Jonesboro is a city located in the northeast region of Arkansas and serves as the county seat of Craighead County. It has a population of over 75,000 residents and is home to several notable attractions that showcase the culture, history, and natural beauty of the region. From museums and parks to wildlife refuges and theaters, Jonesboro offers a variety of sights and activities for visitors of all interests to enjoy. This guide explores 10 of the top attractions in Jonesboro worth adding to any itinerary.
Jonesboro is located about an hour’s drive from Memphis, Tennessee and two hours from Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. Despite its smaller size compared to other major cities in the region, Jonesboro boasts a thriving cultural scene and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. The mild climate also means attractions are enjoyable year-round. Whether you’re interested in history, arts, or wildlife, Jonesboro has world-class attractions suitable for every member of the family.
This guide begins with some of Jonesboro’s most iconic historic and cultural sites. It then highlights several scenic parks and nature areas ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Outdoor adventure seekers will find top-notch spots for fishing, hunting, and other activities. Regional art museums and performance venues round out the guide, demonstrating Jonesboro’s commitment to the arts. By exploring these 10 top attractions, visitors can experience the full breadth of entertainment and educational offerings in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Nettleton Arts District
Located just south of downtown Jonesboro, the Nettleton Arts District hosts a growing collection of art galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants in restored historic buildings. Stroll along the brick-lined streets to take in one-of-a-kind works from regional artists in a variety of mediums. Top stops include the River Valley Arts Center gallery, featuring rotating exhibits, and Gallery 121, showcasing paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more from over 100 local and American artists. Mingle with creators during frequent art walks, live music events, and pop-up markets held throughout the year.
The old storefronts filling this several block area have been meticulously restored and now house everything from boutiques to cafes. Be sure to grab a coffee or lunch from Scout Coffee or Rue 21 Bistro to fuel your art adventures. Public art like murals and sculptures are also installed throughout the district. With its charming atmosphere and support for local talent, the Nettleton Arts District exemplifies Jonesboro’s commitment to culture.
Historic Craighead County Courthouse
Built in the early 20th century, the restored Craighead County Courthouse stands as a National Register of Historic Places-listed gem in downtown Jonesboro. Taking a self-guided or docent-led tour allows visitors to discover the architectural intricacies of this Beaux Arts-style building. Highlights include the original woodwork, stained glass skylights, and ornate courtrooms frozen in time. Plaques throughout provide context on the courthouse’s role in county governance and civil rights milestones.
Temporary and traveling exhibits in the annex building tell more of Craighead County’s history from the late 1800s onward, with artifacts and documents relating to agriculture, industry, war efforts, and more. Don’t miss special events like free summer concerts held on the front lawn. Overall, touring the courthouse gives a tangible sense of Jonesboro’s emergence as a regional legal and social center in northeast Arkansas.
A-State Campus and Reese Museum
Home to over 13,000 students, Arkansas State University’s attractive and spacious campus is located just west of downtown Jonesboro. Visitors are welcome to tour the historic buildings, check out public art installations, and relax in the shaded quads and green spaces. A-State is also home to one of the city’s top cultural attractions – the Reese Museum. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum holds over 7,000 objects relating to world cultures, art, history, and more.
Permanent exhibits showcase Indigenous artifacts from Native American tribes who once inhabited this region, as well as pieces from Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Temporary exhibitions spotlight everything from local Quilt Trail quilts to international photography. Don’t miss special museum programs and events too, like art workshops, live performances, and lectures. Overall, exploring A-State’s campus and visiting the Reese Museum offers a quintessential college town experience alongside top-notch cultural enrichment.
Jonesboro Regional Airport Nature Center
Located on the grounds of the Jonesboro Regional Airport, this quiet 140-acre nature preserve provides an urban oasis teeming with wildlife. Over 2 miles of walking trails wind through forests, wetlands, and open fields home to deer, birds, reptiles, and more. The center point is a historic log cabin-style building housing interpretive displays on the regional ecosystem along with a small gift shop. Outdoor activities include birdwatching from feeders and blinds as well as picnic areas perfect for enjoying scenic aircraft views.
Be sure to check the center’s calendar for guided hikes, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. Recent additions like an ADA-accessible boardwalk and observational bee hive have expanded offerings. The tranquil setting makes this a favorite for families, birders, outdoor photographers, and those seeking a quick escape from the city without traveling far. As one of Jonesboro’s only nature centers, it provides invaluable environmental education and recreation close to town.
Craighead Forest Park and Mountain Bike Trails
One of Jonesboro’s largest and wildest green spaces is Craighead Forest Park, spanning over 2,400 acres just minutes from downtown. Visitors will find over 20 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The hilly terrain, lush woodlands, and rocky bluffs make this a more rugged alternative to urban parks. Mountain biking, in particular, has found new popularity here thanks to the challenging single track loops graded for different skill levels.
Other park amenities include an 18-hole disc golf course, group pavilions ideal for events, and miles of bridle paths. Be on the lookout for wildlife sightings too – deer, rabbits, and the occasional fox are commonly seen. Overall, Craighead Forest Park strikes the perfect balance of serenity and exhilarating outdoor adventure right on Jonesboro’s doorstep.
Historic KASU Public Radio
Established in 1966, KASU Public Radio is Jonesboro’s longest-running cultural institution as the NPR affiliate for northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. Tours of its restored Craftsman-style headquarters give behind-the-scenes insights into broadcast operations and local media history. Hear stories from veteran on-air personalities and glimpses of the recording studios where news, talk shows, and music programming are produced daily. Temporary exhibits spotlight everything from blues musicians to Arkansas public broadcasting trailblazers.
Be sure to check the event calendar for live performances and special presentations too. Recent examples include interview sessions with best-selling authors, live music sessions, and lectures relating to regional topics. Dedicated volunteers continue to contribute today alongside full-time staff, carrying on KASU’s rich tradition of public service and arts advocacy. Its downtown locale makes this a must-visit for any media or music enthusiast visiting Jonesboro.
Ruins of Ancient Cahokia Mounds
Venture just 45 minutes west of Jonesboro to step back in time at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. These earthen mounds were constructed by the pre-Columbian Mississippian culture and once supported a city larger than London at its peak between 1050-1400 AD. Self-guided walking trails wind through 100 preserved mounds, plazas, and woodlands offering panoramic prairie vistas.
Unique sights include Monk’s Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas at 100 feet tall, and the Woodhenge astronomical circle. On-site exhibits and researchers help bring this lost world to life, illuminating daily life, commerce, spiritual practices and more. Cahokia Mounds is a National Historic Landmark preserving a crucial yet mysterious chapter of ancient North America right in Arkansas. Paired with the picturesque scenery, it’s an unforgettable educational journey.
Conclusion
From museums, parks, and vibrant arts scenes to historic sites and natural areas, Jonesboro, Arkansas truly offers something for every interest. Whether you have an afternoon or a whole weekend to spend exploring, this guide highlights 10 top attractions to experience the full depth and variety of activities in this northeast Arkansas city. Between iconic cultural institutions, scenic outdoor adventures, and a commitment to local arts, Jonesboro continually enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike through world-class attractions.
Taking in even a few of these sites provides a well-rounded introduction to Jonesboro’s culture, history, and natural beauty. And with amenities like excellent local cuisine, arts-focused shopping districts, and a growing convention facility, visitors will find no shortage of fun things to do once sightseeing wraps up for the day. By seizing opportunities to immerse yourself in Jonesboro’s celebrated attractions, any trip is sure to be an unforgettably educational and entertaining experience.