Little Rock on the Arkansas River

Little Rock on the Arkansas River is the capital and most populous city in the state.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site was the site in 1957 that focused on the struggles over school desegregation. When these struggles were just beginning nine African-American teenagers entered the school for their first day of school. It was a pivotal event in the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division escorted the students into the school. Today this is still an active school but you can arrange a tour of the historic site with a ranger.

The Clinton Presidential Library includes an archival research facility and a museum with interactive exhibits. There are over one million photos and gifts that the 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton received while in office. They're displayed on all three floors of the complex. There are full-scale replicas of the Cabinet Room and the Oval Office. Throughout the year many events, speakers, and programs are hosted. Guided tours are available.

The Old State House is the original state capitol of Arkansas. It is a great example of Doric architecture in the southern states. On display in the museum, you can see decorative arts, inaugural gowns of the wives of governors, and historical displays that relate to state politics.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just 15 miles northwest of downtown Little Rock. There are two hiking trails that lead up to the summit offering amazing views. Many other trails will lead you through the state park. You can find boat launches and picnic sites.

The Arkansas State Capitol was designed after the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. It was built of white marble and granite, The front entrance doors are made of bronze and the cupola is covered in 24-karat gold leaf. Visitors can arrange for a scheduled tour, Highlights here include the Governor’s Reception Room, the Old Supreme Court Chamber and the rotunda. Throughout the building, you’ll find permanent and rotating exhibits. Outside the landscaped grounds have walking paths and commemorative statues.

River Market is a year-round market offering many shops, stalls, and tables selling food items and other products, The market hall is an open-concept building with food stalls, coffee vendors, groceries, and take-out.

The market gives quick access to the scenic Arkansas River Trail is great for both walking and biking. and passes by famous monuments like the Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Presidential Bridge.

Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian and cycle bridge in the U.S. It links more than 20 miles of trails that go along the river and are a connection between Little Rock and North Little Rock. You can walk or cycle along the bridge.

Riverfront Park stretches along the Arkansas River and is one of the favorite meeting spots in the city. The park has many walking trails and playgrounds for children. There are historical memorials and monuments like the Little Rock Civil War Marker and the Riverfront Park History Pavilion. The pavilion includes an Indian Head Statue carved by Peter Toth and represents a tribute to Native Americans.

The Old Mill is a scenic recreation of a grist mill in the 1800s. It is surrounded by landscaped grounds. It is a scenic place to spend the day. You’ll find sculptures by renowned artist Senor Dionicio Rodriguez and these sculptures have put the park on the National Register of Historic Places.

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is housed in the historic Tower Building that is part of the Little Rock Arsenal. The museum displays the military history of the state with artifacts, photos, documents, uniforms, weapons, and other items. This building is one of the oldest in the region and was the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur.

MacArthur Park surrounds the museum with contemplation gardens, veterans memorials and the Arkansas Arts Center.

A fun place to spend the night is the Little Rock Firehouse Hostel and Museum.

The Little Rock Zoo has animals of 200 different species from all over the world. You can see elephants, giraffes, big cats, rhinos, and bears.

The Arkansas Heritage Farm at the zoo offers hands-on interaction with farm animals. There are fish-feeding and lorikeet landing stations.

Wildwood Park is a park for music and the performing arts. It was designed for indoor and outdoor performances. The park also has gardens. At the Butler Arboretum you can see daffodils and native flowering trees, the Gertrude Butler Gazebo has a daylily garden and offers scenic views of Swan Lake. Bruce Garden has native perennials and decorative grasses and the Asian Woodland Garden has a ceremonial tea house and Japanese plants.

The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is by the Arkansas River. It is a naval museum that includes two floating vessels from WW II. One is a tugboat that is recognized as a Historic National Landmark and the other is a USS Razorback Submarine. Guided tours are available.

The North Shore Riverwalk has memorials and a peace garden.

The Museum of Discovery is the oldest museum in the city. It has a collection of more than 14,000 items. There are displays of insects and animals as well as fossils. Many of the galleries are interactive as you learn about science and the natural world.

The River Rail Electric Streetcar is a real authentic streetcar. The system runs for 3.4 miles through the city and crosses the Arkansas River. It was modeled after the original.