Jacksonport ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jacksonport, Arkansas.
1. Jacksonport State Park
HISTORIC RIVER PORT
Jacksonport State Park is a historic river port that was occupied by both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. The park features a preserved 1872 courthouse housing various exhibits with park interpreters offering educational programs to visitors. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities including camping, swimming, hiking the Tunstall Riverwalk Trail, and picnicking.
2. Tunstall Riverwalk
PEACEFUL RIVERSIDE TRAIL
The Tunstall Riverwalk is a scenic half-mile trail that runs alongside the White River in Jacksonport State Park. Visitors enjoy peaceful views of the river while strolling through natural surroundings. The trail offers an enjoyable outdoor experience for nature lovers and casual hikers alike.
3. Jacksonport State Park Beach
REFRESHING SWIMMING SPOT
Jacksonport State Park Beach provides a designated swimming area for visitors seeking to cool off during warm weather. The beach area complements other recreational facilities within the park for a complete outdoor experience. Families particularly enjoy this spot during summer months as a refreshing alternative to hiking and historical tours.
4. Jacksonport State Park Campground
MODERN RIVERSIDE CAMPING
The Jacksonport State Park Campground features 20 Class A campsites with 50 amp electrical service for comfortable overnight stays. Situated near the White River, campers can enjoy both natural beauty and convenient access to all park amenities. The campground provides a perfect base for exploring the park's historical and recreational offerings.
5. Jacksonport State Park Gift Shop
LOCAL SOUVENIRS & MEMENTOS
The Jacksonport State Park Gift Shop offers visitors a selection of souvenirs and mementos to commemorate their visit. Visitors can browse local crafts, books about regional history, and Arkansas-made products. The shop provides a convenient stop for those wanting to take home a piece of Jacksonport's heritage.
6. Historic Washington State Park
CONFEDERATE CAPITAL SITE
Historic Washington State Park preserves the site that served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas after Little Rock fell to Union forces in 1863. Visitors can tour meticulously preserved and restored historic structures while experiencing living history demonstrations throughout the grounds. The park also features Williams' Tavern Restaurant, built in 1832, where visitors can enjoy a meal in a genuine historical setting.
7. Williams' Tavern Restaurant
HISTORIC 1832 DINING
Williams' Tavern Restaurant occupies a building constructed in 1832 and offers visitors authentic dining within Historic Washington State Park. The restaurant serves traditional Southern cuisine in a genuine historical atmosphere. Dining here provides a unique opportunity to experience food and ambiance reminiscent of Arkansas's 19th-century past.
8. Pea Ridge National Military Park
DECISIVE CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves the site of a crucial Civil War battle that helped secure Missouri for the Union. The park encompasses over 4,000 acres with a driving tour, hiking trails, and a visitor center featuring exhibits on the 1862 battle. Visitors can explore reconstructed battlefield features and gain insights into this significant chapter of Arkansas Civil War history.
9. Poison Springs Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE SITE
Poison Springs Battlefield is the site of an 1864 Civil War engagement that was part of the larger Red River Campaign. The battlefield has interpretive markers that tell the story of the Confederate victory and the controversial killing of African American Union soldiers after their surrender. Today, the site serves as an important memorial and educational resource for understanding Arkansas's complex Civil War history.
10. Helena Civil War Sites
MISSISSIPPI RIVER HISTORY
Helena features multiple Civil War sites including Battery C, Freedom Park, and the Delta Cultural Center that together tell the story of this strategically important Mississippi River port. Visitors can explore interpretive trails, fortifications, and exhibits explaining Helena's role during the conflict. The town's preserved Civil War landmarks provide insight into both military operations and civilian experiences during this turbulent period.
11. White River Trout Fishing
PREMIER ANGLING DESTINATION
White River trout fishing near Jacksonport offers anglers access to one of Arkansas's premier fishing destinations. The river is known for its abundant populations of brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy this natural resource year-round with particularly good conditions in the spring and fall seasons.
12. Jacksonport State Park Pavilion
SCENIC GATHERING SPACE
The Jacksonport State Park Pavilion provides a covered outdoor space for gatherings within the scenic state park. The facility is available for family reunions, community events, and special occasions with views of the surrounding natural landscape. Visitors appreciate the pavilion's convenient location near other park amenities including the playground and picnic areas.
13. Jacksonport Courthouse Museum
CIVIL WAR ERA EXHIBITS
The Jacksonport Courthouse Museum is housed within the restored 1872 courthouse building at the heart of Jacksonport State Park. The museum features exhibits chronicling the town's development as a river port and its significance during the Civil War period. Visitors can explore artifacts and interpretive displays that bring to life the history of this once-thriving Mississippi River Valley community.
14. Jacksonport State Park Playground
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
The Jacksonport State Park Playground offers families with children a dedicated recreational area within the historic park. The playground features modern equipment suitable for various age groups in a safe, maintained environment. Parents can relax at nearby picnic sites while children enjoy outdoor play surrounded by the park's natural beauty.
15. Newport Downtown Historic District
CHARMING RIVER TOWN
Newport's Downtown Historic District showcases preserved architecture from the town's heyday as a White River shipping center near Jacksonport. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that reflect the area's rich heritage. The district serves as a cultural hub for the region with regular events celebrating local traditions and community spirit.