Little Rock travel guide
Little Rock Tourism | Little Rock Guide
You're Going to Love Little Rock
The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock is a cultural center and a regional hotspot for the arts, along with serving as a transport and trade hub. You can enjoy striking mountain vistas, go river rafting, and then top the evening with theater and fine dining with classic Southern hospitality.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Little Rock
1. History
Explore the history of Little Rock and the state of Arkansas at the many historically themed attractions, including the Old State House Museum and Arkansas State Capitol buildings.
2. The Riverfront
Explore the pretty waterfront along Riverfront Park, including the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, a splash park for kids, amphitheater, and more.
3. The Great, Green Outdoors
You can walk or cycle from Little Rock to sister city North Little Rock along the Arkansas River Trail, or hike into Pinnacle Mountain State Park to experience some of Arkansas' most beautiful scenery.
4. Outdoor Adventure
From hang gliding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and zip lining, to river rafting, and ski diving, you'll find the adventure you crave in and around Little Rock.
5. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
The city is home to a thriving and award-winning craft brewery and distillery scene, with a few local wineries to sample from as well. The city's restaurant scene is busy and varied, with many locations emphasizing locally grown ingredients.
What to do in Little Rock
1. Little Rock Central High School: Step Into America's Shadow
Little Rock Central High School is infamous for its role in the turbulent days of Civil Rights activism and desegregation, and today it serves as a poignant reminder of America's dark past as well as a beacon of hope for the future. Listed as a National Historic Site, the high school can be visited if you schedule a tour with a National Park Ranger. These knowledgeable professionals are happy to take visitors inside the high school during summer months.
2. Arkansas State Capitol: Want to Know What They're Doing with the Taxpayer Money?
The Arkansas State Capitol is one of the most imposing and monumental buildings in Little Rock. Visit, and you can see the inside. Within the capitol building is the Treasury Department, where you can hold 1/2 million dollars of taxpayer money and have your picture taken. If you're intrigued, helpful staff members are happy to direct you towards a guided tour, which is the best way to learn about the buildings history, as well as the state's. If you're lucky enough to visit in spring, you'll be able to take in the sight of the blooming Magnolia trees which surround the building with purple and pink blossoms each March.
3. Old State House Museum: Dive into Arkansas' History
Situated within the original Arkansas Capitol, the Old State House Museum is the best place to go if you'd like to learn about the state's history. The state house is the place where Arkansas became a member of the United States and where two legislators got into a fatal knife fight - not your typical museum. Visit and you'll learn all there is to know about Arkansas.
4. William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum: "I Did Not.Visit.That.Museum..."
No matter what your politics are, you'll enjoy a visit to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum. With a permanent exhibit detailing the president's record in office, and temporary exhibits that range from interactive kid-friendly science to history, there's plenty for all ages to explore. The vaults of the museum include over 10,000 items that were gifted to the president during his time in office, and sneak peaks are granted to guests. The building itself is also an attraction; modern and LEED-certified, it's much different than Little Rock's government buildings.
5. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History: Discover Arkansas' Military Heritage
This free museum houses artefacts, photographs, weapons, uniforms and other memorabilia that bring Arkansas' storied military history to life. Located in the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, this museum is the place to go for a definitive look at the general's life and combat history. It also houses exhibits on hundreds of years of military engagements in which Arkansas soldiers had a part to play. It's large enough to spend several hours in if you like history.
1. Little Rock Central High School: Step Into America's Shadow
Little Rock Central High School is infamous for its role in the turbulent days of Civil Rights activism and desegregation, and today it serves as a poignant reminder of America's dark past as well as a beacon of hope for the future. Listed as a National Historic Site, the high school can be visited if you schedule a tour with a National Park Ranger. These knowledgeable professionals are happy to take visitors inside the high school during summer months.
2. Arkansas State Capitol: Want to Know What They're Doing with the Taxpayer Money?
The Arkansas State Capitol is one of the most imposing and monumental buildings in Little Rock. Visit, and you can see the inside. Within the capitol building is the Treasury Department, where you can hold 1/2 million dollars of taxpayer money and have your picture taken. If you're intrigued, helpful staff members are happy to direct you towards a guided tour, which is the best way to learn about the buildings history, as well as the state's. If you're lucky enough to visit in spring, you'll be able to take in the sight of the blooming Magnolia trees which surround the building with purple and pink blossoms each March.
3. Old State House Museum: Dive into Arkansas' History
Situated within the original Arkansas Capitol, the Old State House Museum is the best place to go if you'd like to learn about the state's history. The state house is the place where Arkansas became a member of the United States and where two legislators got into a fatal knife fight - not your typical museum. Visit and you'll learn all there is to know about Arkansas.
4. William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum: "I Did Not.Visit.That.Museum..."
No matter what your politics are, you'll enjoy a visit to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum. With a permanent exhibit detailing the president's record in office, and temporary exhibits that range from interactive kid-friendly science to history, there's plenty for all ages to explore. The vaults of the museum include over 10,000 items that were gifted to the president during his time in office, and sneak peaks are granted to guests. The building itself is also an attraction; modern and LEED-certified, it's much different than Little Rock's government buildings.
5. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History: Discover Arkansas' Military Heritage
This free museum houses artefacts, photographs, weapons, uniforms and other memorabilia that bring Arkansas' storied military history to life. Located in the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, this museum is the place to go for a definitive look at the general's life and combat history. It also houses exhibits on hundreds of years of military engagements in which Arkansas soldiers had a part to play. It's large enough to spend several hours in if you like history.
1. Little Rock Central High School: Step Into America's Shadow
Little Rock Central High School is infamous for its role in the turbulent days of Civil Rights activism and desegregation, and today it serves as a poignant reminder of America's dark past as well as a beacon of hope for the future. Listed as a National Historic Site, the high school can be visited if you schedule a tour with a National Park Ranger. These knowledgeable professionals are happy to take visitors inside the high school during summer months.
2. Arkansas State Capitol: Want to Know What They're Doing with the Taxpayer Money?
The Arkansas State Capitol is one of the most imposing and monumental buildings in Little Rock. Visit, and you can see the inside. Within the capitol building is the Treasury Department, where you can hold 1/2 million dollars of taxpayer money and have your picture taken. If you're intrigued, helpful staff members are happy to direct you towards a guided tour, which is the best way to learn about the buildings history, as well as the state's. If you're lucky enough to visit in spring, you'll be able to take in the sight of the blooming Magnolia trees which surround the building with purple and pink blossoms each March.
3. Old State House Museum: Dive into Arkansas' History
Situated within the original Arkansas Capitol, the Old State House Museum is the best place to go if you'd like to learn about the state's history. The state house is the place where Arkansas became a member of the United States and where two legislators got into a fatal knife fight - not your typical museum. Visit and you'll learn all there is to know about Arkansas.
Where to Eat in Little Rock
The Brave New Restaurant offers a wide ranging menu of steaks and other grilled fare, along with classic American cuisine, with mains that start at $20. Enjoy German, Czech, and other European favorites at the Pantry starting at $20.
When to visit Little Rock
With summer temperatures that can top 90 degrees, and winters where it plunges below freezing, many visitors opt to come to the city in the more temperate spring and summer to catch the blossoms or fall colors.
How to Get to Little Rock
Plane
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) lies about three miles east of the city center. Bus route #12 makes the trip through the downtown area for $1.35.
Train
Little Rock station is situated along the Amtrak Texas Eagle route, with connections northeast to Chicago and west as far as Los Angeles.
Car
There are easy highway connections from Little Rock to Memphis, Tennessee, through to Fort Smith, Texas along highway 40, and Texarkana, Texas along highway 30.
Bus
Greyhound buses offer connections from and to Little Rock from as far as Chicago and New York City.
Airlines serving Little Rock
Where to stay in Little Rock
Capitol View/Stifft's Station - this older area in the western part of the city is where you will find the capital buildings and many other period structures.
Popular Neighborhoods in Little Rock
The Heights and Hillcrest - this charming upscale neighborhood has a busy restaurant and shopping scene along Kavanaugh Boulevard.
Quapaw Quarter - this is the city's oldest area, incorporating many historic districts with charming 19th-century architecture along East Capitol Avenue, Main Street, and South Broadway.
Where to stay in popular areas of Little Rock
Most booked hotels in Little Rock
How to Get Around Little Rock
Public Transportation
Public transit is offered by Rock Region Metro, with fares that start at $1.35 and connections through North Little Rock, Jacksonville, and beyond. A 10-ride card costs $11.50.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful through the city and can be called by your hotel concierge. Fares start at $5, adding $1.24 for each 0.6 mile.
Car
A car rental is an excellent option for exploring the area around the city, with rentals starting at $35 per day.
The Cost of Living in Little Rock
Shopping Streets
You'll find a busy retail district along President Clinton Avenue as well as along the River Market area downtown. Shopping malls are located between highways 30 and 630 in the eastern part of the city.
Groceries and Other
City Market, Kroger, and the Fresh Market are three of the many supermarkets in the city where you can expect well-stocked shelves and reasonable prices. A quart of milk costs about $1 and a dozen eggs $2.60.