What to do
Jacksonville Museum of Military History
This museum was created to foster an appreciation for the men and women who have served our country and ensured that our freedoms are not taken for granted. This educational and informative museum highlights the important role of the military for the country as a whole and the Jacksonville area specifically.
The museum is located in the site of the Jacksonville Ordnance Plant's administration building. The Ordnance Plant was the primary manufacturer of fuses and detonators during WWII and was a major contributor to the growth of Jacksonville. Exhibits cover all major wars, including the Gulf and Iraqi wars. Interactive displays, memorabilia, and a research room are also available for visitors.
Adults: $3; Seniors and Military: $2; Under 18: $1; Five and under: Free
100 Veterans Circle
501-241-1943
www.jaxmilitarymuseum.org
Battle of Reed’s Bridge Marker
The marker commemorates the site where Confederate troops fought to hold off Union troops who were advancing toward Little Rock in August of 1863. The battle took place on Bayou Meto on the south side of Jacksonville at Reed’s Bridge. The Confederates, led by Brig. General John S. Marmaduke, held them back, forcing the Union to find a new route to Little Rock. Reed's Bridge was torched and at least nine men lost their lives during the battle. A cabin on the site shows visitors what life was like during the civil war.
Highway 161 (South 1st Street), just south of the city
www.reedsbridgebattlefield.org
Jacksonville Community Center
The heart of activity in Jacksonville, the Center is an award-winner for Facility of the Year from the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association. It offers complete work-out facilities including an indoor pool, basketball court, aerobics, two racquet ball courts, two walking tracks (indoor and outdoor), weight equipment and locker facilities. Also includes a 1,500 square foot dividable meeting room and a 5,500 square foot banquet hall with stage available for rental.
5 Municipal Drive 501-982-4171.
www.cityofjacksonville.net
Dupree Park
Dupree Park is the epicenter of outdoor recreation in Jacksonville. It has more than 160 acres of space offering any type of outdoor activity you could want. When you're ready to enjoy the weather in Jacksonville, head to Dupree Park. You'll find:
- 2 lighted and fenced Babe Ruth/ American Legion baseball fields
- 5 lighted and fenced softball fields
- A 4-field soccer/ football complex (2 lighted)
- A 1.3 mile meandering trail
- A 10-acre lake with fishing pier
- Restroom facilities
- 4 concession areas
- 5 pavilions with electricity
- A festival pavilion with electricity
- Marshall Smith Memorial Playground
- Horseshoe pit
- Covered bench
- Dog park
- 18-hole disc golf course
1 Dupree Park Road
Splash Zone Water Park
Summer fun starts at Splash Zone pool and water park. Opened in 2005, it is Jacksonville's largest aquatics center and the best place to take the kids to cool off. The park has all you need with 2 pools, one of which is perfect for your smallest ones. It goes only 2 1/2- feet-deep and features a fun, splash friendly playground. Jacksonville’s newest and largest aquatics center features a plunge pool with two water slides, a water tunnel, the umbrella-shaped Rain Drop and Dew Drop water showers, and the kids-only Tea Cup. Concessions available. Handicap accessible. The other, which is a 25-yard Plunge Pool, dives down from 4 feet to 11-feet-deep and includes a diving board, jacuzzi jets on a relaxing massage bench, and 2 water slides. Other fun features include the water tunnel, the umbrella-shaped Rain Drop and Dew Drop water showers, and the kids-only Tea Cup make the park perfect for kids of all ages. Concessions are available. Lockers available for daily rent. Handicap accessible. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
201 West Martin Street
501-982-7946
Festivals and Events
Jacksonville prides itself in always having something fun to do. The various festivals and events that the city has throughout the year only add to that. Once the warmer months arrive, everyone always looks forward to the Jacksonville Farmers' Market. In the cooler months, there are always hayrides and holiday lighting contests and events to enjoy. Some of the larger festivals and events, such as the Patriotic Spectacular, Wing Ding Festival, and the Little Rock Air Force Base air show, always bring extra fun and excitement into the city for everyone.
- Patriotic Spectacular:
Beginning in 2001, the Patriotic Spectacular has become one of Jacksonville's largest annual events. It is held on the Fourth of July weekend at Jacksonville High School's Jan Crow Stadium. It features musical entertainment, a kid's fun area with games, face painting, inflatables, and dancing, an awards program, and a fireworks show to end the night with a bang! A concession stand is available throughout the night with all proceeds benefiting the Booster Club.
patrioticspectacular@comcast.net
- Wing Ding Festival:
This festival is an all day event made especially for families! The first Saturday of October, Dupree Park is transformed into a fun land of food, games, interactive activities, inflatable rides, and live music. Sample unique flavors or enter a team of your own during the World Championship Chicken Wing Cook-Off! Admission and parking are free.
www.cityofjacksonville.net
Antique Shopping
There are always hidden treasures to find in Jacksonville. Our antique stores have a wide variety of merchandise, from furniture and home décor, to knickknacks and books. For directions and hours of operation, please contact each individual store.
- B&M Flea Market – 660 W. Main Street, 501-985-1788
- Decorator’s Bazaar – 100 Municipal Drive, 501-985-9842
- J. Hudson Galleries – 512 N. 1st Street, 501-982-8407
- Jackson Square Antique Gallery – 347 S. James Street, 501-985-9778
- McIntire Rare Collectibles – 8C Crestview Plaza, 501-985-1663
- Oliver’s Antiques – 1101 Burman Drive, 501-982-0064
- Suzy Q's Flea Market Etc. - 116 W. Hickory Street, 501-982-8113
Southern Oaks Country Club
Southern Oaks offers a challenging 18-hole well manicured private golf course; membership also includes access to the pro shop, pool, and clubhouse.
701 Foxwood Drive
501-231-9398
www.southernoakscountryclub.com
Jacksonville Guitar Museum
See a collection of vintage guitars.
Open Monday – Saturday from 10 to 6.
Admission is free
1105 Burman Drive
Little Rock Air Force Base
Located in Jacksonville, the Little Rock Air Force Base is home to some of America's finest members of the Air Force as well as where the Air Show takes place, which is open to the public and held every other year.
126 Chief Williams Drive
Jacksonville, AR 72209
501-987-8581
Jacksonville City Parks
The city has a variety of park offering activities for all ages in a safe environment.
- Fireman Park
Graham Road & Boys Club Drive - Boys & Girls Club facility, pavilion, playground, three multi-purpose courts - Excell Park
Southeastern & Ray Roads - Lighted and fenced youth baseball fields, playground, open field, picnic area - Galloway Park
Galloway Circle - Basketball court, pavilion, picnic table, playground - Johnson Park
Ray Road - Pavilions, basketball court, playground, picnic tables (one covered), horseshoes, rest rooms - Paradise Park
Redmond Road - Lake with two fishing piers, asphalt launching ramp, footbridge, pavilion, horseshoes, rest rooms - Northlake Park
End of tennis court - Playground, basketball court, pavilion - Stonewall Park
Berkshire Drive - Half-mile walking/jogging trail, playground, pavilion - Stagecoach Park
Wells Fargo Trail - Covered picnic table, playground
