Attractions in Central Arkansas

Argenta Historic District

Galleries, restaurants, Riverside RV Park, Verizon Arena, Dickey Stephens Ballpark and bars highlight the North Little Rock downtown Historic District. On the River Rail Trolley route; 501-786-2324 http://argentadc.org/

Arkansas Arts Center

Located in Little Rock's historic MacArthur Park, the Arts Center is a first-class facility with an internationally recognized collection of drawings with works dating from the Renaissance to the present. It is also the home of top-notch art exhibitions spread throughout seven galleries. A casually elegant restaurant -- Best Impressions -- and a museum gift shop are on site. A multimillion-dollar renovation several years ago expanded the center to include the Arkansas Museum of Art (the galleries); the Museum School; State Services (traveling exhibitions); and the popular Children’s Theatre. MacArthur Park, 9th & Commerce. 501-372-4000; www.arkarts.com

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Features the historic USS Razorback submarine (tours available), with the World War II tugboat USS Hoga to be added in the future. The museum also includes the USS Snook Memorial, and will be the site of the Beacon of Peace and Hope sculpture. North Little Rock. 120 Riverfront Park Drive. 501-371-8320. http://aimm.museum/

Arkansas Museum of Discovery (AMOD)

Renovations begin in January with the museum remaining open until spring 2011 when it closes for interior work. This popular gathering place for children and families remains closed the remainder of the year with grand reopening planned for early 2012. Located in Little Rock’s River Market District. 500 President Clinton Avenue. 501-396-7050. www.museumofdiscovery.org/

The Arkansas Queen

Riverboat cruises that sail from the North Shore Maritime Center, located next to the USS Razorback, on the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. It offers sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, dinner/dance cruises and special occasion cruise. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner cruises. 501-372-5777; www.arkansasqueen.com

Arkansas Repertory Theatre

The Rep, as it is affectionately called, has gained a national reputation as one of the finest repertory theaters in the country. Contemporary comedies, cutting-edge dramas, musical theater and literary classics are presented by the group. Since its creation in 1976, The Rep has produced more than 230 productions including 30 world premieres. Located in downtown Little Rock, the company mounts productions in its 354-seat MainStage Theater, a venue for the Rep's more stylistically traditional work. The company's SecondStage, a 100-seat black box space, reflects The Rep's interest in the works of emerging playwrights and offers newer and lesser-known works in a more developmental context. 

Arkansas River

Flowing between two of Arkansas' largest cities is one of the best fisheries in the state. The Arkansas is loaded with game fish, including largemouth bass and catfish. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there are numerous public use areas including campgrounds, boat ramps and fishing areas along its length through the state. Maumelle Park, the only public campground in Little Rock, is a Corps of Engineers facility on the river that features a fishing pier, playground, showers, 129 camping spaces with water and electricity, a boat ramp and a day-use picnic area. 

Arkansas River Trail

Over 17 miles of trail have been completed and when finished, the 24-mile trail system will go from downtown Little Rock to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and from downtown North Little Rock to Cook’s Landing on the Arkansas River. A 14-mile loop has been created by connecting the Big Dam Bridge in West Little Rock to the downtown Junction Bridge.

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

Displays memorabilia chronicling sports legends from Arkansas. Exhibits highlight the three major sports – football, baseball and basketball – plus golf, tennis, the Olympics and more. The highly interactive exhibits are designed to appeal to youth. One unique area is the Pat Summerall Broadcast Booth, which allows museum-goers to view a tape, then pop on a headset, record their own play-by-play calls and then take the tape home. Past inductees include such notables as Pat Summerall, Steve Atwater and Cliff Harris (football); Brooks Robinson, George Kell and Bill Dickey (baseball); Pat Day and Larry Snyder (horseracing); Mike Conley and Clyde Scott (track and field); Mark Martin (NASCAR) and Joe Kleine and Reece ‘Goose’ Tatum (basketball). Located inside North Little Rock’s Verizon Arena, bordered with displays and anchored by a 100-seat theater where a film of the history of sports in Arkansas is shown. 

Arkansas State Capitol

A striking Neoclassical building in downtown Little Rock, the capitol was completed in 1915 and modeled after the United States Capitol. It has two long wings extending from a center rotunda and a classical portico across the long façade. The exterior is constructed of limestone from a quarry in Batesville, Arkansas, and the interior features Vermont, Alabama and Colorado marble. The six solid bronze doors, purchased from Tiffany's of New York at a cost of $10,000, are now estimated to be worth more than $250,000. A recent restoration of the front walk and gardens returned the area to its original design. 

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO)

The ASO performs more than 30 concerts at Little Rock's Robinson Center Music Hall annually and at numerous special events. A variety of performers and music types are featured in the Masterworks Series, the Pops Live! Series and the Chamber Music Series. The ASO Youth Orchestras provide opportunities for young musicians of Arkansas. Nationally known guest artists that have performed with the orchestra include Itzhak Perlman, Van Cliburn, Marilyn Horne, Bernadette Peters, Maya Angelou, Doc Severinsen, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton and Olivia Newton-John. 

Bayou Meto Urban Canoe Trail

The shaded waterway provides canoers and kayakers a view not seen from any other location, including large cypress trees, beaver dams, and a profusion of wildlife. Ramps are located at Dupree Park and at Reed's Bridge Memorial site.

The Big Dam Bridge

The longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge built specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists and the second longest in the United States, the over $9 million project connects 17 miles of trails on the Little Rock and North Little Rock sides of the Arkansas River. It is 14-feet wide, rises nearly seven stories above the river and will in the future connect with 7,000 acres of city, county, state and federal park land. 

Burns Park

One of the nation's larger municipal parks, North Little Rock's Burns Park covers 1,575 acres and is one of the most diverse parks in the state. It was acquired by the city of North Little Rock with two grants from the federal government. The park’s features include family picnic areas, 15 pavilions, playgrounds, an amusement park with children rides, miniature golf, batting cages, boat launching ramp, disc golf, two bocce courts, hiking and walking trails, a BMX bike track, an RV park and camping area, and a softball, baseball and soccer complex.

Cadron Settlement Park

One of the most historic spots on the Arkansas River. Facilities include the Blockhouse restoration, a boat launching ramp, hiking trails, restrooms, picnic areas, pavilion, handicapped trails and parking areas, historical mural of this pioneer settlement, markers and interpretive signs. The location, a part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails Registry, was a stop on both the Trail of Tears and the Butterfield Overland Mail Route Trail.

Certified Arkansas Farmers Market

Situated in the Argenta Historic District in downtown North Little Rock, the open-air market features some of the state’s top local farmers selling all types of produce, meats, poultry, eggs and plants. Every item sold has been grown by a certified Arkansas producer; located on the River Rail Trolley route. 

Central Arkansas Nature Center

Located on 3.4 acres in Little Rock within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park overlooking the Arkansas River. Exhibits highlight the role of fish and wildlife management and many of the projects conducted throughout the history of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The location along the Arkansas River provides many watchable wildlife activities within an urban area, including basking water turtles, butterflies and migrating pelicans. A portion of the Arkansas River Trail crosses the grounds offering more options for exploration. Beds of native plants found throughout the state are a major part of the landscaping, while the main building includes an exhibit hall, aquariums, gift shop, theater and special educational programs. 

Clinton Presidential Center and Park

America's 12th Presidential Library is situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in the River Market District of downtown Little Rock. The library, which is located in a 28-acre city park, contains the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history and includes an authentic replica of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Forty Two, which gets its name from Clinton’s place in the line of U. S, presidents, is a full-service restaurant that offers an eclectic menu. The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service is also located within the park in the renovated 1899 Choctaw Train Station.

Curran Hall Visitor Information Center

The historic Walters-Curran-Bell House (or Curran Hall), built in 1842-43, is one of the oldest residential structures in Little Rock. The restored antebellum Greek Revival home serves as the city’s visitor information center, the Mayor’s Reception Hall and headquarters of the Quapaw Quarter Association. The Historic Arkansas Gardens, a project of the Pulaski County Master Gardeners, features native and heritage plants common to the period and locale. 

Dickey-Stephens Park

The park serves as the state-of-the-art home for the AA minor league Arkansas Travelers baseball team, a farm team for the Los Angeles Angels. It seats 5,500 and has four concession areas in the general concourse and another in right field behind the grass berm where fans can sit on blankets to watch a game. A tradition from the historic Ray Winder field, the wooden “bleacher bum” section, is now behind the first baseline and consists of aluminum bleachers. It’s located next to a draft beer garden. The park is named for the Stephens family who donated the land for the park and Arkansas natives Bill Dickey, Baseball Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees and catcher George “Skeeter” Dickey who played for the Travelers, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox.

Gann Museum of Saline County

Originally the medical office of Dr. Dewell Gann., Sr., the building is the only known structure in the world built of Bauxite. Among the exhibits is one of Niloak pottery, which was originally developed in Benton and shipped worldwide. Other exhibits include Quapaw and Caddo Indian artifacts, an area devoted to the aluminum era of Saline County, and a section devoted to the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. 218 S. Market, 501-778-5513.

Heifer Village and Heifer International

The village uses interactive exhibits and engaging educational programming to introduce visitors to Heifer International’s innovative work of providing livestock and training to families worldwide and focusing on sustainable, practical and cost-effective solutions to hunger and poverty. Half-hour tours of the headquarters showcase Heifer’s dedication to sustainability, its mission to end world hunger and its commitment to responsible use of resources. 1 World Ave. 501-907-2600. Heifer.org

Hindman Park Urban Canoe Trail

New urban canoe launch sites replace informal launch areas and provide paddlers easier access to the 20-mile creek; expand access to Fourche Creek and other city parks and trails. #60 Brookview. 501-565-6450

Historic Arkansas Museum

A historic site museum of Arkansas' frontier days, the enclave includes five pre-Civil War houses that have been restored to antebellum appearances: the Hinderliter Grog Shop, the oldest standing building in Little Rock (c. 1827); the Brownlee House (c. 1848); the Woodruff Print Shop (c. 1824); the McVicar House (c. 1848); and the Plum Bayou Log House (c. 1830s). During guided tours of the historic houses, visitors will encounter actors portraying original residents. The center’s museum is the largest such history facility in the state and features an outstanding collection of Arkansas-made decorative, mechanical and fine arts objects, one of the country’s best Bowie Knife collections, plus a living history theater and educational areas. The compound has been honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the most significant museum villages in the nation and has been called a "little Williamsburg" by travel writers. Recent additions include the several replicas of buildings added to the Plum Bayou Log House, re-creating a pioneer homestead. A smokehouse, slave quarters, a barn, and a privy supplement the cabin, which is an authentic 1830s structure. Native Arkansas plants and period landscaping are also a part of the project. Improvements to other museum historic structures include the addition of a kitchen building and appropriate landscaping at the Brownlee House to better interpret a 19th-century yard. 200 East Third Street. 501-324-9351; www.historicarkansas.org/

Jacksonville Military History Museum

Explores both battlefield and home front, with exhibits on Civil War Battle of Reed’s Bridge, WWII-era Arkansas Ordinance Plant, 3-D Desert Storm outpost; interactive Titan II Missile Launch Control exhibit; collection of over 350 original WWII posters; the Mighty-Mite, smallest jeep ever produced. 100 Veterans Circle Jacksonville Arkansas. 501-241-1943.

Junction Bridge

Constructed in 1884 as the primary railroad bridge connecting the northern and southern railway lines, the structure is now pedestrian and bicycle bridge joining downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock; believed to be the only converted "lift span" bridge in the U. S. Elevators provide access to the entire lift span which includes benches and other amenities. 200 Ottenheimer Plaza; 501-374-3001; http://co.pulaski.ar.us/junctionbridge.shtml

La Petit Roche Plaza

New and improved area in Riverfront Park that surrounds the Capital City’s namesake – the little rock; additions include an accessible walking bridge connecting the park and the Junction Bridge plus a plaza with interpretive graphics explaining the significance of “la petit roche.” Rock Street. 501-371-4770. www.littlerock.org/parksrecreation/

Lake Maumelle

Little Rock's main water supply (no swimming allowed), Maumelle is also a popular boating and fishing lake. Sailing is a top sport here with regattas held on a regular basis. Several marinas call the lake home as does the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club. The lake, dammed in 1957, covers an area of 14 square miles and has a 70-mile shoreline. Bass is the main fishing lure here with white, black and hybrid striped being popular catches. Kentucky bass, crappie, bream and catfish are other species found in the lake. Ark. 10 west of Little Rock. 501-329-2986.

Little Rock Central High Museum and Visitors Center

The current center opened Sept. 24, 2007 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1957 desegregation crisis. Features 3,000-sqare-feet of permanent exhibits covering the 1957 events that took place at Central High School and its role in the greater civil rights movements in the U. S; audio/visual and interactive programs; bookstore. The former visitor center, a restored Mobil Service Station, is now used for special programs. 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. 501-374-1957. www.nps.gov/chsc

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

A major U.S. civil rights landmark, this National Historic Site is still a working school. Arkansas’ first African-American students -- “the Little Rock Nine” -- were admitted here in 1957 following a confrontation between Governor Orval Faubus, who used the state's National Guard to block desegregation, and President Eisenhower, who sent federal troops to enforce it. Commemorative Garden (sculpture surrounded by a landscaped garden) also on site. Guided tours of the school (by reservation only) during the school year Mon., Wed., Fri. 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. www.nps.gov/chsc/index.htm. 501-374-1957.

Little Rock Nine Memorial

Nine life-sized bronze statues pays homage to the nine Little Rock students -- Melba Pattillo, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Gloria Ray, Carlotta Walls, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Minnijean Brown and Thelma Mothershed -- who overcame major obstacles to integrate Little Rock Central High School (now a national historic site) in 1957. Located on the State Capitol grounds. Woodlane and Capitol Avenue. 501-682-5080; www.sosweb.state.ar.us

Little Rock Zoo

The restored historic Spillman Engineering Over the Jumps Carousel, an expanded gift shop, Lorikeet Landing interactive exhibit where guests can feed the birds a cup of nectar, comprise the entry complex. Historic Works Projects Administration “big cat” house is now Café Africa, a full-service restaurant. Over 750 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians housed in nationally accredited facility; petting zoo; miniature train rides. One Jonesboro Dr., War Memorial Park. 501-666-2406. www.littlerockzoo.com.

Lorance Creek Natural Area

Developed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, this natural area is primarily a deep swamp spreading along both sides of Lorance Creek. The entire system is a diverse mosaic of open water, bald cypress-water tupelo, beaver ponds and sandy washes overlain with groves of swamp blackgum. A handicapped accessible trail and boardwalk provide visitors with an opportunity to explore and learn more about this special area. The paved trail winds through a mixed pine and hardwood forest into a bald cypress-water tupelo swamp. Interpretive panels line the trail and boardwalk, illustrating the value and functions of wetlands, natural divisions of Arkansas, and plant and animal life of forested wetlands. Located on Bingham Road off Interstate 530 (Exit 9) in southern Pulaski County. 501-324-9619; www.naturalheritage.org

Lower White River Museum State Park

State-of-the-art exhibits telling the story of the lower White River region explain the importance of this area of the state. Life-sized figures of Captain James C. McManus, Miss Sallie Davis, a schoolteacher from Memphis, surveyor John Garrison and Henry, a slave, are highlights. They introduce themselves to visitors via audio using dialog taken from oral history records and slave narratives. The rest of the exhibit space depicts eight areas of importance to the territory during its frontier days: agriculture, Civil War, pearling and button-making, timber, education, fishing and hunting, medicine and riverboats. Exhibits and text explain how each of these topics helped mold the Des Arc and lower White River region. 2009 West Main Street, Des Arc. (870) 256-3711. www.historystateparks.com/

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

The museum is located in the historic tower building of Little Rock's Old Arsenal, a National Historic Landmark and the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur (1880). The building now houses a museum of Arkansas' military heritage from its territorial days to the present. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that portray Arkansas' military history. 503 East 9th. 501-376-4602; www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

Morris Antiques

One of the largest antique showrooms in the mid-South is found in the tiny community of Keo in central Arkansas. Morris features more than 60,000 square feet of quality pieces from America and Europe. Eight massive buildings house everything from fountains, paintings and bronzes to a French prayer bench and numerous dining room and bedroom sets. French and English wardrobes, etageres, mantels, hall trees, sideboards and light fixtures dating from the 1750s to the 1940s are just some of the treasures here. 306 Ark. 232 West. 501-842-3531; www.morrisantiques.com

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

Mosaic Templars of America was founded in Little Rock in 1882 as a fraternal organization by John E. Bush and Chester W. Keatts. The reconstructed museum collects, preserves, interprets and celebrates Arkansas' African-American culture and community from 1870 to the present. It also informs and educates the public using interactive exhibits about Black achievement, especially in business, politics and the arts. 501 W. Ninth St. 501-683-3593. http://mosaictemplarscenter.com/

The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park

An authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill, this striking structure appears in the opening scene of the classic 1933 film Gone with the Wind and is believed to be the only building remaining from the film. Also known as Pugh's Mill, it was built in 1933 by North Little Rock developer Justin Matthews. He had the structure designed to look old so it would appear as if it was built the 1800s. The park is decorated with sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps, and a tree branch-entwined bridge that connects the mill to the rest of the park. Senor Dionico Rodriguez, a sculptor and artist of Mexico City, was responsible for all the details of each piece of concrete work made to represent wood, iron or stone, as well as the designing of the foot bridges and rustic seats. In 1991, Rodriguez's work at the Old Mill was renovated by his grandson, Carlos Cortes. The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and tour guides are available by appointment for groups. McCain Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive. 501-758-1424. www.northlittlerock.travel

Old State House Museum

Set in the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House Museum has been designated a National Historic Landmark, though it is probably best known throughout the country as the scene of President Clinton's 1992 and 1996 election night celebrations. This magnificent Greek Revival structure houses a multimedia museum of Arkansas history, with a special emphasis on women's history, political history, and historical programming for school children. The Little Rock museum also boasts nationally recognized collections of Civil War battle flags, the inaugural gowns of governors' wives, Arkansas art pottery, and African-American quilts. 300 West Markham. 501-324-9685, www.oldstatehouse.com

Over The Jumps Carousel

The restored historic Spillman Engineering "Over the Jumps Carousel” is the focal point of the Little Rock Zoo’s entry complex. Unlike most carousels where the horses move up and down, Over the Jumps features an undulating track, the only one remaining of the original four produced during the 1920s. The 40 prancing ponies are meticulously restored as are the four chariots. The turn-of-the-19th-century architectural design center also has a gift shop. One Jonesboro Drive. 501-666-2406; www.littlerockzoo.com

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Diverse park that equally address recreation, environmental education and conservation; activities include festivals, exhibits, picnic sites, pavilions, launching ramps, hiking trails, the Arkansas Arboretum, canoe rentals and floats, barge tours, paddle boats, technical rock climbing, fishing, hayrides, star parties. The visitor center overlooking the Arkansas River includes a meeting room and a gift shop. 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road. 501-868-5806; www.ArkansasStateParks.com

Plantation Agriculture Museum

Interprets cotton agriculture in Arkansas from statehood in 1836 through World War II, when agricultural practices quickly became mechanized; restored 1920s cotton gin depicts how cotton was grown, picked and processed; new exhibit is a cotton wagon with harnessed mules (full size), located under the weigh scale shed in front of the cotton gin building. The one-of-a-kind structure includes equipment from the original owner’s early 1900s cotton gin and is built where visitors can view the full-sized gin from every angle. The gin includes two Munger gin stands, a rotating two-bale press, a Fairbanks engine and a line shaft pulley system. U.S. 165 & Ark. 161 in Scott. 501-961-1409; www.historystateparks.com

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Formerly Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, this unique mound complex was the cultural center of the Plum Bayou people, who interacted with the environment and each other much as is done today. Site of Native American celebration ceremonies including storytelling by the elders, games, dances and feasts; all of which took place at what is now a National Historic Landmark, the state’s tallest mound; visitor center, pavilion, museum, guided tours, special events. 490 Toltec Mounds Road off U.S. 165. 501-961-9442. www.historystateparks.com.

Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary, located near Greenbrier, is a non-profit home for any elephant that needs one regardless of species, gender or disposition. Established by Scott and Heidi Riddle, it is the only internationally recognized sanctuary and it currently houses Asian and African elephants. Elephant care and management are taught at this haven in the peaceful Arkansas countryside. Programs include Elephant Experience Weekends and an annual International School for Elephant Management. Visitors Day, held the first Saturday of each month, provides an opportunity for the public to visit the elephants between 11a.m. and 3 p.m. Donations help support the care of the elephants at the sanctuary. Major goals of the sanctuary include the care of the resident elephant herd, but also elephant conservation in general, helping ensure the long-term survival of these endangered species. Ark. 25 off U.S. 65 North. 501-589-3291; www.elephantsanctuary.org

River Market District/Riverfront Park

This area of downtown Little Rock is filled with restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, the main library, bars and seasonal farmers market. Loft apartments, a luxury hotel top the list of continuing development in the area, with more planned. The Ottenheimer Market Hall has more than 17 permanent merchants who offer a growing list of market specialties year-round. From right-from-the-oven pastries, hand-roasted coffee, succulent barbecue to fresh cut flowers and gourmet foods, there is a wide selection of groceries at the River Market. President Clinton Ave. Little Rock. 501-375-2552; www.rivermarket.info.

The River Market District is bordered by Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River to the north. The park stretches 11 blocks and provides large areas for outdoor events, leisure activities and a glimpse of the state’s history. Riverfront Park is home to many exciting concerts at the Riverfest Amphitheatre, which has 1,375 reserved seats and 9,125 lawn seats, permanent restrooms, dressing rooms for entertainers, and enhanced walkways. Five additional blocks to the east encompass the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. LaHarpe Boulevard. 501-371-4510; www.accesslittlerock.org.

River Rail Project

The downtown areas of Little Rock and North Little Rock are now linked by these replicas of vintage trolleys. Attractions being serviced include Verizon Arena, the Statehouse Convention Center, the River Market, hotels, restaurants, the Historic Arkansas and Discovery Museums, Robinson Center Music Hall and Riverfront Park and Amphitheater. Phase two connects the route to the Clinton Presidential Center and Heifer International Global Headquarters. 501-375-6717.

Scott Plantation Settlement

Depicts a typical Arkansas plantation; includes a hand-hewn cypress corncrib, an 1840s log cabin, a wash house, several tenant houses and a blacksmith shop. Call for hours of operation. Toward the front of the settlement is a Civil War Marker explaining the Battle of Ashley's Mills, part of the campaign conducted by Union General Frederick Steele that led to the fall of Little Rock in 1863. Alexander Road off U.S. 165, Scott. 501-351-5737. http://www.scottconnections.org/.

Shoppach House Historic Park

Centerpiece is the Shoppach House, the oldest standing structure in town, built in 1853; also on the grounds are Pilgrims Rest Church which has its origins in the 1860s-1880s, the DeTonti Post Office, built in 1940, which serves as an excellent example of a small rural post office in mid-twentieth century Arkansas; and the covered well. Benton. 503 N. Main Street. 501-315-3801.

USS Razorback

The 311-foot submarine was present in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the Peace Treaty ending World War II. Named after the whale, not the U of A sports mascot, it is the only vessel to have earned battle ribbons in World War II and Vietnam. After being decommissioned, the sub was sold to Turkey where it served for 30 years at the Murat Rels. The sub is available for birthday parties and overnight group stays. Obtained by North Little Rock, the sub complements the city’s military history found at Camp Robinson and Camp Pike. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. 501-758-1424. http://aimm.museum/

Verizon Arena

A state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility located on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. The arena seats 18,000 for basketball and has hosted such special events as the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Champions on Ice Figure Skating exhibition, the Southeastern Conference Regional Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments and concerts by such major entertainers as Alan Jackson, Neil Diamond, Janet Jackson, The Gaithers, Cher, N' Sync and Hannah Montana. 501-340-5660 or 501-975-9000; www.verizonarena.com/

Wattensaw Bayou Water Trail

An Arkansas Water Trail; three sections of 7.8 miles, 3.5 miles and 4.3 miles; offers views of habitat diversity. Hazen. 501-225-8544.

Wildwood Park

Center for the arts that challenges, engages, and celebrates the human spirit through encounters with nature and cultural arts: visual, performing, literary, horticultural, culinary and more; Botanical Garden and 625-seat Cabe Theatre available for weddings, special events. 20919 Denny Road. 501-821-7275. www.wildwoodpark.org.