Craighead: Nature Trails and Regional History

In Craighead, landscapes and history come together: Crowley’s Ridge runs through the center of Craighead County, while scattered parcels of the St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA lie within the St. Francis Floodway. Wildlife watching, waterside trails, and cultural sites offer different ways to make the most of your stay.

Floodplain Forests and Wildlife Watching

The St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA spans more than 30,574 acres across three counties; in Craighead County, it includes scattered parcels within the St. Francis Floodway. Bottomland hardwood forests predominate there. The area offers opportunities to observe animals and birds. In southeastern Craighead County, the St. Francis Floodway also offers opportunities for fishing and duck hunting. Seasonal regulations apply to duck hunting.

Fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, and crappie is available at St. Francis Lake. Regulations may vary. The lake can be accessed by boat via Siphons Access and Oak Donnick Access; check access information before setting out.

Trails, Park, and Water

Craighead Forest Park is a 692-acre urban park in the Crowley’s Ridge landscape. Its trails and routes 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 different types and lengths of routes help you plan your time outdoors around your interests. Route conditions may change; check current information before setting out.

The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is connected to Craighead Forest Park and offers 3.1 miles of trails. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, films, and trails teach visitors about the ridge and its native wildlife. A visit combines nature-related topics with different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

In the Jonesboro area, Lake Frierson State Park lies just north of Jonesboro. It offers opportunities for fishing and boating, as well as trails along a 335-acre lake. This destination adds more waterside activities to the nature spots around Jonesboro.

History and Culture in Craighead

In Jonesboro stands the Craighead County Courthouse, Western District: a two-story Art Deco building constructed in 1934 at the intersection of Main and Washington Streets. The courthouse 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. It is significant for its contribution to the development of higher education in Northeast Arkansas.

The Arkansas State University Museum features exhibits about 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 presents rotating exhibitions by local and national contemporary artists. Workshops, lectures, artist visits, community events, and tours round out the program.

Downtown Jonesboro also brings culture together with public spaces: interactive art sculptures are used for learning, play, and making music together. Historic Downtown Jonesboro hosts events at local businesses.

The Buffalo Island Museum was founded by Gerald “Boots” Pitts in September 1997. It preserves objects, photographs, and memories from Monette, Black Oak, Caraway, Leachville, Manila, and the surrounding area. The museum is housed in the historic First National Bank building in Monette; the building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008. At the E. Boone Watson Center, the A.A.C.C. shares the history of Craighead County’s African American community, including its challenges, achievements, and hopes.

Discover more destinations: Jonesboro, Brookland, Crittenden, Garland, Faulkner, Jefferson County, White County, Franklin County.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.