Are you searching for the best things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas?
Arkansas’s northeasternmost city, Jonesboro, is located on Crowley’s Ridge.
In Craighead County, Jonesboro serves as one of the county’s two administrative centers.
Jonesboro, Arkansas, is the economic and cultural capital of Northeast Arkansas and home to Arkansas State University.
Craighead County was renamed in honor of State Senator William A. Jones, who had supported its creation.
The city’s name was spelled Jonesborough but subsequently changed to its current form.
Arkansans have a reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts because of the huge expanses of virgin forest and mountain ranges and rivers and lakes that adorn the terrain.
Just over 70,000 people call Jonesboro home; it’s not quite as big as a metropolis, but there are enough cultural and historical sites to keep you occupied throughout your time in the region.
This city provides something for everyone on their route to Northeast Arkansas, from nightlife to many state parks in the area.
Here are the 25 best things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas:
Travel Back in Time at Arkansas State University Museum
Thomas R Machnitzki ([emailprotected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This museum is a free attraction in Jonesboro for museum-goers to enjoy.
Art-focused programs and exhibitions are offered by the Arkansas State Museum, also known as the ASU Museum, at the Arkansas State University and serves as a teaching museum.
The Arkansas State University Museum, located in Jonesboro on the A-State campus, is dedicated to the natural history and cultural legacy of the Mississippi River Delta and Northeast Arkansas region.
Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Exhibits at the ASU Museum linked to the state-mandated curriculum are accompanied by hands-on activities, tours, and audio podcasts.
Tinkering Studios and Gift Shops provide visitors with various art-related things, publications, and souvenirs.
Thomas R Machnitzki ([emailprotected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
See Local Art at Sara Howell Studio and Gallery
Since 1995, the Sara Howell Studio and Gallery has featured the work of renowned artist Sara Howell.
The gallery was established to showcase Sara Howell’s work and showcase the work of other local artists.
More than a dozen artists from a wide range of disciplines are represented at the gallery’s debut show held in February 2013.
The gallery is available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You will have a chance to see and learn about local artists in this gallery.
Buy Organic Ingredients from The Truck Patch
During your time in Jonesboro, you’ll have access to a source for food ingredients.
A natural food store called “The Truck Patch” in the Twin Lake region sells only organic or naturally grown foods.
It stands along Highway 62 East in Mountain Home, AR.
People in the Twin Lakes region now have a healthier option to buy food, thanks to Michael and Sarah Adler’s new business, The Truck Patch, which opened earlier this year.
The emphasis here is on giving customers high-quality food, and there is a wide range of food and organic grocery items to choose from, making this a worthwhile stop.
Bring Out Your Inner Viking at Civil Axe Throwing
When Civil Axe Throwing opened its doors to the public in downtown Jonesboro, ax-throwing was a relatively new phenomenon.
In addition to open hours during the week, you may book out the facility for an exclusive throwing session for a group of friends or coworkers.
Civil Axe always has experts to help you improve your throws, no matter what your motivation for visiting.
Let off some tension and unleash your inner warrior with this activity.
Explore Craighead Forest Park
Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Craighead Forest Park, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is a vast green urban park with a quiet lake, hiking paths, disc golf, sports facilities, and a playground for children.
Many recreational activities are available to the public at this 692-acre park, including basketball, disc golf, bird-watching, fishing, camping, horseshoes, softball/volleyball courts, and playgrounds for the little ones to enjoy.
Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One may find 15 miles of cycling paths crisscrossing the woods, a 2.5-mile chatting lakeside track that goes around Craighead Lake, and an additional 2.9-mile paved trail that runs beside the lake.
Campground amenities include 26 RV sites with water and electricity hookups (50 amps) and a contemporary bathroom with flushing toilets, bathrooms, and laundry machines.
You may catch bream, bass, crappie, and tilapia in the lake.
Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Have a Blast at Hijinx Family Entertainment Center
Hijinx Game Night Reinvented is a top family amusement center in Northeast Arkansas.
All of the activities are available in various packages to tailor the experience to your preferences.
An arcade with over 50 games, foam Factory, ropes course, and soft-contained play are just some of the features of the bowling alley that includes 32 lanes of bowling.
Your best bet for family amusement is Hijinx.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even an indoor grill that serves up a range of fresh favorites to keep you going.
Unwind at Native Brew Works
Native is the brainchild of four friends who wanted to offer something new and beneficial to their neighborhood.
Known as Native Brew Works, Everyday Association hopes to open at 515 S. Gee St., a former auto repair shop, paint store, and boutique dating back to the 1930s.
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, it has a microbrewery private club permission.
Once you’ve entered its premises and ordered an alcoholic beverage, you become a member.
It’s a location where people can come and relax, socialize, and brainstorm.
Check out their Instagram page to see what they have to offer.
Learn About the Natural Wonders of the Region at Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge
At the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro, a community and academic center on the city’s southern border, visitors may learn about a distinctive ridge above the Mississippi Delta through indoor and outdoor displays and videos.
The 17,033-square-foot facility is located close to Craighead Forest Park’s southern edge and features various self-guided paths through more than five acres of grasslands, 100 acres of forests, lakes, and wetlands.
It has a gift store and several other amenities, including an auditorium and conference spaces.
There is even an observation tower there as well!
See Various Masterpieces at Bradbury Art Museum
Bradbury Art Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This museum, also a contemporary art facility, stands within Arkansas State University.
It features contemporary art, photography, and unique installations.
An art museum dedicated to Charlotte Bradbury was founded by Curt Bradbury and renamed the Bradbury Art Organization in 2015 to better represent the museum’s breadth and mission.
The Bradbury Gallery was created in 2001 by Bradbury in honor of his wife.
In addition to rotating contemporary art exhibitions, the Bradbury Art Museum offers art-focused programming to foster an appreciation for art and its role in society.
The Delta National Small Prints Exhibition is held every year at the museum, showcasing works by famous regional, national, and worldwide artists.
Camp at Lake Frierson State Park
Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located about ten miles north of Jonesboro, Lake Frierson State Park is accessible by a two-lane route known as Highway 141.
Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, picnics, and hiking may all be enjoyed year-round on the lake’s 335 acres.
Guests may learn about the park’s fauna and flora at the visitor center through hands-on displays and other interactives.
Despite its small size, Lake Frierson is a great place to spend time with your family and get some fresh air.
The campground has 20 RV sites with complete water and power hookups.
Although Jonesboro is a somewhat metropolitan region, there’s still plenty of alternatives for those who want a more natural setting.
Many local anglers visit Lake Frierson State Park to catch bass and catfish, frequently stocked in the reservoir.
Check Out the Skirmish at Jonesboro
At the American Battlefield Trust’s “Skirmish at Jonesboro,” a Civil War combat on the Craighead Courthouse grounds is commemorated as a historic site.
In the Civil War, Craighead County was a Confederate stronghold, and many troops from both sides passed through Jonesboro.
After a surprise attack on a Confederate camp just south of Jonesboro in 1862, the Federals captured 24 Confederates and incarcerated them in the new Jonesboro courthouse.
Attacked by Confederates in retaliation, Union forces at Craighead Courthouse were released of the Confederates imprisoned.
Try Indoor Rock Climbing at Earl Bell Community Center
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Earl Bell, an Olympic pole vaulter and a native of Jonesboro, was the inspiration for the Earl Bell Community Center’s name.
In addition to a gymnasium and a huge gymnasium, the community center has a rock-climbing wall, the only one of its kind available to the public in Jonesboro.
Crowley’s Ridge does not provide rock-climbers the same options as the Central and Northwestern sections of the state, which are more popular for the activity.
There is a secure location to practice and explore rock climbing at the Earl Bell Community Center for anyone who desires to do so.
Tee Off at Sage Meadows Golf Course
Arkansas Golf Trail features Sage Meadows as a top semi-private golf course in Arkansas.
The course has 18 holes, each of which presents a unique challenge.
Players of various skill levels will find the course challenging.
There is also a clubhouse, pro shop, a bar, and restaurant at Sage Meadows Golf Game to ensure that all guests need while playing the course.
Have Fun at Twilight Skating Rink
If you’re looking for a great place to skate, go no farther than Twilight Skating Rink!
Twilight Skating Rink is a traditional rink that remains open till late at night.
You’ll get a nostalgic rush from things like roller skate rentals, arcades, and greasy cuisine.
On Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Twilight Skating Rink is available to the public, with hours that change depending on the day.
Regardless of whatever day you attend, skating to the music is guaranteed to be a pleasant experience.
Test Your Mystery-Solving Skills at Locked Away Escapes
It’s a 60-minute interactive, immersive escape room where players must solve riddles and find their way out of the chamber.
If you and your party can work together and crack the code before time runs out, you’ll be able to escape from one of six different escape rooms.
Locked Away Escapes offers a variety of challenging challenges, from escaping The Psych Ward to escaping Lost in the Ozarks.
Catch a Game at Centennial Bank Stadium
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Intrepidsfsu, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Even though it used to be called Liberty Bank Stadium, Centennial Bank Stadium is currently home to Arkansas State University’s Red Wolves football team.
Even though the stadium might get crazy on game days, getting tickets isn’t tough.
The stadium is a sight to behold, even if no games occur.
It’s not the biggest stadium in the state, but it’s a terrific site to see a game and get into the mood.
The seating capacity is a little more than 30,000.
You may find the stadium within the ASU campus on Aggie Road.
Unleash Your Inner Kid at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a great spot to visit if you’re searching for something interesting to do.
The only trampoline park in Northeast Arkansas is Ultimate Air Jonesboro.
Located in the center of Jonesboro, Ultimate Air is a trampoline park available to the public of any age.
There are no set hours to come in and play; however, private room bookings are available.
The trampoline park has a foam pit, dodgeball area, trampoline for powerful dunks, and a lot of other fun elements.
Open jump zones, foam pits, dodgeball courts, basketball hoops, and more are just some of the activities at the park.
Grab Some Home Additions from The Fancy Attic Antique
The Fancy Attic features over 80 booths, shelves, and walls, a 9,000-square-foot building with an unusual mix of exhibitors selling vintage and bespoke goods.
It is a terrific destination to find one-of-a-kind vintage, antique, and historical knick-knacks, housewares, and arts and crafts that you won’t find anyplace else in the area.
To get the most out of your visit, prepare to spend at least an hour or two sifting through the vast selection of goods on Alexander Drive.
It is also a terrific spot to get unusual Arkansas and Jonesboro trinkets that make great presents and souvenirs.
In addition to new items, the store has a wide variety of antiques.
Watch an Amazing Performance at Fowler Center
I, Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The best display and performance facility for the arts in the area is at Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center.
International, American, and college performers fill their platforms and venues with energy and enthusiasm for the community.
The goal of the Fowler Center is to provide Northeast Arkansas residents and Arkansas State University students, professors, and staff with access to high-caliber visual and performing arts activities.
They want to improve the reputation and exposure of Arkansas State University while also providing a professional environment for the events of the university’s artistic departments.
In northeast Arkansas, Fowler Center provides the most opulent settings for weddings, rehearsal dinners, galas, meetings, and other special occasions.
They can host events of varying sizes thanks to their variety of rental space choices.
Satisfy Your Appetite at Skinny J’s
For the past ten years, Angus beef hand-cut steaks, crafted burgers, and various other mouth-watering alternatives have been served at Skinny J’s family-owned restaurant.
It is a rustic American restaurant with a Southern aesthetic, and they take great pleasure in its products and services.
Skinny J’s has a distinct ambiance that speaks to everyone because its decor is tailored to each location and the communities they serve.
You’ll surely have a thrilling time with skilled local performers throughout the weekend nightlife.
Drop by for a meal, stay for the fun, and explore everything the Skinny J’s family has to offer!
Feel the Soothing Music at Body Indulgence Spa & Boutique
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, Body Indulgence Spa & Boutique provides top-notch spa treatments, including massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
They provide a sanctuary catered to your individual needs, whether you wish to highlight your beauty or simply escape from the struggles of a hard day.
Enter a tranquil setting with a pleasant atmosphere.
You may reconnect with your inner self by listening to soothing music.
Relaxation and tranquillity are offered at Body Indulgence & Boutique for happiness and healthy life.
They release new monthly specials to treat you or anyone you care about!
Attend Events at the Foundation of Arts
The Foundation of Arts, a non-profit institution in the center of Jonesboro, is accessible all year and provides community enhancement through arts integration, live entertainment, and engagement.
It serves as a hub, a tourist destination, a landmark, and a center for the arts.
The Foundation of Arts organizes live events year-round, such as excellent community theater performances and the First Fridays Concert Series with local or expert musicians and performers.
They exist to spread word and knowledge that will inspire others to find their artistic vocation while embracing variety and creative ideas.
The Foundation of Arts offers dance, theater, and visual arts classes for students of all ages.
Explore the Amenities of INTERSECT311
The INTERSECT311 Apart-Hotel, situated in the center of Jonesboro, is the keystone of Huntington Square, a designed community.
Enjoy a night in a one-bedroom apartment, luxury studio, or bedroom townhouse in Monroe Place or Madison Place.
Each unit provides a distinctive experience in the shape of a range of cost-effective alternatives, all of which come with kitchens, washers and dryers, 24-hour self-check-in, internet access, and HULU TV.
Intersect311 also welcomes your furry friends!
The Glass Factory, an 8500-square-foot event facility ideal for meetings, seminars, and live theater, is linked to its boutique hotel.
In addition to serving gourmet, moderate to dark roast blends ideal for drip coffee, espresso, or with extra tastes, they also provide catering from their on-site coffee shop.
There are also several nutritious food selections, healthy herbal teas, and protein-rich smoothies.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to be bored in Jonesboro since there are many interesting sights to see and things to do.
Get your vacation plans in order today.
Use our list as a guide when deciding what to do during your visit.