distance, and time may vary each month, but fun will always be had! For the July hike we’ll meet at the Piney Road Trailhead and hike the 4-mile Dutton Hollow Trail. This is an easy to moderate hike with a slight elevation gain. Snacks will be provided. Recommended age 18+
Sat., July 4th, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
A Gathering for Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Join our staff and volunteers for this memorable occasion in celebration of the 250th anniversary of this historic document. This interactive and engaging program will offer an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. Meet at the Visitor Center Ed. Pavilion.
Sat., July 4th, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
1876 Historic Van Winkle Walk: Join a park interpreter and discover how people like the Van Winkle family may have celebrated the centennial of our country’s founding on July 4, 1876. This is an easy half mile walk on an ADA accessible trail through the Historic Van Winkle Hollow. We’ll discuss the Van Winkle family and their mill, the largest steam-powered mill in the state during the 1870’s. This area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Meet at the Van Winkle/Sinking Stream Trailhead.
Sun., July 5th, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
1876 Historic Van Winkle Walk: Join a park interpreter and discover how people on July 4th, 1876, may have celebrated the centennial of our country’s founding. This is an easy half mile walk on an ADA accessible trail through the Historic Van Winkle Hollow. We’ll discuss the Van Winkle family and their mill, the largest steam-powered mill in the state during the 1870’s. This area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Meet at the Van Winkle/Sinking Stream Trailhead.
Sun., July 5th, 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Live Reptiles and Amphibians of Hobbs: These important creatures don’t deserve the bad rap they’ve gotten! Check out some live examples of these live “herps” found at Hobbs and discover their role in our ecosystems. Join the park interpreter in singing the reptile rap!
Sun., July 5th, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Creek Critter Hike: A park interpreter will lead an exploration of Little Clifty Creek along the Van Winkle trail. We’ll catch crawdads, aquatic insects, and other creatures! If the water is high enough, we’ll put on masks and snorkels to help discover what lives in the creek. Learn how they can tell us if the water is clean or polluted. Meet at the Van Winkle/Sinking Stream Trailhead and wear water shoes or old tennis shoes for wading.Participants are welcome to borrow our masks and snorkels or use their own if they prefer. Recommended age 5+
Fri., July 10th, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Leave No Trace Principles on Monument Trails Hike: The choices you make while enjoying outdoor recreation can have a positive or negative impact on the park resources and trails. Join the park interpreter on an easy 0.25 mile-hike on the ADA accessible Ozark Plateau Trail as we discover the Leave No Trace principles.
Sat., July 11th, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Morning Kayak Tour: Spend the morning paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking while enjoying nature. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Space is limited to 10 people. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Sat., July 11th, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Astronomy Night with Sugar Creek Astronomical Society: We will begin with an indoor program presented by Molly Ussery. We will begin with an indoor program covering our satellite, the Moon, which has been a partner of our Earth for an immeasurable length of time. We, as our ancestors also did, gaze at the Moon, see pictures and animals on the surface, and create stories, songs and legends about it. Weather and cloud cover permitting, outdoor viewing will begin about 9:00 p.m. Club members will bring high quality amateur telescopes for public viewing. Items you may wish to bring include a red light, binoculars, and a lawn chair. Reservations not required. Recommended for ages 8+. *Please note: While this event is being held at an Arkansas State Park, it is organized and hosted independently.
Sun., July 12th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Mammals of Hobbs Tabletop: Do you know your mammals? Drop by this tabletop and take the mammal quiz to identify local mammal furs and skulls and discover more about this fascinating group of animals. A 15-minute program will be offered every half hour. Come and go as you please.
Fri., July 17th, 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Outdoor Safety on Monument Trails: There are several potential dangers you couldencounter when exploring the trails at Hobbs or elsewhere. Spin the “wheel of misfortune” and discover more about these dangerous situations, the plants and animals to avoid, and what to do if you should encounter them.
Fri., July 17th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunset Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, flashlight, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Sat., July 18th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Goin’ on a Bug Hike: Insects and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a park interpreter on a bug hunt around the Visitor Center as we discover their diversity and learn how we can help them. Nets and bug jars are provided.
Sat., July 18th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Creek Critter Hike: A park interpreter will lead an exploration of Little Clifty Creek along the Van Winkle trail. We’ll catch crawdads, aquatic insects, and other creatures! If the water is high enough, we’ll put on masks and snorkels to help discover what lives in the creek. Learn how they can tell us if the water is clean or polluted. Meet at the Van Winkle/Sinking Stream Trailhead and wear water shoes or old tennis shoes for wading.Participants are welcome to borrow our masks and snorkels or use their own if they prefer. Recommended age 5+
Sun., July 19th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Live Reptiles and Amphibians of Hobbs: These important creatures don’t deserve the bad rap they’ve gotten! Check out some live examples of these live “herps” found at Hobbs and discover their role in our ecosystems. Join the park interpreter in singing the reptile rap!
Sat., July 25th, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Shaddox Hollow Hike: Discover the hidden diversity of Hobbs and the role of prescribed fire in managing the forest on this 1.5-mile trail as well as some history of the park. This is a moderate hike with some stairs and elevation gain. Meet at the Shaddox Hollow Trailhead.
Sat., July 25th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ozark Chinquapin Tree Tabletop: Discover the story of this incredible tree that almost became extinct and what folks are doing now to try and restore it to our Ozark forests. Learn how you can help! A 15-minute program will be offered every half hour. Come and go as you please.
Sun., July 26th, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Pigeon Roost Hike: Discover the hidden diversity of Hobbs and the role of prescribed fire in managing the forest on this 2.5-mile, out and back hike as well as some history of the park. Our destination is a beautiful overlook of Beaver Lake. This is an easy-moderate hike with some elevation gain. Meet at the Pigeon Roost Trailhead.
Sun., July 26th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Hooray for Hummingbirds Tabletop: Join us on our front porch as we observe the hummingbirds at our feeding station and learn more about these amazing birds as they prepare to migrate South for the winter. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.
Tues., July 28th, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Moonlight Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake under the moon guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible in the night sky, weather permitting, and enjoy the sounds of the night. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, flashlight, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Space is limited to 10 people. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Thurs., July 30th, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Karst Loop Monument Trail Hike: What is karst and why is it found here? Find out the answers on this moderately strenuous 4-mile hike. We’ll explore a section of the multi-use Karst Trail on this out-and-back hike on top of a rocky bluff overlooking Beaver Lake, stopping to peek into Page Sawmill Cave along the way. This trail is also very popular for mountain biking. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center first and then drive 5 minutes to the trail.
Fri., July 31st, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Goin’ on a Bug Hike: Insects and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a park interpreter on a bug hunt around the Visitor Center as we discover their diversity and learn how we can help them. Nets and bug jars are provided.
Fri., July 31st, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunset Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, flashlight, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
