Scattered areas of the St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA lie within the St. Francis Floodway in Craighead County. The area spans more than 30,574 acres across three counties, with bottomland hardwood forests predominating. Crowley’s Ridge runs through the center of the county. Nature experiences include wildlife and bird watching, trails and fishing opportunities, with a variety of landscapes and activities.
Forests, Trails and Waterways
The St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA offers opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. Craighead County’s southeast also has nature activities by the water: the St. Francis Floodway offers opportunities for fishing and duck hunting.
Craighead Forest Park is a 692-acre city park in the Crowley’s Ridge landscape. Its trails include about 13 miles of mountain bike trails, a 2.4-mile gravel path along the lakeshore and a 3.2-mile paved loop road. The lakeside path is shorter than the loop road; the mountain bike trails cover about 13 miles. These options vary in length, surface and type.
The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center offers 3.1 miles of trails and is connected to Craighead Forest Park. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, films and trails, it teaches visitors about the ridge and its native wildlife. Trails and nature watching are complemented by opportunities to learn more about the landscape and animals.
St. Francis Lake offers fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Boat access to the lake is available through Siphons Access and Oak Donnick Access; check access information before setting out. Fishing regulations may vary, so check the current rules before your fishing trip.
As another nature destination near Jonesboro, Lake Frierson State Park lies just north of the city. At the 335-acre lake, the park offers fishing, boating and trails along the shore.
History, Museums and City Culture
The two-story Craighead County Courthouse, Western District, was built in 1934 at the intersection of Main and Washington Streets in Jonesboro and is designed in the Art Deco style. Its lawn features a monument to a World War I soldier and a plaque commemorating Hattie Caraway. The Arkansas State College Historic District forms the historic core of the Arkansas State University campus. Its significance lies in its contribution to the development of higher education in Northeast Arkansas.
The Buffalo Island Museum preserves artifacts, photographs and memories from Monette, Black Oak, Caraway, Leachville, Manila and the surrounding area. Gerald “Boots” Pitts founded it for this purpose in September 1997. The museum is housed in the historic First National Bank building in Monette, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008. The Arkansas State University Museum offers a broader regional perspective: its exhibits explore the landscapes, wildlife and cultural traditions of Northeast Arkansas and the northern Mississippi River Delta. Offerings include tours, hands-on activities, events and outreach programs.
The Bradbury Art Museum features changing exhibitions by local and national contemporary artists. Workshops, lectures, artist visits, community events and tours are also part of its program. The A.A.C.C. at the E. Boone Watson Center presents the history of Craighead County’s African American community, including its challenges, achievements and hopes. In downtown Jonesboro, interactive art sculptures are designed for learning, play and making music together. Events take place at local businesses in Historic Downtown Jonesboro; check the relevant schedules for specific dates.
Discover more destinations: Jonesboro, Brookland, Crittenden, Sharp County, Columbia County, Drew, Ashley County, Lawrence County.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
