Arkansas’ capital city, Little Rock, is full of history and natural beauty. It’s also a great place to visit as a tourist as you will get to enjoy lots of activities, such as shopping at the farmer’s market and cycling trails.
The city is also home to the Little Rock Nine, a group of African-American teenagers who made history in 1957.
During this time, segregation was still in place in schools, and the group helped pave the way for desegregation.
The city of Little Rock is located along the Arkansas River. Its attractions include the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and the Old State House Museum.
The article highlights all the best and fun things in Little Rock, AR for couples, families, kids, and adults!
Where Is Little Rock, AR?
The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock, is also the most populous city in the state. According to the US Census Bureau, it had a population of over 200,000 in 2020.
It was incorporated as the county seat of the neighboring county of Pulaski on November 7, 1831.
Little Rock is Arkansas and the South’s cultural, transportation, and government center. It is also home to various cultural institutions.
These include the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
The city of Little Rock has a total area of approximately 116.8 square miles. Of this, 116.2 square miles is land, while 0.6 square miles is water.
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Fun Things to Do in Little Rock, AR
The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock, is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. It has several historical attractions and great museums.
1. Big Dam Bridge
One of the country’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridges is the Big Dam Bridge, which spans the Arkansas River.
It connects North Little Rock and Little Rock. It spans over 70,000 acres of land, and it features a variety of facilities and events. The bridge also serves as an excellent venue for recreation and events.
The Big Dam Bridge is frequently used for various events. One of the bridge’s most popular events is the Big Dam Bridge 100 Bicycle Tour, which had over 3,000 participants last year.
Other regular events on the bridge include the Full Moon Walk and the Race the Base.
Address: The Big Dam Bridge is located at 1818 North Taylor Street, Suite B, PMB # 157, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
2. Riverfront Park
One of the most popular parks in Little Rock is RiverFront Park, which is located along La Harpe Boulevard. It features various facilities and activities.
It has 33 acres of land that can be used for multiple outdoor events and activities.
Some of the most popular attractions in the park include the Arkansas Civil War marker and the Clinton Presidential Park bridge.
The Peabody Splash Park is an excellent place for children to play. It also features an interactive learning center that educates visitors about the wetlands of Arkansas.
The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and an amphitheater are also featured in the park.
If you are planning on visiting Little Rock this weekend, make sure to check the schedule of events that are happening in the park.
Address: The Riverfront Park is located at 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA.
3. Old State House Museum
The Old State House is a historical building found on Markham Street in Little Rock.
Built between 1833 and 1842, this building was Arkansas’s oldest state capitol building. It was the site of President Bill Clinton’s victory party in 1992.
The Old State House has been designated as a national historic landmark. It houses a museum that displays various Arkansas history and cultural items. These include African-American quilts, art pottery, and Civil War battle flags.
Address: The Old State House Museum is located at 300 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
4. Museum of Discovery
The Museum of Discovery is an excellent place for the whole family to visit in Little Rock. It is located on President Clinton Avenue and is the oldest museum in the city.
It was established in 1927 by Bernie Babcock. If you are planning on visiting Arkansas this weekend, make sure to check the schedule of events that are happening in the park.
After it was moved to the River Market in 1998, it became known as the Museum of Discovery.
This museum has 14,000 artifacts and cultural and historical items. It also has various animals and insects.
Address: The Museum of Discovery is located at 500 President Clinton Avenue #150, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
5. The Arkansas River Trail System
The Arkansas River Trail System is a loop that goes through various areas in the state, such as North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Little Rock. It starts at the Clinton Bridge and goes through multiple bridges.
The Arkansas River Trail System features various parks and museums. It also passes through different areas that are known for their multiple features.
It is used by thousands of people who enjoy the outdoors. Besides being an excellent place for recreation, the trail also provides various opportunities for people of all ages.
Address: The Arkansas River Trail System is located at Arkansas River Trail, Mayflower, AR 72106, USA.
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6. Metro Streetcar
The Metro Streetcar system is a vintage streetcar in North Little Rock and Little Rock. It was first established in 1876 and ceased operations in 1947.
The system, which spans 3.4 miles long, connects the two areas. If you plan to visit Little Rock, this is a great way to explore the city with the kids.
Address: The Metro Streetcar is located at 310 E. Capitol Little Rock, AR 7220, United States.
7. Arkansas State Capitol
The Arkansas State Capitol is located on Woodlane Street and is a historical building constructed from 1899 to 1915.
It was constructed using the help of prisoners. This building is one of the top tourist attractions in Little Rock. It features a 24-carat gold leaf cupola.
Address: The Arkansas State Capitol is located at 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
8. Rock Town Distillery
If you are a fan of fine whiskey and want to learn more about how grains such as wheat, rye, and corn can be used to make different spirits, such as vodka, gin, and bourbon, then visit the Rock Town Distillery.
This award-winning establishment is located in downtown Little Rock. The staff members at the distillery have a lot of experience and passion for making great spirits.
After visiting the facility and watching the entire process, which includes the grain to the glass, you will be able to try their products.
However, this tour is only for those over 21 years old. The tour ends in the gift shop, where you can purchase their products.
Address: The Rock Town Distillery is located at 1201 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
9. William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
The Clinton Presidential Center and Museum are located in Little Rock. It features the Clinton Library and Museum, a part of the Park and the Clinton Foundation.
The two facilities have extensive archives that researchers use. The museum also has a replica of the White House Cabinet Room.
The White House’s iconic oval office has been recreated and is now available for visitors.
The room features the same furnishings and decorations that were used during the time of President Clinton’s term. The museum and library regularly host events and programs.
Address: The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is located at 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
10. ESSE Purse Museum
The ESSE purse museum is located on South Main Street in Little Rock. It is the only museum in the country focusing solely on purses history and evolution.
Its permanent display, entitled “A Century of Women and Handbags,” explores the various facets of this subject.
Various temporary exhibits are also available at the museum. These include the Pinafores, Pigtails, and Common Threads exhibit.
Address: The ESSE Purse Museum is located at 1510 South Main Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
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11. Heifer Village
The Heifer Village, located inside the Heifer International headquarters in Little Rock, features interactive exhibits, videos, and hands-on activities highlighting the organization’s efforts to end poverty and hunger.
This facility is also great for school groups to learn about global issues.
Heifer has helped over 22.6 million families in over 125 countries improve their quality of life through its programs.
This facility is also great for school groups to learn about global issues. It offers a half-hour guided tour and allows visitors to browse the various exhibits.
Address: The Heifer Village is located at 1 World Ave., Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
12. Historic Arkansas Museum
The Historic Arkansas Museum is located on East 3rd Street in Little Rock. It features various historic buildings, such as the Hinderliter House.
This building is the oldest structure in the city and was the capital building before Arkansas’ new Old State House was built.
The museum was opened in 1941 and featured a half-block of restored houses. It also has gallery spaces and log buildings that were brought in from various parts of Arkansas.
Address: The Historic Arkansas Museum is located at 200 East 3rd Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
13. River Market District
The River Market District is a part of Little Rock that was once full of condemned buildings. It was until the 1990s that the area started to develop.
One of the main attractions of this area is Ottenheimer Market Hall, a popular public food market. This facility features international and local vendors.
The River Market District’s Farmers’ Market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday during the summer and the fall season.
Other prominent attractions in this area include the Arkansas Studies institute and the River Market Tower.
Address: The River Market District is located at 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA.
14. Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
Located in the Julius Breckling River Park along the Arkansas River is the Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center.
This facility is a 16,232-square-foot building that’s situated on a 3.4-acre site. It features various exhibits highlighting the different types of wildlife and fish living in Arkansas.
Since it’s located along the river, visitors can enjoy viewing various wildlife in the park.
These include turtles, butterflies, and birds. The facility’s grounds also feature a theater and different native Arkansas plants.
Address: The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is located at 602 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas,USA.
15. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
The MacArthur Museum is located on East 9th Street in Little Rock. It’s a museum focusing on the history of Arkansas’ military heritage.
It features rotating exhibits based on the locations where Douglas MacArthur was born.
The museum was opened in 2001 and featured various temporary and permanent exhibits.
These include exhibits about Japanese American soldiers who fought in the Second World War and the Vietnam War. It also has self-guided tours and group and school tours.
Address: The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is located at 503 East 9th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
16. The Pantry
Regarding Central European food, you can expect excellent beer and great Czech dishes at The Pantry.
The restaurant’s large dining room and outdoor patio are frequently filled with patrons who enjoy different types of food, such as potato pancakes, cheese spaetzle, and potato dumplings.
Other notable dishes commonly served at this establishment include goulash, apple strudel, and red cabbage.
Address: The Pantry is located at 11401 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, Arkansas,USA.
17. Kemuri
Located in Hillcrest, a Japanese restaurant known as Kemuri is a casual and nicely decorated establishment.
Its interior features a large aquarium and soft blue colors. The restaurant serves various types of food, such as fresh seafood and Japanese grill-style meals, commonly referred to as robata.
Its sushi is prepared using the technique of slow-cooking food over charcoal. Chef Alex is a part of the same family that owns Ocean, another restaurant.
Address: The Kemuri is located at 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
18. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Situated just west of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great place to enjoy various outdoor activities. It features several miles of trails that can be used for various activities.
In addition, it has several interpretive programs designed to provide a deeper understanding of the area.
Address: The Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA.
19. Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo, located on 33 acres, is the largest zoo in Arkansas. It was founded in 1926 and features over 725 animals.
Its four zones are divided into different areas. The North Zone features various exhibits, such as the African Veldt and Big Cats, while the South Zone features areas like an Elephant Barn and a Children’s Farm.
Address: The Little Rock Zoo is located at 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
20. Arkansas Arts Center
The Arkansas Arts Center is located in MacArthur Park and is an important cultural center in the state.
It was founded in 1960 and featured a permanent collection that includes works by some of the most prominent artists in the world, such as Redon, Picasso, and Degas.
The center is also known for its collection of paintings and drawings by Paul Signac.
Address: The Arkansas Arts Center is located at 501 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
21. South on Main
The venue’s entertainment is designed to complement the superb food that Chef Matthew Bell serves at his restaurant, which is known for its modern and healthy interpretation of Southern cuisine.
His food is made from scratch and is very fresh and flavorful. The bar also creates a variety of interesting versions of traditional Southern favorites, such as the mint julep.
Address: The South on Main is located at 1304 South Main St., Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
Best Time to Visit Little Rock, AR
Little Rock is best visited from March to May and September to October. Daytime highs usually reach around the mid-60s during this period.
Cost of Visiting Little Rock, AR
The average cost of a 7-day trip to Little Rock is about $1,432 for an individual. For a couple, $2,572, while for a family of four, $4,822.