Introduction
Paragould may be a small city, but it’s full of fun things to do! If you want to experience some of the best outdoor activities in Arkansas, check out one of our parks. Or if you want to learn about the history and culture of Paragould, visit one of our museums. There are so many different things to do in Paragould that there’s something for everyone.
1. Visit Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is located about two miles west of Paragould on Highway 49. The park is named for a ridge of rock that runs through southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, which was formed by volcanic activity. The park features 19 miles of hiking trails, including one that leads to the highest point in Arkansas at 1,175 feet above sea level (the state’s official high point).
There are also multiple fishing spots available at Crowley’s Ridge State Park, along with picnic areas and playgrounds for kids. Other activities include bird watching and geocaching—you might even spot a bald eagle or an alligator!
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is open year-round; however, some facilities may be closed due to weather conditions or maintenance issues.
2. Watch an exciting live performance at the Paragould Community Theater
If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, check out the Paragould Community Theater. It has been in operation since 1950 and is located on the campus of Arkansas State University. The theater offers a variety of shows and performances, including comedy acts, musical productions, and even some more serious drama productions.
If you want to catch one of these events but don’t want to spend much money on tickets or concessions, then it might be worth checking out their student pricing options first. There are several different seating arrangements available at this venue, with every seat providing great views of all areas throughout the auditorium including onstage action if that’s what you’re looking for!
3. Support local artists at the Faulkner Gallery
The Faulkner Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. The gallery features local artists and their work, which is always changing. You can find the Faulkner Gallery at 100 W. Walnut St., Suite 3, Paragould, AR 72450. It is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m… The admission fee is $2 per person or $20 for a family of four (children under 12 free).
4. Grab a seat at the Noble Savage Tavern
Located on the corner of Madison and Broadway, this downtown eatery is home to some of the best food in Paragould. The menu includes local favorites like fried green tomatoes, chicken fried steak, and catfish baskets. Their signature dish—crawfish tails boiled in a beer batter with jalapeños and Cajun spices—has won Noble Savage Tavern several awards over the years.
The pub is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, so there’s plenty of time to stop by before or after your trip up north as well!
5. See animals native to the area at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery
The hatchery is open daily and is a great place to see animals native to the area. You can also learn about the history of Paragould through interactive exhibits and displays.
You will find several varieties of fish at the hatchery, including bowfin, black bass, bluegill, catfish, channel catfish, and crappie. The hatchery has an exhibit that displays all these species. Some even have names like “Mr. Crappie” or “Miss B.”
6. Go shopping at Paragould’s Antique Mall & Flea Market
It’s hard to find great bargains these days, but the Antique Mall & Flea Market in Paragould has an amazing selection of antiques and collectibles. Locally owned and operated, this is a must-visit for shoppers looking for unique gifts that won’t break their budget.
7. Learn about the culture and history of Paragould’s early settlers at Arkansas State University Museum
The museum is located on the campus of Arkansas State University and offers exhibits showcasing some of the area’s most important historical events, including the Buffalo Soldiers and their impact on our community. The museum is open daily f9 am 9 am-4 pm, and admission is free!
8. Get some fresh air at Greene County Historical Society Museum Park
You can get some fresh air at Greene County Historical Society Museum Park, where you will find a wide variety of flora and fauna. One thing you’ll notice about this park is that there are plenty of squirrels, which is great for anyone who likes watching squirrels run around acting like fools. It’s also a good place to learn about the history of Paragould and its surrounding area, so if you’re interested in learning more about local history, this would be a great place to start!
9. Pick up some original art and locally crafted goods at the Marianna Arts Festival
The 9th thing to do in Paragould is pick up some original art and locally crafted goods at the Marianna Arts Festival. Held in the summer, this arts festival features local artists, craftsmen, and musicians. It’s free to attend!
10. Tour historic antebellum homes on your visit to Historic Downtown Jonesboro Walking Tours
You’ll have a great time exploring the oldest section of Paragould, Arkansas on this self-guided walking tour. The tour is free and lasts about an hour, so it’s easy to spend some time looking at each building and learning more about its history.
The tour itself is wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly, so everyone will enjoy it together!
11. Savor authentic Mexican cuisine (and ice cream) at Los Arcos Mexican Grill & Ice Cream Shop
Los Arcos Mexican Grill & Ice Cream Shop is located in downtown Paragould and offers a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent.
The restaurant also features an ice cream counter that makes its small-batch ice cream using natural ingredients such as whole milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. In addition to serving delicious dishes (including breakfast burritos), Los Arcos also has a full bar featuring margaritas made with freshly squeezed lime juice.
The restaurant has won numerous awards from various organizations including TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for three consecutive years (2015-2017) as well as being listed by Food Network Magazine among their list of “Best Restaurants in America.”
12. Catch a movie at Royal Theatre Drive-In Movie Theatre or Rialto theater
The Royal Theatre Drive-In Movie Theatre is conveniently located in Paragould, and the Rialto Theater is on the same street. Both theaters have a wide variety of films to choose from, including family favorites like The Lego Movie and Frozen. Their schedules change frequently due to demand, so be sure to check their sites frequently for updates. These theaters are open year-round!
We have lots of fun things to do in Paragould!
Paragould is a great place to visit. We have lots of fun things to do and explore while you are here. You can visit the Paragould Museum or check out one of our many parks such as Lake Holiday Park, Elmwood Park, and City Lake Park. You can also see some of our local attractions like The Curran Theater and The Arkansas Children’s Discovery Center which are both located downtown in Paragould Square.
There’s so much more! Whether you’re interested in architecture or history, there will be something for everyone at any age level when visiting Paragould – from historic buildings like the Buford Library or old factories from years past that have been transformed into unique spaces today (such as what was once known as “The Meat Processing Plant” on North Missouri Street).
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Paragould. It’s a beautiful place to live and visit! We may not be the biggest city, but we have so much going on right now—and it all starts with our welcoming community. If you are looking for more information about visiting or moving here, check out our website at www.paragouldga.com
