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Little Rock is the capital and largest city of Arkansas, set on the south bank of the Arkansas River where the flat Mississippi Delta meets the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. It takes its name from a small rock outcropping on the riverbank, la petite roche, which French explorer Bénard de la Harpe used as a landmark in 1722 to mark the change from flatlands to rocky highlands. The city became the territorial capital in 1821 and grew as a river port and railroad hub.
Little Rock holds an important place in American history. In 1957 nine Black students, known as the Little Rock Nine, integrated Central High School under the protection of federal troops, a turning point in the civil rights movement. The school is still in use and is now a National Historic Site with a visitor center. Today the city has about 200,000 residents and a relaxed Southern character, with a revitalized riverfront and the lively River Market District.
The Clinton Presidential Center, a striking glass building cantilevered toward the river, honors native Arkansan President Bill Clinton and includes a replica Oval Office and the nearby Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. The Big Dam Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country built specifically for walkers and cyclists, anchors the 15-mile Arkansas River Trail. Visitors can also tour the Arkansas State Capitol, see art at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, hike Pinnacle Mountain State Park just west of town, and explore the historic Quapaw Quarter neighborhoods.
The school where the Little Rock Nine integrated classes in 1957 under federal troop protection, now a working high school and national historic site. The visitor center across the street has exhibits and films, and ranger-led tours of the school must be booked in advance.
The Greek Revival building that served as Arkansas's first state capitol from 1836, now a free museum on Markham Street with exhibits on state history, restored legislative chambers and a collection of Civil War battle flags. It was also the site of Bill Clinton's election night celebrations.
The library and museum of President Bill Clinton, set in a glass building cantilevered over the Arkansas River, with a full-size Oval Office replica, the presidential limousine and exhibits on the 1990s. The surrounding park links to the river trail and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge.
Reopened in 2023 in MacArthur Park after a major redesign by Studio Gang, the museum displays American and European paintings, drawings, contemporary craft and changing exhibits under a folded roof. General admission is free and the building connects with walking paths through the park.
Little Rock's lively riverside district with the Ottenheimer Market Hall food stalls, a seasonal farmers market, bars, restaurants and the Museum of Discovery. It is also the stop for the Metro Streetcar to North Little Rock. Concerts are held at the riverfront amphitheater in summer.
A historic district south and east of downtown with Victorian and early 20th century homes, churches and the Governor's Mansion. Walking or driving through streets near MacArthur Park shows some of the oldest buildings in the city, and spring home tours open private houses to visitors.
At about 4,226 feet, this is one of the longest bridges in North America built only for pedestrians and cyclists, crossing the Arkansas River atop Murray Lock and Dam. It offers broad river views and is lit with colored lights at night. Park at Murray Park on the Little Rock side.
A neoclassical capitol completed in 1915 that resembles the US Capitol, with marble interiors, brass doors from Tiffany and Company and exhibits on Arkansas history. Free self-guided and guided tours run on weekdays; the grounds hold monuments, including one to the Little Rock Nine.
A loop of about 17 miles along both banks of the Arkansas River, connecting downtown, the Clinton Center, parks and the Big Dam Bridge via several bridges. It is popular with walkers and cyclists; bikes can be rented downtown, and the stretch near the River Market is shaded and flat.
A state park west of the city centered on a cone-shaped peak with steep summit trails that reward hikers with views of the Arkansas River valley. The park also has an arboretum, a visitor center and kayak access on the Little Maumelle River. The west summit trail is the easier climb.
A zoo in War Memorial Park with more than 500 animals, including great apes, big cats, elephants and a farm area, plus the restored 1920s Arkansas Carousel, one of the few remaining Over the Jumps carousels. Visit in the morning before the summer heat; the zoo is easy to see in three hours.
A hands-on science museum in the River Market District with exhibits on the human body, weather, tornadoes, earth science and Arkansas wildlife, plus regular live science demonstrations. It is aimed at children and families, and is an easy add-on to an afternoon on the riverfront.
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