Best Things to Do in Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jonesboro sits on Crowley’s Ridge, a narrow band of hills that rises out of the flat Mississippi Delta in northeast Arkansas. That geography is why you can hike a shaded forest trail in the morning and still be back in town for lunch in fifteen minutes. It also makes this Craighead County city easier to explore than most people expect.
The best things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas cluster into four easy zones: the parks and lakes on the south and north edges of town, the Arkansas State University campus, downtown, and the shopping-and-family corridor near Turtle Creek. You can knock out two zones in a day without ever feeling rushed.
A weekend here works well for families with young kids, couples who want a quiet dinner after a gallery stop, and anyone driving through between Memphis and Missouri. Pick your zones by the weather forecast, and you will spend far less time in the car than you think.
Top Places to Stay in Jonesboro, AR
| Hotel | Reviews |
|---|---|
| Embassy Suites Jonesboro - Arkansas State 223 Red Wolf Blvd., Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 652 |
| Comfort Inn 2400 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro, 72401, United States of America | 588 |
| Intersect311 Hotel and Venue 311 Huntington, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 90 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Jonesboro 4811 East Johnson Avenue, Jonesboro, 72401, United States of America | 177 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Jonesboro 2611 Sumo Loop Drive, Jonesboro, AK 72401, United States of America | 37 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham Jonesboro 2407 Philllips Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 207 |
| Hampton Inn Jonesboro 2900 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 194 |
| Comfort Suites Jonesboro University Area 3404 Access Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 272 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro 2840 South Caraway Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 156 |
| Best Western Plus Jonesboro Inn & Suites 2911 Gilmore Dr , Jonesboro, 72401-7328, United States of America | 696 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Jonesboro 3408 Access Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 161 |
| ARK SUITES 2909 KAZI ST, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 6 |
| Holiday Inn - Jonesboro, an IHG Hotel 2908 Gilmore Dr., Jonesboro, 72401, United States of America | 159 |
| Candlewood Suites Jonesboro, an IHG Hotel 2906 Kazi Street , Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 79 |
| Scottish inns Jonesboro 3116 Mead Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72404, United States of America | 34 |
| 786 HAVEN HOTEL 3006 South Caraway Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 26 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Jonesboro 2500 South Caraway Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 312 |
| Econo Lodge Jonesboro 2406 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 81 |
| Baymont by Wyndham Jonesboro 2910 Kazi Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 316 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Jonesboro AR 2904 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401, United States of America | 135 |
| Jonesboro Retreat Near Arkansas State University! Jonesboro, 72401-5823, United States of America | — |
Start With Jonesboro’s Best Outdoor Escapes
Jonesboro’s outdoor stops are close together and easy to combine. The nature center and Craighead Forest Park sit on the south side and pair nicely in one morning, while Lake Frierson gives you a quieter fishing and camping option about ten miles north on Highway 141.
Explore Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
Start at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center off East Lawson Road. The building holds about 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space covering the plants, animals, and geology of Crowley’s Ridge and the surrounding Delta.
The outdoor trails are short, well marked, and gentle enough for grandparents and toddlers alike. Give yourself 60 to 90 minutes, and check the day’s hours before you drive over since the center closes on some holidays.
Hike, Bike, and Play at Craighead Forest Park
Craighead Forest Park covers roughly 700 acres inside the city limits, which makes it the easiest big outdoor stop in town. The lake holds bass and bream, and you will see locals fishing from the bank most warm mornings.
Bring a picnic. The playground is a hit with younger kids, and there are basketball courts plus a small disc golf course if your group wants something more active. The paved and unpaved trails work for walking or an easy bike ride.
Fish and Camp at Lake Frierson State Park
Lake Frierson State Park is your pick if you want to fish or camp without a long drive. The lake gets stocked with bass and catfish, and the park has 20 RV sites with water and electric hookups.
Anyone 16 and older needs a valid Arkansas fishing license, so buy one online before you arrive. Spring is the standout season here, when the dogwoods on the ridge bloom.
Add a Nearby Lake Day at Lake Charles State Park
Lake Charles State Park makes a good half-day side trip if you have already covered the in-town parks. You get a swim beach, campsites, and quiet water for canoeing and birdwatching.
The drive runs about 45 minutes northwest of Jonesboro. Call ahead in the off-season, since beach and boat rental availability changes with the calendar.
See Art, History, and Red Wolves Action at A-State
Arkansas State University gives Jonesboro its cultural center of gravity, with two free museums, a big-league football stadium, and a performing arts complex all within walking distance of each other. Park once and you can cover a museum, a gallery, and a game in a single afternoon and evening.
Learn About the Region at the A-State Museum
The Arkansas State University Museum, which locals call the ASU Museum or Arkansas State Museum, tells the story of northeast Arkansas through artifacts, period rooms, and rotating exhibits. Admission is free.
Plan on an hour or two. The staff are quick to point out the highlights if you tell them what interests your group, and the museum runs workshops and family programs through the year.
See Contemporary Art at the Bradbury Art Museum
The Bradbury Art Museum focuses on contemporary art, with shows that rotate several times a year. Exhibits lean toward work you would not expect in a city this size, including photography, printmaking, and installation pieces.
Admission is free, and the galleries take about 30 minutes. Check what’s currently hanging before you go, since the space closes briefly between installations.
Catch a Game or Concert on Campus
Centennial Bank Stadium, once known as Liberty Bank Stadium, seats just over 30,000 and hosts Arkansas State University Red Wolves football. Tickets are usually easy to get, and the tailgating scene starts hours before kickoff.
First National Bank Arena handles basketball and touring concerts. For spring baseball, head to Tomlinson Stadium at Kell Field, where general admission seats are cheap and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Check the Schedule at Fowler Center
The Fowler Center is the campus home for live performances, including touring shows, student productions, and recitals in Riceland Hall. The acoustics in Riceland Hall are excellent for concerts.
Schedules are set semester by semester, so look at the calendar as soon as you have travel dates. Many events sell single tickets at modest prices.
Spend an Evening in Downtown Jonesboro
Downtown Jonesboro is compact enough to cover on foot in an evening, with galleries and antique shops on one end and restaurants clustered a few blocks away. Shops tend to close by 5 or 6 p.m., so browse first and eat after.
Browse Local Shops, Galleries, and Antiques
Sara Howell Studio and Gallery is a working artist’s space where you can see original pieces and prints. It’s a quick, worthwhile stop before dinner.
The Fancy Attic Antique rewards slow browsing if you like furniture, glassware, and odd finds. Weekday hours are shorter than weekend hours at several downtown shops, so a quick call saves a wasted trip.
Choose a Local Restaurant for Dinner
Skinny J’s is the easy pick for a casual group meal, with burgers, sandwiches, and a lively room. Omar’s Uptown leans a bit more upscale and works well for a date night.
For a proper steak dinner, 501 Steakhouse is the local standby. Weekend evenings fill up fast, so reserve a table if your group is larger than four.
See Community Theater and Arts Events
The Foundation of Arts runs community theater productions, youth classes, and gallery shows downtown. Ticket prices stay reasonable, and shows often sell out on closing weekends.
History buffs can look for markers tied to the Skirmish at Jonesboro, a small Civil War engagement fought here in 1862. Check the current season lineup before you plan your evening around a show.
Find Family Fun, Shopping, and Seasonal Events
Jonesboro’s family-friendly activities concentrate along the Highland Drive corridor near Turtle Creek, which keeps a rainy-day plan short on driving. Indoor recreation and shopping sit within a few minutes of each other, and seasonal events fill in the rest of the calendar.
Keep Kids Moving at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
Ultimate Air Trampoline Park is your best indoor bet when the weather turns. Kids burn off energy on the trampoline courts, dodgeball area, and foam pit.
Buy jump time in blocks and bring grip socks or plan to buy a pair there. Weekend afternoons get crowded, so an early time slot means shorter waits.
Shop and Take a Break at The Mall at Turtle Creek
The Mall at Turtle Creek is the region’s main shopping center, drawing visitors from across northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. It’s an easy air-conditioned break between outdoor stops.
You’ll find national anchors, a food court, and a movie theater nearby. Parking is free and rarely tight except during the holidays.
Look for Winter Wonderland and Weekend Events
Winter Wonderland turns Craighead Forest Park into a drive-through light display each December. Go on a weeknight to skip the long line of cars.
Nearby Paragould, about 20 minutes northeast, hosts youth sports and community programs at the Paragould Community Center. Local event calendars are the fastest way to catch farmers markets, festivals, and one-off concerts during your visit.
Plan the Right Jonesboro Weekend
The best time to visit Jonesboro is April through early June or late September through October, when temperatures sit in the 70s and the ridge trails feel comfortable. July and August bring real heat and humidity, which pushes most activity indoors or to the water.
Two days is enough for a solid first trip. Spend Saturday on the parks and campus, then keep Sunday for downtown and any shopping or family stops.
Getting here is straightforward. Memphis, Tennessee is about 70 miles southeast with the nearest major airport, Little Rock sits roughly two and a half hours southwest, and the Missouri state line is a short drive north. Greyhound bus service connects Jonesboro to larger cities if you’re traveling without a car.
Add Paragould as a half-day extension if you have extra time. Book hotels early during A-State football weekends and graduation, when rooms near campus fill up months ahead.
Wrapping Up Your Jonesboro Trip
Jonesboro rewards visitors who group their stops by location. The nature center and Craighead Forest Park make a natural morning pair, campus museums slot in nicely before a Red Wolves game, and downtown handles your evening.
Fall and spring give you the best weather, and indoor options like the Bradbury Art Museum and Ultimate Air cover you when it rains. Confirm hours, event calendars, and fishing rules before you head out, since seasonal schedules shift throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions in Jonesboro, Arkansas?
Craighead Forest Park, the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, and the Arkansas State University Museum top most lists. Add the Bradbury Art Museum for contemporary art and Lake Frierson State Park if you want to fish or camp.
What are the best things to do in Jonesboro with kids?
Craighead Forest Park’s playground and lake, the nature center’s short trails, and Ultimate Air Trampoline Park work well for families. The Mall at Turtle Creek gives you an indoor break with a food court when the weather turns.
What are fun things to do in Jonesboro for adults?
A Red Wolves football game at Centennial Bank Stadium, a show at the Fowler Center, and dinner at 501 Steakhouse or Omar’s Uptown make a strong evening. Downtown galleries and antique shops fill an easy afternoon before that.
Is Jonesboro, Arkansas worth visiting for a weekend?
Yes, two days covers the parks, campus attractions, and downtown at a relaxed pace. It also works as a stopover between Memphis and Missouri, especially in spring or fall.
What are unique things to do in Jonesboro, Arkansas?
Hiking Crowley’s Ridge is the standout, since this narrow ridge of hills is a geological oddity rising above the flat Delta. The Bradbury Art Museum’s rotating contemporary exhibits are another surprise for a city this size.
What is the best time to visit Jonesboro?
April through early June and late September through October offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor stops. December brings Winter Wonderland at Craighead Forest Park, and fall Saturdays add A-State football to the mix.