Things to do in North Little Rock
North Little Rock has a great mix of attractions, indoor and outdoor activities that are family-friendly, and nightlife. If you’re a first-time visitor to North Little Rock, stop by the North Little Rock Welcome Center at 600 Main Street. Shop local products, find free maps and information, and learn more about the city. It’s also a great place to hop on a Rock Region METRO streetcar for a free tour of downtown North Little Rock.
Located on the north shore of the Arkansas River, North Little Rock has a growing number of down-by-the-river attractions including the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, Dickey-Stephens Park, the North Shore River Walk and the METRO Streetcar. Nearby Simmons Bank Arena hosts concerts by major entertainers and other special events. The downtown Argenta Historic District is also booming with restaurants and shops. New developments are offering both housing and entertainment options downtown. Don't miss the Argenta Drug Store on Main Street. Built in 1887, it is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy west of the Mississippi.
In addition to downtown, the area which encircles the McCain Boulevard exit off the interstate provides a shopping mecca for visitors and residents alike. Central Arkansas' largest mall, McCain Mall, and numerous others such as Lakewood Village provide one-stop shopping. There is also a variety of antique malls scattered throughout town.
A “must see” attraction in North Little Rock is the Old Mill, an authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill which appears in the opening scene of the 1939 classic movie, "Gone with the Wind." It is located in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, at the corner of Fairway Avenue and Lakeshore Drive. The Arkansas National Guard Museum is devoted to the history of the Arkansas National Guard and Camp Robinson.
The city is rapidly gaining a national reputation as a sports center. Burns Park, covering more than 1,700 acres, has miles of trails, disc golf courses, several playgrounds, including the accessible One Heart Playground, and the seasonal Funland Amusement Park.
The North Shore Riverwalk is a lighted walkway and jogging/fitness trail running parallel to the Arkansas River. Interpretive panels found along the Arkansas River Trail commemorate the Cherokee Trail of Tears and similar forced migrations by the other Five Civilized Tribes. The Trail of Tears route is a part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System
In town you can also enjoy a hike at Emerald Park. For an easy, paved walk, start at the top from Scenic Drive to reach views of the cliffs and Arkansas River. For more of a challenge, start at the bottom of the trail at Big Rock Quarry. You can also experience the Arkansas River with a guided adventure via Rock Town River Outfitters. Kayak tours are perfect for both experienced paddlers and first-timers.
The city has a great range of historic attractions including the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. The museum is located on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock and there you’ll find an unusual sight: a World War II submarine and tugboat. The two Naval vessels bookend U.S. involvement in World War II: the tugboat fought fires in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack, and the submarine was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender of Japan. Both are available for public tours, and a museum topside includes Naval artifacts.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Joseph Center of Arkansas is an agritourism destination that hones in on family fun and the experience of farm life and city living. The beautiful 56,000 square-foot former orphanage and 63 acres of land is a place to learn about sustainable farming and sells Arkansas products through its seasonal farm stand.
