First Day Hike
January 1
10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of the New Year with a hike through Davidsonville Historic State Park. In the morning we will have a history-themed hike on the Black River Trail. The 1.5 mile trail goes past the historic Phillips-Reeve Cemetery and provides scenic views of the Black River. In the afternoon we will have a nature-themed 1 mile hike around Trapper Lake. Come join us for a fun time in the outdoors and learn more about the animals and plants in the park as well as the history of the area! Hot chocolate will be provided at the end of each hike. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash. Admission: Free
Craft Day at the Park! Crochet and Whisk Broom Workshops
January 31
Time: TBA
Would you like to learn skills practiced by Arkansas pioneers? Join us for a fun craft day as crafters from the Ozark Folk Center teach the basic skills of crocheting and broom making. You have the option to register for one class or take both classes. If you choose to take both classes please bring your lunch. Supplies will be provided and you can take home what you make. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for more details and to register. Admission: TBA
Candle Making Workshop
February 21
8-11 a.m.
Candles were a vital part of frontier life and pioneers had to make their own with the materials they had on hand. Join the park interpreter to learn the history of candle making and make your own candles using traditional molds. Supplies will be provided and you can take home your candles. Must be 12 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $15 per participant
Dutch Oven Baking Bonanza!
March 7
2-4 p.m.
Pioneers relied heavily on Dutch ovens when they were traveling west to settle the frontier. Learn how to use and care for a Dutch oven as we cook up a variety of delicious desserts. This workshop is suitable for all levels of skill whether you are a beginner or have been cooking with Dutch ovens for years. Must be 8 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $13 per participant
Archeology Day
March 21
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March is Arkansas Archeology Month! Archeology has played an important role in what we know about the town of Davidsonville. In honor of the work that has been done in the park we will be offering town site tours, presentations and mock digs throughout the day. Archeologist Kathy Cande will also be at the park for a show and tell of some of the most interesting artifacts found in the town site. Call park closer to time at 870-892-4708 for a more detailed schedule of activities. Admission: Free
Spring Break Programming
March 24-28
Time: TBA
Check with the park closer to time for scheduled programs and activities.
Pioneer Living History Weekend
April 11-12
9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day
Davidsonville is turning 200! Founded in 1815, the town served as the county seat of Lawrence County until 1829. Join us in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the town’s creation during a weekend of fun activities and living history demonstrations and learn what life would have been like for the residents of the town. Admission: Free
Conservation School Day
April 24
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
State parks as well as other agencies and individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to preserve and protect our natural and cultural resources. Students will meet state conservators along with the critters they help protect. Students will learn about stewardship, community, and what they can do to help protect our resources too. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: Free
Mother’s Day Dutch Oven Breakfast Feast
May 9
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day by bringing your mom to the park and treating her to a Dutch oven breakfast. Participants will learn how to use and care for Dutch ovens and will help cook up delicious breakfast foods. The workshop is suitable for all levels of skill whether you are a beginner or have been cooking with Dutch ovens for years. Must be 8 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $13 per participant
Territorial School Days
May 18-19
9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day
Territorial Arkansas was not for those who were faint of heart. Teachers, bring your students out to Davidsonville Historic State Park for this special school event to learn what brought early frontiersmen to Arkansas. Living history characters, games, and other programs are sure to make this an Arkansas history lesson your students will not soon forget. Reservations are required and space is limited. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: Free
Gourd Workshop
June 6
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Gourds have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. Join the park interpreter and learn how to shape and decorate these unusual plants and create things like bird houses and bowls to take home. Please dress appropriately as some materials may stain. Must be 18 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $20 per participant
Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby
June 13
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ready to catch the big one? Or at least tell stories about the one that got away? It’s that time of year again, so break out the pole and your special bait and cast your line in Davidsonville Historic State Park’s Annual Fishing Derby. Fishing will close at 11 a.m. and prizes will be awarded for all age groups at noon. Open to kids 5-15 years old. Admission: Free to enter
History and Adventure Camp
June 17-19
9 a.m.-3 pm. each day
Looking for something for the kids to do during the summer? Sign them up for this fun and educational day camp. In celebration of Davidsonville’s 200th anniversary there will be games and activities focusing on the history of the town and the life of the residents. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Ages 8-12. Admission: $75 or $25 per day
Black River History Hike
June 27
9-10:30 a.m.
The Black River played an important role in Davidsonville’s history. At a time when few roads existed, rivers were the main mode of transportation in territorial Arkansas. Learn more about why rivers were so important and how they influenced the settlement of Arkansas during a guided hike on the Black River trail. Admission: Free
Canoeing 101
July 11
8-11 a.m.
Canoeing was an important mode of transportation on the frontier and it is a popular form of recreation today. Come on your own or bring a friend and spend some time on Trapper Lake learning basic paddling and maneuvering in a canoe. Ages 10 years and older. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $5 per participant
Picnic in the Park
July 11
8 a.m.-9 p.m. each day
Bring a picnic to the park and spend some time outdoors enjoying nature. Use one of the picnic tables next to Trapper Lake, spread a blanket on the grass or rent one of our pavilions and have a party. Davidsonville Historic State Park is the perfect place to bring your family and friends and relax. Admission: Free
History Canoe Float
August 1
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join park staff for a celebration of Davidsonville’s 200th anniversary with a history themed float on the Black River from Davidsonville to Powhatan. We will stop along the way for lunch and a tour of an old button factory site. Once we reach Powhatan there will be refreshments and a tour led by Powhatan Historic State Park staff. Lunch and canoes will be provided. Must be 13 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $20 per participant.
Gourd Workshop
August 15
8-11 a.m.
Gourds have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. Join the park interpreter and learn how to shape and decorate these unusual plants and create things like bird houses and bowls to take home. Please dress appropriately as some materials may stain. Must be 18 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $20 per participant
58 Years of Service: Davidsonville Legacy Week
September 2-7
Times: TBA
The town site of Davidsonville has been preserved as a State Park since 1957 when land was generously donated to the state by the Davis and Sloan families. As part of the Arkansas State Parks system, Davidsonville is protected for future generations to visit and enjoy. Activities and talks will be held throughout the week and weekend to celebrate the history of the park and the people who have contributed to its creation and preservation. Contact the park closer to time at 870-892-4708 for more details. Admission: Free
Davidsonville 200 Geocaching Scavenger Hunt
September 19
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bring a GPS and your sense of adventure and take part in this fun scavenger hunt in the park. Sign up in teams of two and follow the clues to each coordinate in order to find the hidden treasure. In honor of Davidsonville’s 200th anniversary the hunt will focus on the history of the town. Early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $5 per team
Ghosts of Davidsonville Fall Festival
October 10
4 p.m. to the last wagon ride
It’s that time again. There’s a chill in the air, color in the trees, pumpkins abound and what’s that? Do you hear the whisperings of ghosts down at Davidsonville? Gather up the family and come on down for our annual Ghosts of Davidsonville Fall Festival. Activities include musical performances, carnival games, various inflatable games, face painting, balloon artist, carnival food and of course the historic hayride around the Davidsonville town site and through the decorated campground. This event is perfect for children of all ages, and we’re certain even adults will enjoy themselves at the Ghosts of Davidsonville Fall Festival. Admission Fee: TBA
All Things Pumpkin
October 31
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
It’s Halloween and time to carve those pumpkins! In this fun and easy workshop you will learn more about the historic uses of pumpkins while you carve. We will also cook up some delicious pumpkin dishes in Dutch ovens for everyone to sample. For additional fun, come wearing your Halloween costumes if you like. Pumpkins and carving kits are provided, but you may also bring your own pumpkin.
Early registration is required. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 to register. Admission: $13 per participant
Davidsonville 200 Lecture Series
November 14
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
In celebration of Davidsonville’s 200th anniversary we will be hosting a lecture series featuring distinguished speakers from around the state. Bring your own lunch or pre-register for a Dutch oven meal provided by the park. Contact the park closer to time at 870-892-4708 for more details and to register for lunch. Admission: Free for event, $5 for lunch
Holiday Candle Making Workshop
December 12
8-11 a.m.
Candles were a vital part of frontier life and pioneers had to make their own with the materials they had on hand. Join the park interpreter to learn the history of candle making and make your own candles using traditional molds. Supplies will be provided and you can take home your candles. Must be 12 years or older. Space is limited and early registration is required. Contact the park to register. Admission: $15 per participant
