Introduction
Jacksonville, Arkansas is a small city located in the northeast corner of the state. With just over 4,000 residents and located within an hour of Little Rock, Jacksonville offers visitors plenty of things to do and see. If you’re visiting Jacksonville or live nearby, here are some of our favorite things to do in this charming little town:
Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle State Park is located on Lake Dardanelle, which is the largest lake in Arkansas and one of the most popular recreation spots in all of North America. The park offers camping, fishing, boating (canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing), horseback riding, swimming, and tubing.
Museum of Automobiles
The museum of automobiles is a great place to visit if you enjoy cars. The museum is located in Jacksonville’s historic downtown district, which means you can also see some of the other interesting sights in town while you’re there.
The museum has over 100 vintage cars on display, including many different makes and models from around the world. You’ll be able to see cars from as far back as the 1800s through today’s modern vehicles.
The museum is open from 10 AM – 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday and closed Mondays and major holidays such as Christmas Day or Labor Day weekend (if it falls on a Monday).
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
Located just outside Jacksonville, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for peaceful beauty or an adrenaline rush, this park has something for you.
Getting There: The entrance to Holla Bend Wildlife Refuge is located at 833 Highway 71 South in Jacksonville, Arkansas 72650 (about a 30-minute drive from Little Rock). There is ample parking available at the refuge’s main entrance.
What to See/Do: Visitors can hike approximately 2 miles on one of two trails that provide scenic views of ponds and marshes that make up this 544-acre refuge. Additionally, visitors may try their hand at fishing or hunting during designated seasons (check with the refuge office for details). If neither hiking nor fishing are your thing, then bird watching is another option—Holla Bend has more than 200 species of birds including wintering bald eagles!
How Long It Takes: An afternoon or full day trip will suffice if you plan on doing some light exploring; however if you have time on your hands then camping overnight would be best so that you can experience everything Holla Bend has to offer without having to hurry back home afterward.
Burns Park
Burns Park is one of the most popular parks in Jacksonville. This beautiful park is located on the banks of the Arkansas River and has several amenities. One highlight of this park is a playground for children, as well as picnic areas that are perfect for family gatherings. The walking trail at Burns Park is also fun to explore while enjoying some fresh air. If you’re looking for something more active than just walking around, then you can try playing Frisbee or disc golf at this location!
There are several sports fields at Burns Park where people can enjoy playing softball or football with their friends and family members. There are also two baseball fields available for use by players who want to play baseball in Jacksonville but do not have access to any fields within their neighborhood.
The Arkansas River Trail
The Arkansas River Trail is a multi-use trail that runs along the Arkansas River. The trail is used by hikers, bikers, and runners and can be accessed at several points in Jacksonville. It’s also used by people who are just out for a walk or jog.
The Arkansas River Trail has no hills, so it’s great for beginners. The surface of the path is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for anyone to use with minimal risk of injury. However, if you want to enjoy biking or running on trails that offer more challenging terrain, check out our article on biking in Jacksonville!
Jacksonville Museum of Military History
Located in downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History offers a broad range of exhibits that showcase Arkansas’s military history from the Civil War to Desert Storm. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm.
Exhibits include displays about the Civil War, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War as well as an impressive collection of memorabilia from Desert Storm.
Jacksonville Cemetery
- Jacksonville Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Jacksonville, Arkansas. It is the oldest cemetery in the city and was established in 1834.
- The cemetery contains over 1,000 burials and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Little Rock Air Force Base Heritage Park
Little Rock Air Force Base Heritage Park is located on Little Rock Air Force Base and offers a variety of activities, including a museum, picnic area, playground, and walking trails. The park is free to the public and open year-round.
As the name implies, this park commemorates the history of Little Rock Air Force Base and serves as a memorial to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
- The house was built in 1946 and is located on the corner of 8th and Jackson Streets.
- It was turned into a museum in 2001, which documents the life of Bill Clinton.
- The museum is open to the public and can be accessed through tours that are available for all ages.
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Planetarium and Public Observatory
The planetarium at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is a marvelous place that everyone should check out if they ever find themselves in the area. The planetarium is home to a large dome theater, which shows educational films and other programs.
There are also many exhibits, artifacts, and objects on display here for visitors to explore. If you’re looking for an interesting experience during your next visit to Jacksonville or nearby communities in Arkansas, we recommend stopping by this wonderful facility!
Cadron Settlement Park
Cadron Settlement Park is a historic park in Jacksonville, Arkansas. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was listed as a contributing property to the Jacksonville Historic District
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, located within the Jacksonville National Guard Armory in Jacksonville, is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the state’s maritime history. The museum covers various aspects of Arkansas’ maritime past from all angles, from its earliest beginnings as a territory up until the present day.
The hours for this museum are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some additional special events held on certain days and at certain times throughout the year (see below for more details). Admission is $5 per person for adults; children under 18 are free when accompanied by an adult paying the full admission price. The museum also offers discounts if you buy tickets online before your visit—just click here!
Old State House Museum
Located in the center of town, the Old State House Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Built-in 1838 and recognized as the oldest building in Jacksonville, the museum was restored to its original splendor and has been open to visitors since July 1, 1974.
Today it encompasses four galleries: The General Store Gallery features artifacts from Jacksonville’s past; The Homesteader’s Gallery features photos and items related to early settlers; The Education Room contains maps displayed during early school classes; and many more fascinating exhibits!
The gift shop is stocked with books on local history as well as mementos such as t-shirts, baseball caps, postcards, stationery sets, etc. There’s also an auditorium where you can view a film on Arkansas’ history or attend an event like their annual Civil War reenactment parade (held at 4 pm every October).
You won’t run out of things to do while you’re visiting Jacksonville, AR
Jacksonville is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for things to do. There are plenty of outdoor activities, museums, and history that can be found in Jacksonville. You won’t run out of things to do while you’re visiting Jacksonville, AR.
Conclusion
There you have it. Our list of the best things to do in Jacksonville, AR. If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway or just another great place to see before heading back home from your vacation, we hope that this post has helped you narrow down your options. As always, if you have any questions about our suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you and help plan your next trip—whether it be here in Arkansas or anywhere else around the world.
