Harrisburg ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Harrisburg, Arkansas.
1. Parker Pioneer Homestead
STEP BACK IN TIME
Parker Pioneer Homestead is a collection of buildings and artifacts from pioneer days located five miles south of Harrisburg. Thousands of area residents and school children visit the homestead annually to learn about and preserve pioneer crafts. This privately owned homestead grew from the desire to preserve pioneer crafts for the enjoyment of others.
2. Lake Poinsett State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Poinsett State Park is situated among the scenic rolling hills atop Crowley's Ridge in northeastern Arkansas on the northern end of a 640-acre lake. The park offers camping, picnic areas, a nature/hiking trail, a playground, a pavilion, and boat/kayak rentals. Visitors can enjoy interpretative programs throughout the year, including guided-kayak tours and annual special events.
3. Poinsett County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Poinsett County Courthouse is an impressive Georgian Revival building with a domed cupola and four clocks on the red tile roof, built in 1918. This historic structure symbolizes the wealth to which county leaders aspired and serves as the seat of government for Poinsett County. Though showing its age, it remains worth a visit for history buffs and preservationists traveling the Crowley's Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway.
4. Crowley's Ridge Parkway
SCENIC NATIONAL BYWAY
Crowley's Ridge Parkway is a National Scenic Byway that passes through Harrisburg and showcases the unique geological formation of Crowley's Ridge. Travelers along this route can enjoy beautiful vistas, historic sites, and natural areas that highlight the region's distinctive landscape. The parkway offers a scenic drive through northeastern Arkansas with opportunities to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the area.
5. Past Times Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
Past Times Bar & Grill is a popular dining establishment in Harrisburg offering hearty meals and drinks in a casual atmosphere. Visitors and locals alike enjoy gathering here for good food, conversation, and sometimes entertainment. The restaurant serves as a social hub for the community and provides a taste of local culinary traditions.
6. Lake Poinsett
FISHING AND RECREATION
Lake Poinsett is a 640-acre lake constructed specifically to provide fishing recreation near Harrisburg. The lake offers excellent opportunities for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish species in a scenic setting. Beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy water recreation activities and the natural beauty surrounding this man-made lake.
7. Parkin Archeological State Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Parkin Archeological State Park preserves and interprets a 17-acre Mississippi Period Native American village site that was occupied from 1000 to 1550 CE. The park features a Visitor Center with an auditorium, exhibit area, gift shop, and archaeological laboratory where visitors can learn about the site's history. Interpretive staff offers audiovisual programs, site tours, workshops, and other educational programs to enhance understanding of this National Historic Landmark.
8. Southern Tenant Farmers Museum
AGRICULTURAL LABOR HISTORY
The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum preserves and interprets the history of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union, which was formed in 1934 to address the struggles of agricultural workers. The museum is housed in a historic building that once served as the headquarters for this important civil rights and economic justice organization. Exhibits tell the story of tenant farming and labor movements that shaped the agricultural history of the region.
9. Village Creek State Park
CROWLEY'S RIDGE WILDERNESS
Village Creek State Park encompasses 7,000 acres along Crowley's Ridge and features two fishing lakes, hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems. The park offers camping facilities, cabins, picnic areas, and a visitor center where guests can learn about the unique natural features of the region. Activities available include fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and interpretive programs that highlight the park's geological and ecological significance.
10. Jonesboro Cultural Center
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The Jonesboro Cultural Center serves as a focal point for arts, culture, and entertainment in northeast Arkansas, located just 20 miles north of Harrisburg. The center hosts various performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year that showcase local and regional talent. Visitors can enjoy theater productions, art displays, music concerts, and cultural festivals in this vibrant community space.
11. ASU Museum
HISTORY AND CULTURE COLLECTION
The ASU Museum at Arkansas State University houses extensive collections related to the natural and cultural history of the Mississippi Delta region. Exhibits cover topics ranging from archaeology and anthropology to history, fine arts, and natural sciences. The museum offers educational programs and special events that provide insights into the diverse heritage of Northeast Arkansas and the surrounding area.
12. Craighead Forest Park
URBAN NATURE RETREAT
Craighead Forest Park is a 692-acre recreational area featuring a 60-acre lake, hiking trails, picnic areas, and various outdoor facilities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, disc golf, camping, and wildlife observation in this urban nature retreat. The park serves as a popular destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with nature near the Harrisburg area.
13. Mall at Turtle Creek
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Mall at Turtle Creek is the largest shopping center in Northeast Arkansas, offering a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Shoppers from Harrisburg and surrounding communities visit to find national brands, specialty shops, and dining experiences all under one roof. The mall provides a climate-controlled environment for year-round shopping comfort and serves as a social gathering place for the region.
14. Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center
REGIONAL WILDLIFE EDUCATION
The Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center provides interactive exhibits and educational programs about the wildlife and ecosystems of Crowley's Ridge and the Mississippi Delta. The facility features indoor displays, an auditorium, outdoor walking trails, and wildlife viewing areas where visitors can observe native species. Educational programs include guided hikes, workshops, and special events designed to foster appreciation for Arkansas's natural heritage.
15. Historic Downtown Jonesboro
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Jonesboro features beautifully preserved buildings, unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions just a short drive from Harrisburg. Visitors can explore locally-owned businesses, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and participate in community events throughout the year. The district hosts festivals, farmers markets, and other gatherings that showcase the region's heritage and contemporary culture.