Jonesboro is a fun and vibrant city located in northeast Arkansas. As the largest city in the region, it offers an array of attractions and activities for both locals and visitors to enjoy. From historic sites and museums to outdoor recreation and entertainment, there is something for everyone in Jonesboro. This guide covers 10 of the top things to see and do in the city to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Visit museums at Arkansas State University
Home to over 20,000 students, Arkansas State University is a cultural hub in Jonesboro. Several museums on campus are free and open to the public. Don’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. The Randall T. Williams Museum focuses on regional history, archeology and natural sciences. It’s an especially great spot for kids. Aviation buffs will love touring vintage aircraft at the ASU Airport Museum. Be sure to stroll the scenic grounds as well, taking in fountains, sculptures and elegant buildings.
A favorite stop is the Arkansas International, a unique museum showcasing folk art from over 90 countries. Temporary exhibits often feature contemporary artists as well. For a unique experience, check if any theater, music or dance performances are scheduled during your visit – ASU has a vibrant arts scene. Before leaving, browse the books and media at the Dean B. Ellis Library or souvenirs at the campus bookstore. A day spent exploring the museums is a great way to learn more about the region while enjoying beautiful surroundings.
2. Visit the Craighead Forrest Park Nature Center
Nature lovers will find plenty to discover at the Craighead Forest Park Nature Center. Nestled within a 385-acre forest preserve, the center offers family-friendly exhibits on the regional ecosystem as well as 11 miles of hiking trails. Check out live reptiles, birds and small mammals in the wildlife rooms. Kids especially enjoy the hands-on discovery area full of interactive games and activities. Outdoor spaces feature demonstration gardens showcasing native Arkansas plants. Guided hikes are led on weekends, or you can explore independently while taking in the scenery.
Be on the lookout for deer, foxes, rabbits and over 200 species of birds that call the forest home. Fishing and canoeing on Crows Creek Lake is also permitted seasonally. History buffs will learn about early 20th century homesteads once located in the park. Outdoor classrooms provide space for educational programs too. Whether you want to learn more about the environment or simply enjoy nature, the Craighead Forest Park Nature Center is a must-visit local gem.
3. Check out Burke Hall antique shops
Vintage lovers will find treasures galore in downtown Jonesboro’s historic Burke Hall. This early 1900s building houses multiple antique shops under one roof, filled with unique finds from bygone eras. Browse colorful glassware, furniture, toys, books, jewelry and more. You’re sure to discover one-of-a-kind decorative pieces or conversation starters. Helpful staff are also knowledgeable about the history of items. Shopping here is like exploring curated collections from the past.
Besides standalone shops, the hall is home to booths rented by independent dealers. Wandering from store to store amid creaky floorboards adds to the charm. Pause for lunch at Burke Hall Bistro, dishing up classic sandwiches and salads in a cozy cafe atmosphere. The building itself is worth admiring, with original architectural details like crown molding. Seeing antique accents paired together can spark decorating ideas too. With reasonable prices and one-stop shopping convenience, Burke Hall is a local favorite for unique finds.</>
4. Immerse in history at Vaughn House
Stepping into the Vaughn House is like traveling back to the late 1800s. As one of Arkansas’ few remaining Italianate homes, this historic mansion offers a glimpse into early Southern gentile life. Explore ten decorated rooms containing original belongings and period antiques from the Vaughn family who lived there. Costumed docents are available on weekends to share more stories and facts. Wander manicured grounds as well for gorgeous instagrammable scenes.
Special events like holiday open houses and vintage teas are scheduled through the year. Whether learning history or admiring architecture, self-guided or scheduled tours offer a peek into the past. The home is a true hidden gem for fans of vintage design. Nearby, the public library contains archives and resources tracing Jonesboro’s evolution. Plan half a day to immerse fully into Vaughn House and surrounding archives for memorable cultural exploration.
5. Visit The Museum of Discovery
Perfect for families with kids, The Museum of Discovery sprawls across 40,000 square feet of hands-on fun. Over 150 exhibits invite touching, manipulating and experimenting in a brightly colored, interactive environment. Young scientists can scan mystery specimens under microscopes, build with K’nex and legos or explore engineering challenges. Outdoor spaces feature a nature trail and playground too. A miniature movie theater runs nature films for all ages.
Temporary exhibitions introduce new topics periodically. Past themes explored light, sound and shadows or ancient history. Daily programs include storytimes, art classes and science shows with live specimens. Affordable general admission means the whole family can spend hours immersed in play. Birthday parties and field trips are also popular. As one of Jonesboro’s top attractions for kids, The Museum of Discovery is a prime spot for an educationally enriching day.
6. Shop downtown boutiques
Jonesboro’s charming downtown region makes for a delightful afternoon of shopping. Along Main Street, browse boutiques selling goods from local artisans and indie designers. Here Comes the Sun is well-known for top-quality gifts, jewelry and home decor with a focus on supporting Arkansas makers. Sample aromatherapy, teas and more at Serendipi-Tea, housed in a historic building.
For fashion-forward finds, check out boutiques such as Ellie Lou or Frock and Frill. Their meticulously edited selections include clothing, accessories and more in on-trend styles. Hungry shoppers will find lots of tasty lunch spots along this stretch too from cafes to food trucks. Art galleries like Artoncentric and coffee shops like Common Grounds are perfect for people watching between purchases. Downtown Jonesboro is hopping with unique stores perfect for discovering new talents.
7. Explore Burke Park trails
With over 300 acres and 6 miles of trails winding through forests and alongside ponds, Burke Park is a sprawling outdoor haven. Multiple entry points make the trails accessible from any side. Follow markers on foot or bike to stay oriented on routes that pass under mossy tree canopies. Songbirds provide livelys soundtracks to strolls.
Picnic areas, playgrounds and open fields give greenery breaks. Anglers test their skills at three stocked fishing lakes too. History buffs can learn about Native American artifacts found on grounds as well as how the Civilian Conservation Corps reforested the area in the 1930s. Guided tours are offered on weekends for added insight.Whether taking a leisurely nature walk or enjoying sports, Burke Park offers relaxing recreation surrounded by natural beauty.
8. Catch a show at ASU Beebe Performing Arts Center
For award-winning cultural programming, head to the stunning ASU Beebe Performing Arts Center. This state-of-the-art venue located downtown hosts major touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts and more. Its architecture alone makes it worth exploring. Production quality is top notch with plush modern seating throughout the theater. An on-site dining room serves pre-show meals.
While main events cater to adults, children’s series explore introductions to dance, magic and more. Community plays and recitals utilize the performance spaces too. A growing number of artists are discovering this premier stop on tours. Ticket prices are often surprisingly affordable given the caliber. Seeing shows at this cultural landmark enriches anyone’s Jonesboro experience.
9. Sample local eats on Main Street
No trip to Jonesboro is complete without stopping to feast on great local cuisine. Main Street in particular hums with excellent independent restaurants featuring fresh Arkansas ingredients. For Southern breakfast all day long, head to The Pantry where specialties like shrimp and grits delight. Burgers, sandwiches and signature tots attract crowds to Dingleberry’s and Yellow Rocket Concepts food trucks.
Creative pizzas, pastas and craft beers overflow at Lost Pizza Co. Cafe. For global fare, try Bosnian specialties at Dijla Restaurant. Dine waterside at Duck Inn Cafe boasting Cajun specials and live blues. Sweets lovers won’t want to miss dessert at popular Byrd’s or locally-made fudge at Miss Kay’s Sweet Shop. Jonesboro’s diverse and delicious restaurants make it a foodie destination.
10. Stroll the Leatherwood Creek Greenway
One of the most scenic activities in Jonesboro is traversing the Leatherwood Creek Greenway, a multi-use recreational trail winding along its namesake creek. Spanning 5 miles in total between points like LaLande Park and North Arkansas College, the paved path delights walkers, runners and cyclists.
Enjoy parks with playgrounds and picnic areas or simply people-watch downtown. Bridges provide views of flowing water. Flowers and lush vegetation flank the trail. Plenty of benches invite pausing to admire wildlife like herons. Public art, from sculptures to murals, dot sections.The greenway allows experiencing nature seamlessly within the city. Its easy accessibility and beauty make lingering here memorable.
Whether you’re a resident wanting to discover more of what Jonesboro has to offer or a visitor passing through, this guide highlights top activities to enjoy this vibrant Arkansas city. Between museums, parks, shopping and entertainment, you’re sure to find plenty here for days of fun exploration.