Location: Little Rock
Top Things to do in Little Rock
Top 10 Free Things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR)
The Clintons may have put Little Rock on the map, but this charming and historic capital city offers plenty of reasons to keep it there. The Central High Museum tells the painful, powerful story of the city's racial struggles. Political buffs and Clinton fans will want to check out the State Capitol. Shoppers can spend hours at the River Market, a collection of tasty eateries and eclectic stores. Kids will be more than wowed by attractions such as the Children's Museum, the Museum of Discovery and the Zoo, famous for its eye-popping ape exhibit. Stay at a charming historic abode, an inviting bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel. Eat at fabulous restaurants and enjoy exciting nightlife. Little Rock has all the ingredients of a perfect weekend getaway.
Restaurants in Little Rock
1. Little Rock Visitor Information Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Conveniently located in downtown Little Rock, Historic Curran Hall, built in 1842, is the city’s only antebellum home open daily to the public. It houses the official Little Rock Visitor Information Center and is the Mayor’s Reception Hall. The award-winning Marjem Ward Jackson Historic Garden is meticulously maintained by the Pulaski County Master Gardeners. Historic Curran Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Little Rock Visitor Information Center at Historic Curran Hall is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Stop by during those hours to tour the house and garden.
Reviewed By xahhari - Boston, United States
This Visitors Center is absolutely gorgeous and has been preserved well since the 1800s. It is fascinating to see. In addition to being one of the neatest visitors centers around, it’s also one of the most information filled. The lady at the counter helped us plan out our entire trip and gave us magazines, brochures, maps, and even bottled water! She was very knowledgeable and absolutely lovely. I’d recommend stopping here before anywhere else in Little Rock. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
2. An Enchanting Evening
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
An Enchanting Evening Winery is open to the public and features a family friendly tasting room. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic deck that looks out at Pinnacle Mountain while enjoying a glass/bottle of our award winning wines. If interested, ask to get a tour of the wine making process. If attending a wedding at our venue, come out early and enjoy some wine prior to the event!
3. Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By GreggieOhhh - Little Rock, United States
A haunting, yet at the same time very moving reminder that, despite the efforts of a few who cannot read or chose to disregard our Constitution, we’re all the same, just different.
4. Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden
5. Maumelle Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Camping area two miles east of Pinnacle.
Reviewed By syedaiyaz - Hoffman Estates, United States
What a wonderful place to spend with your family, either grilling or just hanging around. This is such an amazing place right on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas river. Must go for every family of all sizes for a great outdoor time.
6. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 477 reviews
Opened in 1977, the Pinnacle Mountain State Park serves as a center for education, recreation and preservation.
Reviewed By 782rickw - Little Rock, United States
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a delightful natural oasis 30 mins from Little Rock. The main part of the park has a large flat area where people congregate for all kinds of activities from Frisbee to volleyball to soccer. There is a playground for the wee-ones and restrooms for all. At the same area there is access to the Little Maumelle river for canoes/kayaks. One of the main draws to the whole park is hiking Pinnacle Mountain. One access is from this main parking lot. There is another area to access the hiking trail on the other side the mountain. The east side is the harder side. Both are well marked until the near top. Then you get into large rocks and boulders with the east side being steeper. There is also a trail around the entire called the Base Trail. You can hike up one side, down the other and around the base for about a 3 mile hike. I would rate the trails up the mountain moderate to hard. I see families with small children especially on the west trail but I would not recommend that. The views from the top are stupendous. There is much more in this wonderful park! a Fishing lake which is stocked, mountain bike trails, a visitor center and a delightful short hike that is disabled access to an overlook of the Arkansas River. There is an abundance of huge cypress trees with their "elbows" along the river. Yes, Arkansas is hot and we have lots of bugs, snakes, etc so go in the fall, winter, or spring. Get off your couch, put on some bug spray and enjoy this Natural State Wonder!
7. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,188 reviews
This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Reviewed By YourHighnessK
This was the highlight of our trip with high school aged Girl Scouts. It is a beautiful high school with reflecting pond in front, and the Visitor Center contains a wealth of information about the integral role that the Little Rock Nine played in the Civil Rights movement after Brown v. Board. My scouts are about the same age as the Little Rock Nine were during that time. Seeing the school and the visitor center was an important lesson for the younger generation and a poignant reminder for the older generations. We definitely recommend for all ages and would visit again if in this area.
8. Old State House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
Built in 1836, this was the state's first capital building.
Reviewed By mariegleerup - Los Angeles, United States
Don't pass this one up -- what a terrific museum! We did not expect to spend more than an hour, but there was plenty to see (museum is free, also!). In May, curator Jo Ellen is opening two new areas: the Rock & Roll history of Little Rock, and The Governors of Arkansas. Both areas are fantastic, so if you're traveling to Little Rock, book yourself a couple hours to visit. We were able to view 28 of the 43 "first lady" inaugural gowns, which are impeccably displayed, with purse, shoes, coat and hat included.
9. Mount Holly Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Home to the burial sites of some of the state's most famous citizens.
Reviewed By Foghorn14 - Little Rock, United States
Every year students from a local high school give narratives regarding the people who are buried in the cemetery. It is a great outing. Anytime is good to visit. The tombstones are interesting and many famous Arkansans are buried here.
10. Arkansas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Visitors can tour this government building that sits on a knoll, overlooking downtown to the east and the Arkansas river to the north, and bears a striking resemblance to the U.S. Capitol building.
Reviewed By 908julias - The Woodlands, United States
We loved it, lots to see, free parking around. Be sure to visit the treasury to look rich (for a few mins anyway.
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