The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock has a storied past that belies its standing as small city. It was here where President Clinton celebrated his election victory at the Old State House, with Little Rock now home to the captivating Presidential Library.
35 years before that, the Little Rock Nine became known across America as they attempted to attend school but were blocked, an event that helped spur integration and the Civil Rights Movement.
However, travelers won’t just find enlightening history in Little Rock. They’ll uncover beautiful parks, local mountains, a thriving market scene, and even classic streetcars. While families won’t be found short of things to do in Little Rock as well.
© dreamstime
Before Arkansas’ current state capitol building came to life, the house of government could be found within the Old State House. The breathtaking building is a fine example of Doric architecture and, when complemented by its surrounding grounds, is a sight to behold.
Construction on the Old State House began in the 1830s and was completed a decade later. Now complete with an insightful museum, you can learn about the home’s history which includes a fatal duel between politicians and where Arkansas once voted to leave the United States. The Old State House Museum is also home to several prominent pieces of art and displays showcasing state history and culture.
The River Rail Electric Streetcar follows a 3.4-mile trail through town, across the Arkansas River to North Little Rock. The streetcar features much of the original designs and is a great way to explore Little Rock without having to take a step. Along the way, you’ll pass the River Market District and the Presidential Library.
Little Rock Zoo features four geographical zones from around the world. Within each well-thought-out habitat, you’ll find a range of big cats, playful elephants, and towering giraffes. You’ll also have the opportunity to see huge apes and bears with your own eyes.
For a behind-the-scenes experience, sign up for a tour to learn more about the animals and wildlife conservation. When the legs get tired, jump on the zoo train to make your way around.
Visitors can begin in the museum to learn about local and international maritime history before exploring the museum’s submarine on a guided tour. Get an intricate look into life on board the submarine and how it all works. The USS Razorback is 90% operational and has changed little since it was stationed in Tokyo Bay on the day the Japanese surrendered.
Today, you can explore the center which is home to an interactive museum where you can learn about Heifer’s international movement. You’ll also discover a working farm where alpacas and goats roam along with greenhouses and an aquaponics space. Learn more on a tour or join a program to spend time working on the farm.
The Esse Purse Museum has a central location on South Main Street. The main exhibit is called A Century of Woman and Handbags. Covering the entirety of the 20th century, you can go right back to 1900 and see how the bags have changed over the years and even take a peak into the ever-changing objects found inside. It’s a fascinating exploration of our ever-developing culture.
88 miles will be a journey for most. Those getting about on foot can still walk to the local Riverfront area to enjoy a range of local scenery and attractions. This includes the President Library, the Old State House, and the Medical Mile. You can also hire a bike to complete the amazing journey in a single day.
The highlight of the beautiful architecture is the 24-carat cupola that stresses the dome structure on top of the capitol. The front doors to the state capitol are made of bronze and on the inside, you can explore a number of public areas on a guided tour. These include the Governor’s Reception Rom and the Old Supreme Court Chamber.
35 years before that, the Little Rock Nine became known across America as they attempted to attend school but were blocked, an event that helped spur integration and the Civil Rights Movement.
However, travelers won’t just find enlightening history in Little Rock. They’ll uncover beautiful parks, local mountains, a thriving market scene, and even classic streetcars. While families won’t be found short of things to do in Little Rock as well.
17. Old State House Museum
© dreamstimeBefore Arkansas’ current state capitol building came to life, the house of government could be found within the Old State House. The breathtaking building is a fine example of Doric architecture and, when complemented by its surrounding grounds, is a sight to behold.
Construction on the Old State House began in the 1830s and was completed a decade later. Now complete with an insightful museum, you can learn about the home’s history which includes a fatal duel between politicians and where Arkansas once voted to leave the United States. The Old State House Museum is also home to several prominent pieces of art and displays showcasing state history and culture.
16. River Rail Electric Streetcar
The heyday of the streetcar in Little Rock may have come and gone, but you can still experience the classic form of transportation in the 21st century. Streetcars first appeared in town during the 1870s and ran for almost three-quarters of a century. After lying dormant for many years, they were revitalized in 2004 for our enjoyment.The River Rail Electric Streetcar follows a 3.4-mile trail through town, across the Arkansas River to North Little Rock. The streetcar features much of the original designs and is a great way to explore Little Rock without having to take a step. Along the way, you’ll pass the River Market District and the Presidential Library.
15. Little Rock Zoo
Comprising over 700 animals from more than 200 species, the Little Rock Zoo is the biggest in the state. It has been open since the 1920s and has grown dramatically since starting with a single bear and timber wolf.Little Rock Zoo features four geographical zones from around the world. Within each well-thought-out habitat, you’ll find a range of big cats, playful elephants, and towering giraffes. You’ll also have the opportunity to see huge apes and bears with your own eyes.
For a behind-the-scenes experience, sign up for a tour to learn more about the animals and wildlife conservation. When the legs get tired, jump on the zoo train to make your way around.
14. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Arkansas may be a landlocked state, but its Inland Maritime Museum is well-worth a visit. On and along the Arkansas River, the museum is home to two historic World War II vessels, including the USS Razorback submarine and a tugboat that is a National Historic Landmark.Visitors can begin in the museum to learn about local and international maritime history before exploring the museum’s submarine on a guided tour. Get an intricate look into life on board the submarine and how it all works. The USS Razorback is 90% operational and has changed little since it was stationed in Tokyo Bay on the day the Japanese surrendered.
13. Heifer International Center
In an effort to eliminate world hunger and poverty, the Heifer International Center helps to empower and train farmers. By doing so, they hope to create sustainable economies that work for everyone. Heifer is an international organization, however, its headquarters are here, in Little Rock.Today, you can explore the center which is home to an interactive museum where you can learn about Heifer’s international movement. You’ll also discover a working farm where alpacas and goats roam along with greenhouses and an aquaponics space. Learn more on a tour or join a program to spend time working on the farm.
12. Esse Purse Museum
If you can’t go anywhere without your clutch, then the Esse Purse Museum is a must-see. As the only museum of its kind in the United States, it’s a unique opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of the handbag.The Esse Purse Museum has a central location on South Main Street. The main exhibit is called A Century of Woman and Handbags. Covering the entirety of the 20th century, you can go right back to 1900 and see how the bags have changed over the years and even take a peak into the ever-changing objects found inside. It’s a fascinating exploration of our ever-developing culture.
11. Arkansas River Trail
From the River Market District, travelers can embark on the scenic Arkansas River Trail that runs for 88 miles. The trail will take you through the Riverfront Park, over the Big Dam Bridge into North Little Rock on your way to Maumelle, Conway and back to where you started.88 miles will be a journey for most. Those getting about on foot can still walk to the local Riverfront area to enjoy a range of local scenery and attractions. This includes the President Library, the Old State House, and the Medical Mile. You can also hire a bike to complete the amazing journey in a single day.
10. Arkansas State Capitol
Built over the course of 16 years, the captivating Arkansas State Capitol is made of white marble and limestone. The building is on the site of a former state prison. In fact, inmates helped with the construction of the capitol, which remains the home to Arkanas’ house of government.The highlight of the beautiful architecture is the 24-carat cupola that stresses the dome structure on top of the capitol. The front doors to the state capitol are made of bronze and on the inside, you can explore a number of public areas on a guided tour. These include the Governor’s Reception Rom and the Old Supreme Court Chamber.