22 Best And Fun Things To Do In Jonesboro, Arkansas

Do you want to know what to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas?

Jonesboro, Arkansas’s northeasternmost city, is situated atop Crowley’s Ridge.

Jonesboro serves as one of Craighead County’s two administrative hubs.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, is the economic and cultural center of Northeast Arkansas, as well as the home of Arkansas State University.

Craighead County was renamed after State Senator William A. Jones, who was instrumental in its formation.

Because of the vast stretches of pristine forest, mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes that decorate the region, Arkansans enjoy a reputation as a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts.

Jonesboro is home to just over 70,000 people; it’s not quite a city, but there are enough cultural and historical things to keep you busy throughout your stay.

From nightlife to the various state parks in the vicinity, this community has something for everyone on their way to Northeast Arkansas.

The following are the top 25 things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas:

Things to Do in Jonesboro

1. Sara Howell Studio And Gallery

Sara Howell Studio and Gallery has displayed the work of acclaimed artist Sara Howell since 1995.

The gallery was founded to promote Sara Howell’s work as well as that of other area artists.

The gallery’s first show, held in February 2013, featured more than a dozen artists from a variety of fields.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In this gallery, you will be able to see and learn about local artists.

2. Truck Patch

You will have access to a food ingredient supplier while in Jonesboro.

In the Twin Lakes area, a natural food store called “The Truck Patch” sells solely organic or organically grown items.

It is located on Highway 62 East in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Thanks to Michael and Sarah Adler’s new business, The Truck Patch, which launched earlier this year, people in the Twin Lakes region now have a better option for purchasing food.

The emphasis here is on providing high-quality food to clients, and there is a broad selection of food and organic grocery goods to choose from, making this a worthy stop.

3. Civil Axe Throwing

Axe-throwing was a relatively new activity when Civil Axe Throwing opened its doors to the public in downtown Jonesboro.

In addition to regular weekday hours, you can reserve the facility for an exclusive throwing session with a group of friends or coworkers.

Whatever your reason for visiting Civil Axe, there are always specialists on hand to assist you to improve your throws.

With this workout, you may release some tension and channel your inner warrior.

4. Craighead Forest Park

Craighead Forest Park, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is a sprawling green urban park with a peaceful lake, hiking trails, disc golf, sports facilities, and a children’s playground.

This 692-acre park offers a variety of recreational opportunities to the public, including basketball, disc golf, bird-watching, fishing, camping, horseshoes, softball/volleyball courts, and playgrounds for children.

There are 15 miles of bike trails that traverse the forests, a 2.5-mile chatting lakefront track that circles Craighead Lake, and an additional 2.9-mile paved trail that runs alongside the lake.

There are 26 RV sites with water and electrical hookups (50 amps) as well as a modern bathroom with flushing toilets, baths, and laundry machines.

5. Native Brewery Works

Native was created by four friends who wanted to offer something unique and valuable to their community.

Everyday Association, also known as Native Brew Works, intends to open at 515 S. Gee St., a former vehicle maintenance shop, paint store, and clothing store dating back to the 1930s.

It owns a microbrewery private club permit in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

You become a member after entering its premises and ordering an alcoholic beverage.

It’s a place where people can unwind, interact, and brainstorm.

See everything they have to offer on their Instagram feed.

6. Lake Frierson State Park

Lake Frierson State Park is about ten miles north of Jonesboro and is accessible via Highway 141, a two-lane road.

Year-round activities on the lake’s 335 acres include fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, picnics, and hiking.

Lake Frierson, despite its small size, is a fantastic spot to spend time with the family and get some clean air.

The campground has 20 RV sites with full water and electric hookups.

Even though Jonesboro is a somewhat metropolitan area, there are plenty of options for those seeking a more natural setting.

7. The Skirmish

The American Battlefield Trust’s “Skirmish at Jonesboro” commemorates a Civil War battle on the Craighead Courthouse grounds as a historic site.

Craighead County was a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War, and many troops from both sides passed through Jonesboro.

In 1862, the Federals captured 24 Confederates and imprisoned them in the new Jonesboro courthouse after a surprise attack on a Confederate camp just south of Jonesboro.

Union forces at Craighead Courthouse were attacked in retaliation and the Confederates imprisoned were released.

8. Skinny J’s Restaurant

Skinny J’s family-owned restaurant has been serving Angus beef hand-cut steaks, crafted burgers, and a variety of other delectable options for the past ten years.

It is a rustic American restaurant with a Southern aesthetic that takes pride in its products and services.

Skinny J’s has a distinct ambiance that appeals to everyone because its decor is customized for each location and the communities it serves.

Throughout the weekend nightlife, you’ll undoubtedly have a thrilling time with skilled local performers.

Visit for a meal, stay for entertainment, and discover everything the Skinny J family has to offer!

9. Fowler Centre

Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center has the best art display and performance facility in the area.

International, American, and college performers bring energy and enthusiasm to their platforms and venues.

The Fowler Center’s mission is to provide high-quality visual and performing arts activities to Northeast Arkansas residents as well as Arkansas State University students, professors, and staff.

They want to boost Arkansas State University’s reputation and exposure while also providing a professional setting for the university’s artistic departments’ events.

Fowler Center in northeast Arkansas offers the most opulent settings for weddings, rehearsal dinners, galas, meetings, and other special occasions.

Because of their various rental space options, they can host events of varying sizes.

10. The Bradbury Art Museum

The Bradbury Art Museum is a Jonesboro art museum that houses the area’s most extensive collection of contemporary art.

The museum is located on Olympic Drive in Jonesboro, right on the Arkansas State University campus.

The museum displays modern art in the form of sculptures, paintings, photographs, and numerous installations that have yet to be classified.

The majority of the works in the Bradbury Art Museum are permanent exhibits, but temporary exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year.

Whatever type of art you are interested in, you will undoubtedly find something to your liking here at the museum.

The Bradbury Art Museum has a website where the public can see what the museum has in stock at any given time. So, check out the website to learn about their schedule by the time you’ll be in the area.

Address: 201 Olympic Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401.

11. The Fancy Attic Antique Store

The Fancy Attic Antique is such an antique store conveniently located near the I-555. If you’re looking for antique, vintage, and historical knick-knacks, housewares, crafts, and arts, this is one of the best stores in Jonesboro. This store appears to be complete and contains items that are not available elsewhere.

The Fancy Attic Antique is located on Alexander Drive. When you arrive at the shop, you can set aside an hour or two to browse through the various items on offer.

If you have any questions or need assistance finding something in the store, you can ask any of the friendly and helpful staff members.

Look for Arkansas and Jonesboro trinkets in this store; they make great keepsakes and gifts.

You will also find a variety of antique furniture for sale in the Fancy Attic Antique.

13. The Forest L.Wood Crowley’s Bridge Nature

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Bridge Nature Center is an education-based center on Jonesboro’s southern border.

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Bridge Nature Center is located on East Lawson Road.

This nature center was founded to help preserve and promote the natural habitat in this area.

The center has both indoor and outdoor sections, totaling more than 18,000 square feet of artifacts, displays, and natural habitats for various plants and animals.

Other features of the nature center include well-marked trails convenient for outdoor recreation such as jogging, hiking, and running.

People of all ages are welcome to explore the center, and you won’t get lost because there are instructions on each trail.

14. The Arkansas State Museum

The Arkansas State Museum, also known as the ASU museum, is one of the best places to visit while in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Arkansas State Museum was founded to promote and preserve the area’s rich history while also providing educational, cultural, and historical enrichment programs to the public.

The Arkansas State University Museum is located on the Arkansas State University Campus in the northeast region.

Apart from the expositions and displays, this museum has a fantastic architecture that is a joy to explore.

15. Tomlinson Stadium

Tomlinson Stadium (also known as Kell Field) is on the Arkansas State University campus.

The University’s baseball team uses this stadium for practice and home games.

Since its inception in 1993, Tomlinson Stadium has been renovated and re-equipped several times. The stadium is now a comfortable and exciting place to watch a game.

Tomlinson Stadium has a seating capacity of over 1,000 people. The stadium does fill during Red Wolf’s games.

Concession stands located throughout the stadium serve snacks such as hotdogs, pretzels, and sodas.

You can make a family outing of watching a game here. Unlike major league games, tickets to these games are not expensive.

16. The Mall At Turtle Creek

The Mall at Turtle Creek is the best place to go if you want to buy anything while in Jonesboro, whether it’s clothes, shoes, bags, home accessories or anything else.

The Turtle Creek Mall is located on East Highland Drive.

This mall contains a large number of stores, including major retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Target, and Dillard’s.

There is also a food court with a variety of dishes and a coffee shop housed in a bookstore. Check out the bookstore for a new book and a cappuccino or espresso.

17. Omar’s Uptown

Omar’s Uptown is a family-friendly restaurant in Jonesboro that serves New and Modern American cuisine.

The restaurant itself is a work of art, with its soaring ceilings and colorful art adorning the walls, elegant space, and beautifully designed bar.

Smoked salmon, crab cakes, Caeser salad, and seared ahi tuna are among the dishes on their menu.

Entrees include crabmeat encrusted salmon, shrimp and grits, lemon walleye steak, gnocchi picatta, and many others.

Address: Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401, 301 S Main St

18. Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is located in northeast Arkansas, near Jonesboro.

If you are in the area during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, you should include a visit to the Winter Wonderland on your list of fun things to do in Jonesboro.

This winter wonderland is a local legend that has delighted visitors for generations.

During the holiday season, this is without a doubt the most decorated Christmas exhibit in the area. There is a lot to see here, including the decorations. Make plans to spend an hour or two walking through these incredible decorations.

The visit to this location is free, but you are welcome to make donations to help support the decoration, which you can do by dropping your donation off.

19. Lake Charles State Park

Lakes Charles State Park, located near Jonesboro on the shores of Lake Charles, is a park. This is where you go to get some fresh air and have some fun.

Shaded pavilions, a boat canopy, assigned campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, a playground, and a swimming beach are among the amenities available at this park.

If you want to buy something while you’re at the park, you can do so at the on-site shop, which sells drinks, snacks, camping supplies, and much more.

Not every part of the park is open all year; before visiting, check their website for specific information such as schedule, prices, and hours.

19. 501 Steakhouse

501 Steakhouse is a long-standing, high-end steakhouse in Jonesboro that is known for serving award-winning prime steaks, ocean-fresh seafood, and homemade pasta. All of these meals are served in a cool and relaxing setting.

501 Steakhouse first opened its doors more than 20 years ago. The restaurant’s menu features delectable creative cuisines such as Ahi Tuna and Bang Shrimp.

There are also steaks like Whiskey Filet, Cajun Ribeye, Hawaiian Ribeye, Farce Filet, Steak Nachos, and a ten-ounce fillet mignon burger.

Visit the restaurant any day for dinner to enjoy any of these meals.

Address: Jonesboro, AR 72401, 2628 Phillips Dr.

20. Ron’s Catfish

Ron’s Catfish (also known as Jason’s Catfish Buffet) is a family-friendly restaurant that specializes in serving various types of catfish dishes on a budget.

Some of the dishes on the menu include modest homey seafood like all-you-can-eat catfish, frog legs, fresh jumbo shrimp and grab, and many more.

Other dishes available at the restaurant include Baked Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken and Stuffed Crab, Farm-Raised, Catfish Fillets and Steaks, and many more.

These meals can be ordered with fresh salads and home-style vegetables. Check out their bar, which has an excellent wine selection.

Ron’s Catfish is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

Address: Jonesboro, AR 72401 (3213 Dan Ave).

21. Pinot’s Pallete

The Pinot’s Palette is a well-known American museum. This federal painting and sip franchise was established on May 8, 2009, with its headquarters in Houston, Texas. Pinot’s Palette is a well-known brand in the United States, with over 140 locations spread across 31 states.

Craig Ceccanti, Beth Willis, and Charles Willis founded this company with Craig Ceccanti. The first Pinot’s Palette studio was called “Pinot and Picasso,” but it was renamed “Pinot’s Palette” in 2010.

Pinot’s Palette should be on your list of things to do in Jonesboro, AR because they also provide procedural group art lessons. You’d also appreciate the wine or cocktails that come with the art classes.

Amazingly, the majority of Pinot’s Palette customers are female. If you enjoy art, you should visit the museum.

Address: Jonesboro, AR 72401-4516, 2617 E Nettleton Ave

22. Rustic Charm

Rustic Charm is a gift shop that offers a wide range of vintage, rustic, antique, redeveloped, and recovered items.

There is also seasonal decorations and personalized wood signs ideal for tourists.

This should be on your list of things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It is worthwhile to visit during your trip because it caters to people of all ages.

Address: Jonesboro, AR 72401-5533 3907 E Nettleton Ave

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do in Jonesboro on a Sunny Day?

Make the most of the sunshine by participating in one of these enjoyable outdoor activities:

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Dr. Martin Luther King’s Tour

Are there cheap things to do in Jonesboro

If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of activities and tours to choose from here:

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Millennium Gate Museum Tickets

The Touring Dead Walking Tour

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What Can I do in Jonesboro for free?

With these fantastic free attractions, you can see more of Jonesboro without constantly reaching for your wallet:

Ashley Oaks Mansion

Patrick R. Cleburne Confederate Cemetery

New Beginnings Community Bible Church

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Conclusion

Start planning and preparing for your vacation now. This piece was made to aid in making your choice of activities during your stay Feel free to pin and fall back to it anytime.