From Pioneer Roots to a Connected Future: Spotlight on Jonesboro

Firefighter Garfield stands proud in front of Jonesboro City Hall.

Jonesboro, Indiana is a small city and ample community spirit, nestled along the Mississinewa River in Grant County. Home to roughly 1,500 residents, Jonesboro is one of Indiana’s smallest incorporated cities by population – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in comradery and rich history. Founded in 1837 by pioneer Obadiah Jones (and named in his honor), Jonesboro’s heritage is proudly preserved and celebrated to this day . Visitors can literally touch the town’s history at Jonesboro Park, where the first log cabin purchased by Obadiah Jones in 1834 still stands, lovingly restored by the local historical society . Each summer, the community gathers around this very cabin for the annual Old Settlers’ Day Festival, celebrating Jonesboro’s pioneer roots with a friendly nod to the past.

A City of Heritage and Character

Despite its small size, Jonesboro boasts landmarks that highlight its unique heritage. Did you know Jonesboro was home to Grant County’s first organized fire department? Fittingly, the city’s contribution to the county-wide Garfield Trail is a “Firefighter Garfield” statue, standing proudly in front of City Hall in honor of those first responders. It’s one of 14 whimsical fiberglass Garfield statues placed around Grant County (hometown of cartoonist Jim Davis) – a fun scavenger hunt for visitors and a point of pride for locals.

Historic Main Street is the heart of downtown, featuring the quaint Jonesboro Historical Museum (open weekends) where hundreds of artifacts tell the story of the city’s past. Strolling through downtown, you’ll get a sense of classic small-town Indiana charm, with Jonesboro’s iconic gazebo and brick-lined streets evoking a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors explore the Obadiah Jones Cabin in Jonesboro Park.

A New Greenspace for Community Connection

Jonesboro isn’t just preserving history – it’s also embracing the future with meaningful community improvements. A shining example is the new greenspace at Fifth and Main Streets, a formerly vacant lot reborn as a lush public park in 2024. Once home to a historic bank and offices, the corner sat empty for years until the City of Jonesboro partnered with Radiant Health’s Hands of Hope to transform it into a community hub.

Funded through the CDC’s DELTA Ahead Project, the greenspace is designed to combat domestic violence by strengthening connectedness . Features include walking paths, picnic tables, a Little Free Library, a water feature, raised garden beds, native plants, and the restored gazebo. What was once a blighted corner is now “the new heart of Jonesboro,” where families and neighbors gather for events, relaxation, and community life.

Alongside the new greenspace, locals and visitors also enjoy community staples like Kammy’s Kafe, a popular spot for good food and conversation located right by the Cardinal Greenway. Together, these places give Jonesboro multiple welcoming spaces to connect.

New greenspace on Main Street in Jonesboro, Indiana.

Community Improvements in Motion

Jonesboro leadership is hard at work to keep the city growing and thriving. At a recent Board of Works meeting, Mayor Bob Goins and city officials highlighted a number of exciting projects:

• New Water Plant: A state-of-the-art water plant will be up and running within weeks. Mayor Goins noted it will save the city significant money on wastewater treatment and plans are in place for a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the facility officially goes live.

• Street Paving: Phase one of the city’s paving project has been completed up to 4th Street, with restoration underway on 3rd Street. Phase two—the larger phase—is set to begin in early fall.

• Sanitary Sewer Extension: The city awaits word on grant funding for this project, expected around August 20.

• Public Safety & Services: Fire Chief Quinton Shipley reported 13 recent calls (five fire-related, eight medical) and confirmed the fire department has received a grant for 125 additional doses of Narcan. The police department, led by Chief Colton Edgington, has handled over 100 calls recently and is preparing for the upcoming Jonesboro River Rally with added deputies and a command bus.

These improvements underscore how Jonesboro is investing in both infrastructure and public safety, ensuring the city remains a welcoming and well-supported community for residents and visitors alike.

Take a nice stroll through Jonesboro and Gas City trail heads on the Cardinal Greenway.

Festivals, Rallies, and Year-Round Fun

For a small community, Jonesboro knows how to host big events. Perhaps the most famous is the Jonesboro River Rally, Indiana’s largest free motorcycle rally, which roars into town every September. Thousands of bikes line Main Street for three days of concerts, vendors, stunt shows, and a memorial ride – an unforgettable tradition that draws visitors from across the Midwest.

And this weekend, Jonesboro is proud to host the Red Brick Road Car & Crafts Festival on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The event features a classic car show, arts and crafts vendors, food, and family fun on 5th Street downtown. The Ninth Street Car Gang will be on site with their lineup, adding extra flair to the show . Admission is free, and vehicle owners or vendors can still register by contacting the city at (765) 674-1196.

Motorcycles aren’t the only attraction on Jonesboro’s calendar. History buffs enjoy the aforementioned Old Settlers’ Day Festival at Jonesboro Park, where pioneer-era crafts, food, and music bring the 19th century to life. In the fall, things get spooky with the Cardinal “Screamway” – a one-of-a-kind haunted trail along the nearby Cardinal Greenway (a rails-to-trails path) that delivers thrills and chills for all ages. This Halloween-season event has quickly become a local favorite, growing bigger (and scarier!) each year. As winter approaches, Jonesboro kicks off the holidays with an annual Christmas Tree Lighting downtown, complete with hot cocoa, caroling, and visits from Santa. Neighbors gather to watch the lights twinkle on, celebrating the festive spirit of community. Even Easter gets a special touch here: the city has hosted an Easter Bunny Parade, where the Easter Bunny rides through town delivering treat-filled eggs to children – a creative way to make memories while keeping everyone safe at home.

Crowds rolls in for the annual Jonesboro River Rally.

Plan Your Visit to Jonesboro

With its rich heritage, new investments, and a lineup of community events, Jonesboro offers a delightful mix of past and present. From the historic Obadiah Jones cabin and Firefighter Garfield statue, to the fresh greenspace downtown and annual celebrations like the River Rally and Red Brick Road Car & Crafts Festival, there’s always something happening in this Grant County gem.

Jonesboro may be just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis , but it offers a peaceful small-town escape filled with warmth and hospitality. If you’re exploring Grant County, add Jonesboro to your itinerary. Come enjoy a stroll through downtown, browse a craft show, take in the history, and experience the pride of a community building a brighter future together.

👉 Visit Jonesboro – you’ll arrive as a guest and leave feeling like family.

If you plan your visit right, you might just get to the meet the Easter Bunny!