Events

This collaboration between the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education and Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area occurs on the first Thursday of every month at 10:00am. Meet at the Hobbs Visitor Center to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature.

Black Bears were once so plentiful in Arkansas that our state was known as the Bear State. Join Park Interpreter Chris on this family-friendly 0.25-mile hike along the ADA accessible Ozark Plateau Trail to learn about the black bear, how to live safely in bear country, and other “bear” necessities. Meet at the Education Pavilion.

Did you know a group of squirrels is called a scurry? Can you spot a drey? Join Park Interpreter Trish for an easy hike around the half-mile Sinking Stream Trail and learn more about 3 of Arkansas’ squirrel species and how they are the unsung heroes of the forest.

It’s that time of year again! This amazing insect is heading to Mexico for the winter months, only to begin the cycle again next spring!

Sit back and relax with our park history guru, Park Interpreter Steve, to learn more about how and when this area became a state park, why we are designated as a Conservation Area, and other interesting history related to Hobbs State Park.

Everyone who lives in or visits Arkansas should be aware of what venomous snakes we have and what they look like.

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, weather permitting. All equipment is provided.

October is the perfect time to learn about our forest friend, the bat. Meet at the cave exhibit entrance inside the Visitor Center to learn more about these winged wonders. After we go “caving”, you will have the opportunity to make your very own bat hat to wear! Recommended ages 4+.

Come to the Hobbwarts School for young wizards and witches for this fun, kid-friendly program as we learn about the owls of Hobbs State Park with Professor Whoratio Owliver (a.k.a. Park Interpreter Chris). Everyone is welcome to come dressed in a costume or your robe to represent your house!

If bats could speak (or sing the Bad Rap Bat Rap), what would they want to tell us? Park Interpreter Chris will help “interpret” bat during this batty encounter suitable for all ages. Find out more about the mysterious cave-dwellers at Hobbs that are endangered or threatened, and how we can help bats everywhere.

Learn from Park Interpreter Steve why this rare tree, once common in the Ozarks, is so important and what we are doing at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area to try and save it.

Is a cloud just a cloud? No sir! Clouds can tell us things. Clouds can do things.

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, weather permitting. All equipment is provided.

(timed entry avail. between 10:00 and 3:00)
This non-scary family friendly event will include crafts, interactive exhibits, music and more. The main attraction will be a 40-minute guided hike along a 1/4-mile paved trail. Guests will meet and interact with costumed forest inhabitants and see if they can solve the Living Forest Mystery.

Join Park Interpreter Steve on an easy 0.25-mile hike on an ADA accessible trail through the Historic Van Winkle Hollow and learn about the Van Winkle family and their mill, the largest steam-powered mill in the state during the 1870’s.

Look at some mysterious objects found in the forests around Hobbs, see if you can identify them, then learn more about them from Park Interpreter Steve.