Friday September 3
Van Winkle Historic Trail Tour 10 am 1.5 hours Trailhead on Hwy 12
Join your guide for this ½ mile stroll through history on our barrier-free Historic Van Winkle Trail. Learn about the late 1800’s history and Peter Van Winkle, the “lumber king” of Northwest Arkansas
Tree Cookie Necklaces 12 pm 1 hour Visitor Center
What is a tree cookie? Want to remember your visit to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area? Join a park interpreter as we discover the unique qualities of tree cookies and create tree cookie necklace to take home!
Mammal Tales 3 pm 45 minutes Visitor Center
Join a park interpreter as we delve into the legends of our furry friends. Listen to the story of how Opossum’s tail became bald, why Fox is such a trickster, and more! Take the opportunity afterwards to look at the furs of the animals that debuted in the stories.
Saturday September 4
Home Sweet Home 10 am 45 minutes Trailhead next to Visitor Center
Meet a park interpreter for a hike through our neighbors’ homes. Learn of all the different animals and their habitats as we hike along our newest trail at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
Meet the Animals 12 pm 45 minutes Visitor Center Exhibit Area
Hobbs’s Visitor Center has several native, live animals on display. Spend some time getting to know them and even touching a few. Reptiles and amphibians will be the host for our fun facts today.
The Lorax 2 pm 30 minutes Visitor Center
Join a park interpreter as he reads Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax and tells of the importance of trees - A great story and message for youngsters and oldsters alike.
Raptors of Arkansas 4 pm 45 minutes Visitor Center
Join the park interpreter as we dive into the world of raptors! Arkansas is home to many of our birds of prey, and many make their homes around Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
Sunday September 5
Exhibit Scavenger Hunt all day Visitor Center
Families are invited to participate in a self guided scavenger hunt through the visitor center and its exhibit area. Discover the many wonders of this facility and the park as you complete this hunt together. Receive a prize at the front desk when you turn in your scavenger hunt sheet.
Exploring the Hobbs Visitor Center 12 pm 30 minutes Visitor Center
Join a park interpreter as you are guided through the unique wonders of the Hobbs Visitor Center. Discover the critters that have left marks on the floor, the atlatl used by the Native Americans, and so many more hidden treasures in the Visitor Center.
Live Box Turtle 3 pm 30 minutes Visitor Center
Join a park interpreter in the lobby of the visitor center as he explains some fascinating things about one of Hobbs’s most common reptiles, the 3-toed box turtle.
Monday September 6
Intro to Kayaking 9 am 5 hours Visitor Center
Have you ever wanted to learn to kayak? Here’s your chance to learn from a kayak instructor for the American Canoe Association (ACA). We will learn all aspects of paddling as we explore a calm area of Beaver Lake. Recreational kayaks, paddles and lifejackets will be provided. Space is limited, open to 16 years and older. Bring a sack lunch, sunscreen and dress for the weather. Cost $50 per person.
Registration and pre-payment required. Call 479-789-5000 for more information and to register.
Morning Stroll 10 am 45 minutes Visitor Center Entrance
Join a park interpreter as we investigate the morning on our new paved trail. We’ll spend time searching for clues left behind from our animal friends along this ridge top trail and try to decide who has been here along this ¼ mile trail.
Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.
Leave No Trace 2 pm 45 minutes Visitor Center
Making good decisions when using the out-of-doors is something all of us should do. Join a park interpreter, and learn how to Leave No Trace.
Saturday September 11
Beginning Backpacking 10 am 5 hours Visitor Center
Swiftly gaining popularity, backpacking is a great way to enjoy Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. This one-day training session on the fundamentals of backpacking will be given for all ages. Topics to be covered are: back country hiking & camping, how to pack and carry needed supplies and equipment, fire building, cooking meals, safety and Leave No Trace Ethics. An overnight trip will follow the one-day class on October 30-31. Don’t miss this opportunity to have guides instruct you on the basics of backpacking!
Cost: $25 per person, Be sure to bring a sack lunch. Deadline to register: September 10.
Call 479-789-5000 for more information and to register.
Leave No Trace 3:00 pm 45 minutes Visitor Center
Making good decisions when using the out-of-doors is something all of us should do. Join a park interpreter, and learn how to Leave No Trace.
Astronomy Night 6:45 pm 2 hours Visitor Center
Join the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society as you learn all about the heavens above! Start off in the classroom then venture outside to see the stars for yourself. Please bring a folding chair for each participant for the outside observing portion and fasten a red cloth or red balloon over your flashlight.
Sunday September 12
Dutch Oven Workshop 10 am 4 hours Visitor Center
Ever wondered how those people cook in a Dutch Oven? After this four hour workshop people will be asking you how to cook in a Dutch Oven. We will learn the basics of food prep and cooking in our state cooking vessel. After we cook and enjoy our three-course meal all the secrets of this great past time will be revealed to you.
Cost: $30 includes workshop, lunch & a Dutch Oven 101 cookbook OR $90 includes workshop, lunch, a Lodge 6 qt. Dutch Oven and a Dutch Oven 101 cookbook. Workshop limited to first 15.
Registration and pre-payment required. Call 479-789-5000 for more information and to register.
Detective Hike 12 pm 1 hours Trailhead next to Visitor Center
Join a park interpreter as we investigate the newest trail at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Have the opportunity to search the field guides as we figure out what is along this ½ mile trail.
Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.
Bird Beak Buffet 1:30 pm 1 hour Visitor Center Entrance
Come discover how much you can learn just by looking at a bird’s beak. Using household tools have the chance to be the birds and find the best food for your beak.
Slithering Snakes 3:30 pm 45 minutes Visitor Center Exhibit Area
What type of snakes slither over the forest floor at Hobbs? Meet some of the snake residents in the visitor center. Also have the opportunity to