Little Rock

Arkansas's capital city, Little Rock began on the Arkansas River and years later it's still the place to be with the bustling River Market District  featuring restaurants, shops, bars, museums and hotels. Focal points in the area are the Clinton Presidential Center & Park,  neighboring world headquarters of Heifer International with its Heifer Village, and the Central Arkansas Nature Center.  All three properties are "green" buildings and offer special tours. Right in the vicinity you'll find the Museum of Discovery, an interactive playground for both young and old. You can also visit the Little Rock Visitor's Center at Curran Hall and learn more.

Don’t miss La Petite Roche Plaza in Riverfront Park on the Arkansas River. The capital city’s namesake – the little rock – is now the center of this beautiful area with interpretive plaques and innovative landscaping.The story of the "little rock" -- Benard de le Harpe, who is believed to have traveled about 50 miles above the present sites of Little Rock and North Little Rock, described the area when writing about his journey.  He noted a landmark on the north bank of the Arkansas River, which he referred to as the "French Rock" (now known as "big rock"). The first outcropping of rock along the riverbanks above its mouth on the south bank came to be known as the La Petite Roche -- "Little Rock." 

The arts flourish in Little Rock, Arkansas with the Arkansas Arts Center, housing one of the most-acclaimed collections of works on paper in the country. Fine and casual dining are abundant, as are performing arts opportunities.

Like history? You won’t be disappointed. In addition to the Clinton Presidential Center, some of the other historic sites include Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Historic Arkansas Museum, Old State House Museum, Mount Holly and MacArthur Museum of Military History. Black history is explored at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and EMOBA, along with the Central High School Museum. A good way to get an overview of Little Rock, AR and its major attractions is onboard a Little Rock Tours state-of-the-art bus. The tours, which depart daily from the River Market District, feature knowledgeable guides and relevant Hollywood and news clips shows on screens throughout the bus.

Little Rock’s position in the center of the state also puts in on such historic trails as the Butterfield Overland Trail, the Southwest Trail, the Trail of Tears, and the Little Rock Campaign of the Civil War. These are part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.

Outdoor lovers won't be disappointed either with numerous city parks offering running/walking trails, fishing, ball fields and picnic areas. Just to the west of town is Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a day-use facility which offers a birds-eye view of the city from its summit. Overlooks at the park provide views of the water portion of the Trail of Tears route.

Interested in the nightlife in Little Rock, AR?