Jacksonport, AR

Located just three miles northwest of Newport, Jacksonport is a quiet rural community of about 150 people near where the White and Black rivers meet. In the mid-1800s, this prime riverfront position made it a bustling steamboat port and commercial hub, complete with a county courthouse and a role in Civil War history. After the railroad bypassed the town in the late 19th century, commercial traffic dried up, leaving behind a sleepy neighborhood with deep historic roots.

Today, life in Jacksonport centers around Jacksonport State Park, which preserves the striking 1872 courthouse as a local museum. The park is a favorite spot for relaxing by the water, offering shaded campsites, picnic areas, a playground, a swimming beach, and a boat launch onto the river. Between the easy stroll along the Tunstall Riverwalk and year-round community programs, it gives residents and nearby neighbors a scenic place to unwind on the weekend.