Fun Things To Do in Little Rock Arkansas
From the Civil Rights Movement to the Clinton Presidential Library
Aug 14, 2008
Little Rock was named for a rocky outcropping on the Arkansas River where river travelers in the early 19th Century would land their boats. The “Little Rock” also marks a transition from the level lands downstream to the rugged hills of the Northwest Arkansas Ozarks and the Ouachitas to the west.
As a state capital, Little Rock has been a part of much of America’s history, from expansion of the Louisiana Territory to the desegregation of public schools to the election of the 42nd President of the United States. As a family vacation destination, Little Rock has attractions, museums and activities to rival any capital city.
The downtown waterfront area offers a walkable collection of shopping, restaurants, hotels, museums and historic sites. Visitors can explore on their own or take one of the daily sightseeing tours that leaves from the Rivermarket, Clinton Library and all downtown hotels at 1PM. Whether it’s history, culture or family activities, there’s a lot to see and do here.
History and Culture
- Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Avenue, (501) 374-4242. The Center houses the official records of the Clinton Presidency, research facilities and a 20,000 square foot museum with exhibits and replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, (501) 396-3000. Site of the historic 1957 conflict and eventual desegregation of the previously all-white Little Rock high school by nine African-American students who came to be known as the Little Rock Nine. The Visitor Center houses a permanent exhibit.
- Heifer International Center, 1 World Avenue, (501) 907-2600. Heifer International is a non-profit, humanitarian organization whose mission is to end world hunger. They provide livestock, training and other resources to people around the world. Thirty-minute tours of this “green building” show how construction techniques are used to reduce energy and water consumption, and to conserve resources.
- Old Statehouse Museum, 300 West Markham, (501) 324-9685. This 1836 structure houses artifacts relating to Arkansas history and government, including gowns of the First Ladies and an Arkansas wilderness gallery.
- Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 East 3rd, (501) 324-9351. Six galleries of Arkansas art and artifacts celebrate Arkansas history and culture. The museum includes authentic frontier buildings, an interactive children’s gallery and special events.
- MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 503 East 9th, (501) 376-4602. Birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur and site of the 1840 Arkansas Arsenal, the museum houses military uniforms and artifacts from Arkansas’ territorial period to the present.
- Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, 100 Riverfront Drive, (501) 371-8320. Home of the USS Razorback WWII submarine, the museum showcases the rich maritime history of America though exhibits and preservation of naval vessels.
Family Activities and Things To Do
- Look for the “Little Rock,” located near the railroad bridge in Riverfront Park.
- Take a river cruise on a riverboat aboard the Arkansas Queen, 100 Riverfront Park Drive, (501) 372-5777.
- At 11 AM and 5 PM, see the ducks take their daily trip to and from the fountain pool at the Peabody Hotel, 3 Statehouse Plaza, (501) 906-4000.
- Spend some time at Peabody Park, a unique children’s play area in Riverfront Park, (501) 375-2552.
- Explore nature, science, technology and history at the hands-on Museum of Discovery, 500 President Clinton Avenue, 1-800-880-6475.
- Go wild with 725 animals at the Little Rock Zoo, 1 Jonesboro Drive, (501) 666-2406.
- Learn about things that fly and see the latest in IMAX and digital films at the Aerospace Education Center, 3301 East Roosevelt Road, (501) 376-4232.
For more information on fun things to do, contact the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1-800-844-4781
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