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Petit Jean State Park is entering its second century with a renovated historic lodge, new outdoor recreation opportunities, and plans for an expanded trail system.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined officials from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for a special open house highlighting recent and upcoming investments at Arkansas’ first state park.
The event included the reopening of the renovated Mather Lodge, the new Petit Jean Via Ferrata, plans for a Monument Trail mountain biking system, expanded climbing opportunities, and the unveiling of an Arkansas 250 historical marker recognizing the park’s place in state history.
“For more than a century, generations of Arkansans have come to Petit Jean to experience the beauty of The Natural State,” Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said. “From restoring Mather Lodge to creating new ways to experience Petit Jean’s landscape, we are honoring the history of this park while preparing it for its next century.”
Historic Mather Lodge Reopens
A centerpiece of the celebration was the reopening of Mather Lodge following renovations to its historic guest rooms.
Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program worked on the improvements, which were designed to modernize the visitor experience while preserving the lodge’s historic character and craftsmanship.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Mather Lodge has become one of the best-known structures in the Arkansas State Parks system.
“Just because tourists want the rustic charm of a lodge built in the 30s, doesn’t mean they necessarily want the same amenities of 100 years ago,” Sanders said.
The governor said the renovations include new fixtures, furnishings, and finishes intended to maintain the lodge’s historic appearance while providing modern amenities.
Via Ferrata Adds a New Petit Jean Adventure
Outdoor recreation is also expanding at Petit Jean.
The Petit Jean Via Ferrata, developed in partnership with Frontier Climbing Company, provides a new way to experience the mountain’s rocky terrain.
A via ferrata, Italian for “iron path,” uses permanently installed features such as steel cables, rungs, and other climbing aids to allow participants to travel across exposed rock while secured to a safety system.
The Petit Jean attraction is the first via ferrata located within a state park in the United States, according to Arkansas State Parks.
The experience adds another recreation option to a park already known for hiking trails, waterfalls, overlooks, camping, paddling, and climbing.
Monument Trail Mountain Biking Coming to Petit Jean
Mountain biking is also coming to Petit Jean State Park.
In partnership with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, the park is developing a Monument Trail system designed to provide mountain biking opportunities for riders of varying skill levels.
The first trails are expected to begin opening later this fall.
Petit Jean will join a growing network of Arkansas State Parks featuring Monument Trails, which are designed to combine destination-quality mountain biking with the natural landscapes and other recreation opportunities found within the parks.
The new trail system represents a significant expansion of recreation opportunities on Petit Jean Mountain and adds another major outdoor activity to one of Arkansas’ most visited park destinations.
Arkansas 250 Marker Recognizes State Park History
The open house also looked back at Petit Jean’s place in Arkansas history.
Officials unveiled a new Arkansas 250 historical marker recognizing Petit Jean State Park as Arkansas’ first state park.
The Arkansas 250 Commission selected the site as part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The marker recognizes the park’s role in Arkansas history and its importance to generations of visitors.
It will be permanently installed at the Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center.
Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923, beginning what would eventually become the Arkansas State Parks system.
New Superintendent Returns to Petit Jean
The park is also welcoming a familiar face as its new superintendent.
Will Ward, who previously worked at Petit Jean State Park as a ranger, has returned to lead the park.
“It is an honor to be trusted with the role of superintendent at Petit Jean State Park,” Ward said. “I spent some of the most formative years of my career here as a park ranger, and as I worked at other state parks, my goal was always to continue growing in experience and knowledge so I could eventually make my way back to Petit Jean Mountain, which has always felt like home.”
Ward said he looks forward to working with the park’s staff to continue improving recreation opportunities while protecting the landscape.
The combination of the Mather Lodge renovation, via ferrata, new climbing opportunities, Monument Trail development, and recognition of the park’s history marks a period of significant change at Petit Jean.
More than a century after becoming Arkansas’ first state park, Petit Jean is continuing to build on its historic role while adding new ways for visitors to experience the mountain.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!