The Up-and-Coming City in Arkansas That’s Perfectly Sized

We can’t get enough of small towns in Arkansas. Destinations like Jasper, Hardy, and Eureka Springs are as charming as can be, and they're perfect for weekend getaways. While small towns are the heartbeat of the Natural State, we must shed light on our larger cities, too.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, is calling your name! This small city in the northeastern corner of the state is just the right size for both residents and visitors. With a population of around 80,000, this city offers plenty to do without being overwhelmingly large, and the locals are friendly, pleasant, welcoming, and happy. There is no shortage of southern hospitality in this up-and-coming city in Arkansas. Sure, Jonesboro might be one of the largest cities in Arkansas, but its small-town charm is undeniable.

Long inhabited by indigenous people, including the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw, who used this space just west of the Mississippi River and between the St. Francis and White Rivers to hunt, gather, and later farm, the Jonesboro area is full of flat open areas and wooded hills. The first white settlers were French and Spanish traders and fur trappers who traded with these Native American groups. The settlement of Jonesboro was founded in 1859 when the county around it, Craighead County, was established.

The town continued to grow as the nineteenth century continued, and soon, Jonesboro had a courthouse, a school district, and a train station, and Arkansas State University - a school with an enrollment of nearly 17,000 students each year today - was founded in 1909.

Nature lovers love Jonesboro. Craighead Forest Park is a city-owned, 692-acre park with a 60-acre fishing lake plus dozens of trails and opportunities for camping, bird watching, picnicking, and more. Like the city itself, it's located on Crowley's Ridge and offers great views of the surrounding areas. Adjacent to the park, Crowley's Ridge Nature Center educates visitors about the natural history and wildlife of this region.

The ASU Museum can help you continue learning about northeastern Arkansas. It has over 21,000 square feet of exhibits about the natural history, human history, and cultural history of this part of the state and nation, and admission is free. The Bradbury Art Museum is another museum in the area; it's also free and is full of intriguing contemporary art displayed in a wide variety of exhibits.

Of course, no trip to Jonesboro is complete without a tour of the historical homes in the West Washington Avenue Historic District. The Queen Anne Victorians and Tudor Revival houses are a living testament to the wealth in the area. The gorgeous structures were built between 1890 and 1930 and were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. History buffs will certainly find inspiration while marveling at the well-preserved homes here.

Visitors who wish to explore the area by car will enjoy a drive on Crowley's Ridge Parkway, which runs north and south through the city of Jonesboro. It was designated as the first National Scenic Byway in the state in 1998, so cruising this scenic highway in Arkansas is truly a bucket-list-worthy adventure. Plus, Crowley's Ridge State Park, one of the best state parks in Arkansas, is a must-visit stop along the way.

Anyone visiting downtown Jonesboro will find a wide range of shops and restaurants. One of the most interesting places to visit for a meal in town is Native Brew Works. This microbrewery may be located in a dry county, but it has a private club permit, and it can therefore serve alcohol under certain restrictions, and it also serves great food!

If you're a non-drinker, there are plenty of other excellent dining options in Jonesboro, too. The Cajun Cafe Delta Crawfish is popular and satisfying for people seeking local Mississippi River-inspired cuisine, Omar's Uptown is a well-rated steakhouse, and Pastaria 49 is the best spot in town if you're craving freshly made Italian dishes.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a lovely small city that is a great place for a getaway - and it's also a wonderful place to live. It is safe and quiet, and it feels like a small town despite its larger size. You'll love this little city in northeastern Arkansas. Plan a visit today and see for yourself. When you're ready, use the Only In Your State itinerary planner and have a personalized trip in minutes.