There are lots of exciting tourist attractions in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Whether you choose to live in one of the many great neighborhoods or decide to participate in various activities, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
The people of this community are known for their friendly and cooperative spirit.
Established in 1859, the city of Jonesboro is located in northeast Arkansas’ Crowley’s Ridge. Its downtown area is filled with various shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The Forum, an active civic center, is also located in this area.
Most people in the city of Jonesboro live in their homes. There are also a lot of parks in the area and the city’s public schools are considered among the best in the state.
This article covers all the best and fun things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas for families, couples, kids, and adults.
Where Is Jonesboro, Arkansas?
Located on Crowley’s Ridge, the city of Jonesboro is situated in northeast Arkansas’ Craighead County.
According to the census data released in 2020, the city has a population of 78,576. It is one of the largest cities in the state and is also one of the county seats.
In 2020, the city’s metropolitan area had a combined population of 133,860.
The home of Arkansas State University, the city of Jonesboro is considered an economic and cultural center in Northeast Arkansas.
The census data released in 2020 revealed that the city has an area of 80.5 square miles. This includes 79.9 square miles of land and 0.58 square miles of water.
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Fun Things to Do in Jonesboro, AR
Like other cities in Arkansas, Jonesboro, Arkansas, has a vast natural landscape filled with beautiful forests, mountains, and rivers.
This area is an excellent place for people who enjoy outdoor activities. These are the various tourist activities in Jonesboro, Arkansas:
1. The Bradbury Art Museum
One of the most exciting things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is to visit the Bradbury Art Museum.
This museum features the area’s most significant collection of contemporary art. It’s located right on Olympic Drive at Arkansas State University.
The museum features a wide variety of modern art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations still in their early classification stages.
Most of the exhibits in the museum are permanent. However, temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year.
Address: The Bradbury Art Museum is located at 201 Olympic Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
2. Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Bridge Nature Center
The Bridge Nature Center, also located on the city’s southern border, is a community educational facility. The Forest Lee Wood Foundation operates it.
The primary goal of the Nature Center is to promote the protection of the natural environment in the city and its surrounding areas.
The facility has an indoor and outdoor section with over 18,000 square feet each.
Address: The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Bridge Nature Center is located at 600 E Lawson Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404, USA.
3. Arkansas State Museum
One of the best places to visit in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is the Arkansas State Museum.
It’s dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the area. This museum also provides the public with various educational programs and cultural activities.
Aside from the exhibits in the museum, this facility also has incredible architecture that’s very interesting to explore. In addition, the museum offers self-guided tours.
Address: The Arkansas State Museum is located at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas,USA.
4. Lake Frierson State Park
One of the most famous parks in the area is Lake Frierson State Park, located on South Culberhouse Road.
This facility features a forest, a lake, and several trails. It’s an excellent place for people who enjoy various recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Many people visit this park to fish for bass and catfish. There are also boats available for hire at this facility. Those who want to try fishing can do so by coming along with their line and hook.
Address: The Lake Frierson State Park is located at 7904 AR-141, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
5. Lazzari Italian Oven
One of the best tourist activities in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is to eat in Lazzari Italian Oven. This restaurant is a family-owned business.
It serves various Italian food, such as homemade pasta dishes and fresh salads. The atmosphere at this establishment is very relaxing.
The restaurant was established in 1995. Other specialties this establishment features include the polio Con RosamarinoAllaGriglia and the eggplant parmigiana. This family-owned business has been in the food industry for over 25 years.
Address: The Lazzari Italian Oven is located at 2230 S Caraway Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
6. Skirmish at Jonesboro
Like other states in the U.S., Arkansas also has its share of notable battles. One of these is the Skirmish at Jonesboro, a historical site managed and preserved by a local trust. This area’s heritage is maintained through the efforts of the trust.
When traveling to this area, you’ll learn a lot about the history of the area. You’ll also know that the southern and northern armies frequently used this area as a base.
Address: The Skirmish at Jonesboro is located at 511 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
7. The Fancy Attic Antique
An excellent antique store is next to Interstate 555 Fancy Attic Antiques. This establishment has a wide selection of art, furniture, and other household goods.
This complete store is well-equipped with all the necessary equipment to make your home a better place.
The staff members of Fancy Attic Antiques are amicable and helpful. They can help in finding the perfect piece of furniture or answer any questions that you might have.
Address: The Fancy Attic Antique is located at 1901 Woodsprings Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
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8. Craighead Forest Park
One of the most popular attractions in the area is Craighead Forest Park. This facility is close to several attractions in the area, making it an excellent place for people looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It also features several activities and facilities.
The park features a 700-acre landscape. It also has various trails that run through it.
This facility’s most popular feature is a lake filled with bass and bream. This lake has become a popular fishing area for residents.
Address: The Craighead Forest Park is located at 4910 S Culberhouse Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404, USA.
9. Centennial Bank Stadium
One of the most exciting and fun activities for tourists in Jonesboro, is to watch a football game.
One facility commonly used for this sport is Arkansas State University’s football stadium. This facility, also known as the Liberty Bank Stadium, is in Mountain Home.
During football season, the stadium gets filled with thousands of people watching the action.
Aside from being an excellent venue for watching games, the stadium’s design is also impressive.
Address: The Centennial Bank Stadium is located at 2180 Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
10. Tomlinson Stadium
The ASU baseball team also uses the Tomlinson Stadium for home games and practice. This facility, also called Kell Field, is located on campus.
The facility was renovated and re-equipped after it was launched in 1993. Today, it’s a great place to watch a game.
The capacity of the stadium is currently at over 1,000. During certain games, the venue experiences an overflow.
Address: The Tomlinson Stadium is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA.
11. The Mall at Turtle Creek
If you’re planning on buying something in the area, the Mall at Turtle Creek is an excellent place.
This facility has a wide selection of various products and services. This is one of the amazing things you can do while in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The mall has multiple stores with a wide selection of products and services. Some of these include Barnes & Nobles, Target, and D&D.
There’s also a food court that features several dishes. If you’re in the market for a book, this mall has a good selection of books.
Address: The Mall at Turtle Creek is located at 3000 E Highland Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
12. Omar’s Uptown
Located in the heart of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Omar’s Uptown is a family-friendly restaurant that serves modern American dishes.
This establishment has a beautiful and sophisticated design. Its walls are colorful art, and its ceilings are breathtakingly beautiful.
The restaurant’s menu features various dishes such as crab cakes, smoked salmon, and seared ahi tuna.
Other entrees include shrimp and grits, lobster and crabmeat encrusted salmon, and lemon walleye.
Address: The Omar’s Uptown is located at 301 S Main St, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
13. Lakes Charles State Park
The Lakes Charles State Park is a beautiful facility close to Jonesboro.
This park features various facilities, such as a boat ramp, a beach, and a playground. Other areas of this park include hiking and biking trails.
The park’s shop has a variety of products and services. If you’re planning on spending some time in the area, this facility is a great place to buy snacks, drinks, and camping supplies.
Address: The Lakes Charles State Park is located at 3705 AR-25, Powhatan, AR 72458, USA.
14. Ron’s Catfish
A family-friendly establishment, Ron’s Catfish, also known as Jason’s Caterhouse, serves various types of seafood dishes in a budget-friendly manner.
Some of the items featured in this restaurant’s menu include all-you-can eat-catfish dishes, such as frog legs, fresh shrimp, and more.
The restaurant’s other popular dishes include fried chicken and stuffed crab, baked chicken tenders, and various other items.
Address: The Ron’s Catfish is located at 3213 Dan Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
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15. Pinot’s Palette
The famous American museum, Pinot’s Palette, was founded in May 2009. This national franchise is known to have over 140 locations across the country. The company’s headquarters is located in Houston, Texas.
Charles Willis, Craig Ceccanti, and Beth Willis were the business partners who founded the company. The first studio of the company was initially called Picasso and Pinot.
However, in 2010, the facility’s name was changed to the company’s new name, which is now known as Pinot’s Palette.
Address: The Pinot’s Palette is located at 2617 E Nettleton Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401-4516, USA.
16. Skinny J’s
One of the best restaurants in the area is Skinny J’s, which features various delicious dishes made using fresh ingredients. The restaurant’s prices are also very reasonable.
The restaurant’s signature dishes include homemade pasta, ahi tuna, and steaks.
There are three branches of this establishment in the area, and they all serve the same type of food.
Address: The Skinny J’s is located at 205 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
17. Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
While in Jonesboro, Arkansas, you can choose to spend time with the kids at the Ultimate Air Trampoline Park.
This facility is located on Shelby Drive. This is a great place for energetic kids to run wild.
The facility features various trampolines designed to accommodate different abilities and ages. The safety measures are arranged so that the trampolines can be used safely.
Address: The Ultimate Air Trampoline Park is located at 3223 Shelby Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72404, USA.
18. Winter Wonderland
If you’re planning on visiting the area during Christmas, you should consider visiting the Winter Wonderland. This area has been a popular tourist destination for many years.
This area is known for its impressive Christmas display. Aside from the decorations, this place also has various attractions that you can visit.
It’s recommended that you spend around an hour and a half walking through the various areas of this facility.
Address: The Winter Wonderland is located at 215 W Monroe Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
19. 501 Steakhouse
Another restaurant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, known for its high-quality food, is the 501 Steakhouse.
This long-running establishment serves various types of food, such as prime cuts of beef and seafood. Its atmosphere is also very relaxing.
The restaurant was first established more than 20 years ago. Its extensive menu features various creative cuisines. Some popular items you can order include Bang Shrimp and Ahi Tuna.
Address: The 501 Steakhouse is located at 2628 Phillips Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
20. Sara Howell Studio and Gallery
The Sara Howell Studio and Gallery were first established in 1990. It’s dedicated to showcasing the works of contemporary artists.
When this facility was first established, it only exhibited paintings. Today, this gallery features works by abstract artists who utilize narrative elements in their jobs.
Address: The Sara Howell Studio and Gallery is 405 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
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21. Rustic Charm
Rustic Charm is a gift shop that offers a wide range of unique and vintage items.
This establishment also has various seasonal decorations. These are made from solid wood and are ideal for tourists.
Address: The Rustic Charm is located at 3907 E Nettleton Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401-5533, USA.
Best Time to Visit Jonesboro, AR
Regarding weather, May, September, and October are some of the best months to visit Jonesboro, AR. Unfortunately, January and July are the worst.
Cost of Visiting Jonesboro, AR
The average cost of a seven-day trip to the city of Jonesboro is around $1,353 for a solo traveler. $4,556 for a family of four and $2,330 for a couple.