Top 5 Things to Do in Little Rock

 

Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, is loved by the patrons for its southern warmth, civil rights history, and a picturesque mountain backdrop. Whether you are looking for a long weekend or a weekend getaway, there are ample things to do in Little Rock. The city’s landscape is covered with history, arts, and sculptures. There is so much history in every corner of the city that whether you are on foot or traveling by car, you get to see a wide range of significant historic landmarks.

 

The city is spread across the river Arkansan and the foothills of Ouachita, where you can find several hiking trails and wild adventures. Apart from the impressive museums, art venues, historic places, and high-end dining scene, the city also boasts hiking and cycling trails, gardens, farmer markets, etc.

 

If you are planning to book a flight to Arkansas, then here are a few places you should check out in its capital.

Best Time to Be in Little Rock

Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate. The summers here are hot and humid and winters are cold and wet. Tourists often avoid visiting the city in summers due to the heat and humidity. The Fall and winters are the ideal season to book a flight to Little Rock, when you can enjoy roaming around the city.

Best Things to Do in Little Rock

Its association with Civil Rights makes it one of the most prominent cities in shaping the country’s history. From Central High School National Historic Site to Clinton Presidential Center, you can find history everywhere. Admiring the sunset views at the Arkansas River Trail and Big Dam Bridge is another one of the best things to do in Little Rock.

 

Before you find it overwhelming, here is our complete guide on the experience you should expect in Little Rock.

Arkansas River Trail and Big Dam Bridge

Begin your day at the capital city by taking a long walk at the Arkansas River Trail. This 15.6 mile loop that runs through the city is popular among bikers and cyclists. It also connects multiple pedestrian bridges, parks, and other attractions. The trail gets crowded in the morning and evening, when the locals come here to walk, run, and jog.

 

The Big Dam Bridge over the Arkansas River is another attraction you should check out. It is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world. It connects Little Rock to North Little Rock, which is another must-visit part of the city. Come here in the evening to admire the ethereal sunset views over the river.

State Capitol

The state capitols of the US are some of the best architectural masterpieces in the country. The one in Little Rock is based on the design of Washington’s State Capitol building and is made of white marble and granite. The cupola is covered with 24-karat of gold leaf and the entrance door is made up of bronze. Visitors can explore the site via scheduled tour only. The guided tours are available. The Governor’s Reception Room is a popular place to explore here.

 

It also features a few permanent and rotating exhibits. Other attractions here are the Old Supreme Court Chamber, a rotunda, and the bronze sculptures of the brave students of Little Rock, who played an important role in the desegregation of its schools in 1897. Visiting the building is one of the top things to do in Little Rock.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

The school was the site of a pivotal desegregation event in 1957, after the US supreme court ruled that the color and race discrimination in the school is unconstitutional. On the historic day of 1957, nine black students enrolled in this all-white student school. The day these nine students tried to enter the school, they met with a mob of white students and soldiers, who stopped them from entering the school. It took them nine days to finally enter the school.

 

This incident spurred the Civil Rights movement and brought national attention. Today, it has become a popular historic site and still a school in operation. Take a guided tour to explore the exterior and interior of the school. Make sure to visit the Central High’s Civil Rights Memory Project. It is a must-visit attraction in Little Rock, where you can learn about one of the Civil Right Movement’s historical incidents that changed the course of the movement.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Nested at an elevation of 1,000 feet and encompasses 2,351 acres. For outdoor enthusiasts, this state park has 40 miles of trails, where adventure awaits you. From hiking at the less difficult Kingfisher trail to challenging East Summit Trail, the park lets all hikers explore the best wooded trails. Additionally, it has two biking trails for both beginners and experts. Locals flock to the park in summers for picnicking. The on-site picnic area has restrooms, a playground, a vending machine, etc.

 

Travelers to the park can also check out the permanent exhibits, where they can learn about the park’s wildlife and ecology. There is also a gift shop and a wildlife viewing area. No matter how many attractions it has, the most hyped part of the trip to the park is to take in the breathtaking views of the mountain top that is worth all the effort. Visiting the park is one of the best things to do in Little Rock this weekend.

Old State House Museum

Old State House Museum is another must-visit in Little Rock, where you can learn a lot about the arts and the state’s political figures. The museum is housed in the original state capitol of Arkansas. The architecture was designed by Gideon Shryock and is one of the finest examples of Doric architecture. 

 

It is an easy stop near the River District Market. A visit to this museum gives you insight into several important historical events, including the fatal duel between legislators and the Arkansas vote to withdraw itself from the United States. The artifacts here are decorative art pieces, historical displays of the state, and inaugural gowns of the state governor's wives.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of things to do in Little Rock. However, it is the history of this Arkansas capital that fueled the Civil Rights movement across the nation that attracts a large number of crowds from far and wide. Whether you are a history buff or a thrill seekers, Little Rock has got it all.