Events & Programs

Guided hikes, history and nature talks, audiovisual programs, demonstrations, and other outdoor events are offered by park interpreters throughout the year at Mount Magazine State Park. Organized groups can request special programs by calling the park at (479) 963-8502 and scheduling these programs in advance. School groups are encouraged to schedule field trips to the park for hands-on curriculum-based education programs. Young park visitors ages 7 to 14 are invited to participate in the park's Junior Naturalist Program and Arkansas State Parks Explorer Program.

"Spring Migrants" Walk
MAY 10, 2008:
9 am - 11 am
Meet at the Benefield Picnic Area.

Songs of woodland birds will fill the forest. Learn the voices of warblers, thrushes, tanagers, and buntings on this guided stroll.

Admission: Free
Bird Blitz
MAY 10, 2008:
1 pm - 1:45 pm
Meet at the Greenfield Pavilion.

Birds are an important part of wildlife on Mount Magazine. Families are invited create make-and-take crafts and play bird games.

Admission: Free
LIVE Raptors!
MAY 10, 2008:
2 pm - 3 pm
Meet at the visitor center.

Falcons, hawks, and owls are all fascinating raptors. Wildlife rehabilitator Lynn Sciumbato will present a program with LIVE birds of prey from her rehabilitation center near Bentonville. Bring your cameras.

Admission: Free
Cough It Up
MAY 10, 2008:
3 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet at the Greenfield Pavilion.

Now that you have learned about owls' diets, see for yourself the results of their eating habits. Dissect an owl pellet and identify bones of their prey with help from a park tnterpreter. This is a fun, hands-on way for families to connect with nature together.

Admission: Free
Sunrise Birding
MAY 11, 2008:
6 am - 8 am
Meet at the Benefield Picnic Area.

Listen to a whip-poor-will before it settles for the day and many songbirds greeting the rising sun on this early guided walk to the rim of Bear Hollow.

Admission: Free
Wine Tour
MAY 13, 2008:
10 am - 3:30 pm
Meet in the lodge lobby.

Arkansas-made wine is a treasure of the Natural State. Join a member of our staff each Tuesday as for a guided trip down the mountain to Arkansas Wine Country. We'll travel by van to Altus and visit local wine cellars. Lunch will be on your own in one of the many local restaurants. Space is limited, with a maximum of 14 and a minimum of 4. Tour reservations are required by 5 p.m. on the day before departure. Contact the lodge front desk for further details and reservations.

Admission: $10
Peak-to-Peak Poker Run
MAY 31, 2008:
Starts at Queen Wilhelmina State Park and ends at Mount Magazine State Park.

Attention motorcycle enthusiasts! Travel scenic highways of western Arkansas between Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Mount Magazine State Park. Along the way, collect a poker hand at designated stops, which could lead to valuable prizes. The best prize of all will be scenic vistas shared with fellow bikers as you travel from the state's second highest peak to the highest. Contact either park for further information and lodging reservations.

Admission: TBA
Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival XII
JUN 20-21, 2008:

The Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival is one of the most popular nature-related family events in the Arkansas State Parks system, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year! Immerse yourself in the habitat of over 86 different butterfly species that live on or migrate over Mount Magazine throughout the year. Event includes activities for butterfly lovers of all ages and levels of experience. Guest speakers and park interpreters lead walks and talks exploring butterfly biology and gardening. Children of all ages will enjoy the popular Bug Bonanza Pavilion, which includes live insects, games, and make-and-take crafts. Don't miss the special concert Saturday night that closes out this natural festival! Contact the park closer for a detailed schedule.

Admission: Free
Butterfly Photography
JUN 20, 2008:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Meet in front of the visitor center.

With factors such as season, butterfly biology, temperature, and light, an early summer morning is typically the best time to photograph butterflies and wildflowers. Learn some practical photography tips from Don Simons, Arkansas Butterflies and Moths photographer.

Admission: Free
Garden Tours
JUN 20, 2008:
10 am - 12 am
Meet at the visitor center (back patio).

Our future flies on the wings of pollinators! Petal-pushing Master Gardeners will lead garden tours of pollinator joy and larval dreams every 30 minutes, with the last tour beginning at 11:30 am. "Bee" prepared for purple coneflowers, blazing star, golden Alexander, and mints to your nose's delight!

Admission: Free
75 Reasons to Love Butterflies and Moths
JUN 20, 2008:
10 am - 10:30 am
Meet in the visitor center (audio-visual room).

Butterflies and moths enrich our lives in many ways. Because this is the 75th anniversary of Arkansas State Parks, this program celebrates the park's Lepidoptera. We'll show detailed photos on a BIG screen and look at full-color reasons to love these creatures. An Arkansas Butterflies and Moths book signing will follow.

Admission: Free
Become a Butterfly Explorer
JUN 20-21, 2008:
10 am - 4 pm
Meet at the pavilion.

Hey kids! Do you like to explore on your own? Need a challenge? Curious kids ages 7 and up are invited to participate in this self-directed activity throughout the Butterfly Festival. In celebration of National Pollinator Week, this popular activity has been updated to include even more activities, many focused on the importance of insect pollination! Just grab a Butterfly Explorer booklet from a park interpreter on Friday or Saturday, and complete eight of the ten activities. When you are finished, have a park interpreter in the pavilion check it. If everything is correct, you will receive a special Butterfly Explorer badge and certificate made especially for this event!

Admission: Free
Phase Two
JUN 20, 2008:
11 am - 11:30 am
Meet in the visitor center (audio-visual room).

Before it can become an adult, each butterfly and moth must be a caterpillar. From the spines of silk moths, hornworm habits, and toxic royalty, each has its own unique or bizarre story. Because there are thousands of caterpillars, only a few can be covered in this program, but we think you'll like what you see!

Admission: Free
"Nature Station Rotation" Walk
JUN 20, 2008:
1 pm - 2 pm
Meet at the Will Apple's Road Trailhead near the visitor center.

Pollinators in their natural habitat are the focus of four stations, or "stops," manned by Forest Service staff and park interpreters. Each station lasts about 10-15 minutes, all four within the hour. This is an easy loop walk but you should be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Admission: Free
Growing Up Green
JUN 20, 2008:
1 pm - 1:45 pm
Meet at the Greenfield Trailhead.

Caterpillars and butterflies need specific kinds of plants to live. Children are invited to learn about the life cycles of butterflies, what habitat they need, and make-and-plant a flower pot to take home to start your own garden.

Admission: Free
Garden Tours
JUN 20, 2008:
1 pm - 2 pm
Meet at the visitor center (back patio).

Our future flies on the wings of pollinators! Petal-pushing Master Gardeners will lead garden tours of pollinator joy and larval dreams every 30 minutes. The last garden tour begins at 1:30. Coneflowers, coreopsis, blazing star, and mints await you!

Admission: Free
"Nature Station Rotation" Walk
JUN 20, 2008:
2 pm - 3 pm
Meet at the Will Apple's Road Trailhead near the visitor center.

Pollinators in their natural habitat are the focus of four stations, or "stops," manned by Forest Service staff and park interpreters. Each station lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, all four within the hour. This is an easy loop walk, but be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Admission: Free
Who Wants to be a Bugologist?
JUN 20, 2008:
2 pm - 2:30 pm
Meet in the visitor center (audio-visual room).

Did you know that insects have invaded almost every aspect of our lives? We even depend on them for most of our food! Were you a fan of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" TV game show? This buggy version will challenge everything you think you know about insects, from state symbols to science, pop culture to food. Prizes will be awarded!

Admission: Free
Butterfly Bingo
JUN 20, 2008:
2:30 pm - 3 pm
Meet at the pavilion.

How much do you know about Mount Magazine butterflies and moths? Kids and families will enjoy playing butterfly bingo with a park interpreter in the pavilion.

Admission: Free
75 Reasons to Love Butterflies and Moths
JUN 20, 2008:
2:30 pm - 3 pm
Meet in the visitor center (audio-visual room).

Butterflies and moths enrich our lives in many ways. Because this is the 75th anniversary of Arkansas State Parks, this program celebrates the park's Lepidoptera. We'll show detailed photos on a BIG screen and look at full-color reasons to love these creatures. An Arkansas Butterflies and Moths book signing will follow.

Admission: Free
Diana, Butterfly Goddess
JUN 20, 2008:
3 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet in the visitor center (audio-visual room).

Learn more about the Diana fritillary and its relatives, then dive into their gene pool, which is a little deeper this year! An Arkansas Butterflies and Moths book signing will follow the program in the lobby.

Admission: Free
Bug Games
JUN 20, 2008:
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Meet at the pavilion.

All of Arkansas, not just Mount Magazine, is covered with insects! Learn about the not-so-secret lives of insects as you play bug bingo, insect old maid, and habitat tumbling tower with park interpreters.

Admission: Free
Monarchs and Their Islands in the Sky
JUN 20, 2008:
7 pm - 7:45 pm
Meet in the lodge (Diana Room).

Monarchs are quite possibly the most familiar butterflies in the world. Probably more books, websites, and merchandise have been created for monarchs than for any other butterfly. Mystery and complexity surrounds the monarch's spectacular migration to Mexico each year. Learn more about this butterfly's amazing life history during this program.

Admission: Free
"Harmony" in Concert
JUN 21, 2008:
7 pm - 9 pm
Meet in the lodge banquet hall.

Bluegrass and Arkansas storytelling are as diverse as the butterflies. This popular bluegrass group from Mountain View will close out this year's butterfly festival. Join us for a memorable concert courtesy of the Mount Magazine Action Group. All ages will enjoy this toe-tappin' fun show!

Admission: Free
Moth Mayhem
JUN 21, 2008:
6:30 am - 7 am
Meet in the lodge lobby.

We don't keep the same hours as most moths, but perhaps we can catch a glimpse of some before they disappear for the day. Many are beautiful and it's a shame to miss them. We will look for these elusive creatures around the lights in front of the lodge.

Admission: Free
Guided Bird Walk
JUN 21, 2008:
8 am - 9 am
Meet at the visitor center.

Enjoy cool morning temperatures, focus those binoculars, and meet a park interpreter to search for morning songsters such as vireos, buntings, and warblers.

Admission: Free
Bug Jar Raffle
JUN 21, 2008:
9 am - 2 pm
Meet at the visitor center (outdoor information table).

One reason insects are so successful is because they reproduce in great numbers. Put your counting skills to the test and guess how many bugs are in the big bug jar at the Mount Magazine Action Group's information table outside the visitor center. The closest guess wins. The winner, who will receive a butterfly gardening gift basket, will be announced at the beginning of the "Diana, Butterfly Goddess" program.

Admission: Free
Bug Bonanza
JUN 21, 2008:
9 am - 4 pm
Meet at the pavilion.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, and larvae of all stages! The ever-popular "Bug Bonanza," an integral wing of the park's annual Butterfly Festival, is part of the kickoff to National Pollinator Week! Throughout the day at the pavilion, you can experience the thrills and chills of live insects, spiders, and scorpions presented by professional entomologists! Get a close look at mounted exotic insect displays. With the help of park interpreters and volunteers, children can participate in four different make-and-take butterfly crafts including a new giant swallowtail keychain, banners, 3-D butterfly ornaments, and suncatchers. Local Master Gardeners will have a plant sale, and food vendors will be located near the pavilion.

Admission: Free
"Nature Station Rotation" Walk
JUN 21, 2008:
10 am - 11 am
Meet at the Will Apple's Road Trailhead near the visitor center.

Pollinators in their natural habitat are the focus of four stations, or "stops," manned by Forest Service staff and park interpreters. Each station lasts about 10-15 minutes, all four within the hour. This is an easy loop walk but you should be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Admission: Free
Garden Tours
JUN 21, 2008:
10 am - 11 am
Meet at the visitor center (back patio).

This is a "perennial" favorite during the annual Butterfly Festival! Petal-pushing Master Gardeners will again lead garden tours of pollinator joy and larval dreams every 30 minutes, with the last tour beginning at 10:30. Get a "mint" of inspiration for your garden and your senses!

Admission: Free
Pollinator Bingo
JUN 21, 2008:
10 am - 10:45 am
Meet in the tent beside the pavilion.

Our future flies on the wings of pollinators! Play this new bingo game with a park interpreter and learn how our lives depend on bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more!

Admission: Free
Insect Jeopardy
JUN 21, 2008:
11 am - 11:30 am
Meet in the visitor center (audio-visual room).

This new game, a version of TV's "Jeopardy," will test your insect knowledge. Any bug in Arkansas and its border states, movies, and other ways they impact our everyday lives are all fair "game." Designed for children Grade 5 and up.

Admission: Free
Growing Up Green
JUN 21, 2008:
11:30 am - 12:15 am
Meet at the Greenfield Trailhead.

Caterpillars and butterflies need specific kinds of plants. Children are invited to learn about the life cycles of butterflies, what habitat butterflies need, and do a make-and-plant flower pot to take home and start your own garden.

Admission: Free
75 Reasons to Love Butterflies and Moths
JUN 21, 2008:
1 pm - 1:30 pm
Meet in the lodge banquet hall.

Butterflies enrich our lives in several ways. Because this is the 75th anniversary of Arkansas State Parks, this program celebrates the park's Lepidoptera. Look at full-color reasons to love these creatures. An Arkansas Butterflies and Moths book signing will follow this program in the same room.

Admission: Free
Pollinator Bingo
JUN 21, 2008:
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Meet in the tent beside the pavilion.

Our future flies on the wings of pollinators! Play this new bingo game with a park interpreter and learn how our lives depend on bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more!

Admission: Free
"Nature Station Rotation" Walk
JUN 21, 2008:
2 pm - 3 pm
Meet at the Will Apple's Road Trailhead near the visitor center.

Pollinators in their natural habitat are the focus of four stations, or "stops." Each station lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, all four within the hour. This brief loop walk is easy, but be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Admission: Free
Phase Two
JUN 21, 2008:
2 pm - 2:30 pm
Meet in the lodge banquet hall.

Before it can become an adult, each butterfly and moth must be a caterpillar. From spiny silk moths, to hornworm habits, to toxic royalty, each has its own unique, sometimes bizarre, story. Because thee are thousands of caterpillars, only a few can be covered in this program, but we think you'll enjoy what you see!

Admission: Free
Growing Up Green
JUN 21, 2008:
2 pm - 2:45 pm
Meet at the Greenfield Trailhead.

Caterpillars and butterflies need specific kinds of plants to live. Children are invited to learn about the life cycles of butterflies, what habitat butterflies need, and make-and-plant a flower pot to take home to start your own garden.

Admission: Free
"Nature Station Rotation" Walk
JUN 21, 2008:
3 pm - 4 pm
Meet at the Will Apple's Road Trailhead near the visitor center.

Pollinators in their natural habitat are the focus of four stations, or "stops." Each station lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, all four within the hour. This brief loop walk is easy, but be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Admission: Free
Diana, Butterfly Goddess
JUN 21, 2008:
3 pm - 3:45 pm
Meet in the lodge banquet hall.

Learn more about the Diana fritillary butterfly and its relatives, and dive into their gene pool, which is a little deeper this year! An Arkansas Butterflies and Moths book signing will follow this program in the same room. The winner of the Bug Jar Raffle will be announced at the beginning of this program.

Admission: Free
Senior Naturalist Thursday: Forest Experience
JUL 10, 2008:
10 am - 3 pm
Meet at the visitor center.

Conifers and deciduous, simple and compound leaves, maple-leaf oak, chinkapin, and the "famous" cedar. So many trees and so much to explore! Gain a new perspective on the mountain's trees, sharpen your identification skills, and learn about forest management from a special guest speaker. Contact park staff for a detailed schedule of the day's activities.

Admission: Free
Historic Hunters' Encampment
SEP 27, 2008:
Meet at the horse camp.

During the late 1700s and early 1800s hunters explored the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding areas. Walk back into that time period by visiting an encampment of living historians as they demonstrate firearms, clothing, camping equipment, and survival skills. This is a new event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Arkansas State Parks.

Admission: Free
"Changing Seasons" Programs
OCT 4, 2008:
Mount Magazine State Park

Fall is the shortest but most noticeable season on Mount Magazine. Witness changes in nature as summer gives way to winter on Arkansas's highest mountain. Guided hikes, audio visual programs, demonstrations, and other activities will reveal spectacular scenery, migrating butterflies, fall foliage, and brilliant blossoms. Contact the park for a detailed activity schedule.

Admission: Free
Changing Seasons Programs
OCT 11-12, 2008:
Mount Magazine State Park

Fall is the shortest but most noticeable season on Mount Magazine. Witness changes in nature as summer gives way to winter on Arkansas's highest mountain. Guided hikes, audio visual programs, demonstrations, and other activities will reveal spectacular scenery, migrating butterflies, fall foliage, and brilliant blossoms. Contact the park for an activity schedule.

Admission: Free
Changing Seasons Programs
OCT 25-26, 2008:
Mount Magazine State Park

Fall is the shortest but most noticeable season on Mount Magazine. Witness changes in nature as summer gives way to winter on Arkansas's highest mountain. Guided hikes, audio visual programs, demonstrations, and other activities will reveal spectacular scenery, migrating butterflies, fall foliage, and brilliant blossoms. Contact the park for a detailed activity schedule.

Admission: Free
Mount Magazine State Park Winter Open House
DEC 6, 2008:
Meet at the Mount Magazine State Park visitor center.

Enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere of the holiday season in the park. Begin your holiday shopping early in our gift shops. Discover winter wildlife outside the visitor center's wildlife viewing window and through interpreter-led programs. Children can learn about recycling and wildlife as they make gifts to take home. Free gift wrapping and light refreshments will be served courtesy of Mount Magazine Action Group volunteers. This is an Arkansas State Parks 75th anniversary event!

Admission: Free

Contact: (479) 963-8502
mountmagazine@arkansas.com