See
There’s a lot to see and do in downtown Little Rock! Start with a trolley ride in the River Market District to get a lay of the land, and then make your plan to hit the hot spots. Tour the Clinton Presidential Center, test your thinking skills at the Museum of Discovery and step back in time at the Historic Arkansas Museum — a real village from the 1800s.
A walk from the Clinton Center can take you to the newly restored Clinton Presidential Park Bridge over the Arkansas River or through the William Clark Wetlands to Riverfront Park.
Just a short distance away is historic MacArthur Park, the city's oldest park, home to the Arkansas Arts Center and MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. And, if you have a dog, all the better! The MacArthur Unleashed Dog Park has recently opened, to the delight of our canine friends.
Head east and you'll find your way to the Arkansas State Capitol Building, home to Arkansas state government since 1911.
Traveling south on Main Street from Markham will take you by the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and on to SoMa, a unique historic commercial district home to an assortment of eateries, shops, and the Esse Purse Museum.
Things To Do Downtown
There's no shortage of "Must See's" in downtown Little Rock. Once you see what downtown has to offer you'll quickly realize Little Rock has a big heart and soul!
Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Founded in 1976 and enjoying its 42nd season, Arkansas Repertory Theatre is the state’s largest non-profit professional theatre company. A member of the League of Resident Theatres, The Rep has produced more than 280 productions including 40 world premieres on its 354-seat Main Stage and 99-seat black box SecondStage both located in the heart of the Main Street Creative Corridor.
Old Statehouse Museum
Set in the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House Museum is designated a National Historic Landmark, though it is probably best known throughout the country as the scene of President Bill Clinton's 1992 and 1996 election-night celebrations. The Museum hosts temporary exhibits as well as permanent exhibits on the history of the building, Arkansas women in history, the state's governors and the inaugural gowns of their wives, as well as Period Rooms that show interior decor from the past.
Clinton Presidential Center
Opened in 2004, the Center is home to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation. The Center also plays an active role in the Little Rock community, hosting a number of events, lectures, and conferences throughout the year. The Center was instrumental in bringing more than $1.5 billion in economic development to the area, including renovations of the nearby historic River Market district.
Heifer Village and Urban Farm
Inside Heifer Village, over eighty interactive exhibits tell Heifer International’s story of hope, show innovative solutions to hunger and poverty, and inspire visitors to get involved. Explore how five basic topics can define both the causes of hunger and poverty as well as give some solutions. And just behind the Village lies the Heifer Urban Farm - a three-acre, multi-purpose garden where visitors will not only meet alpacas, chickens, goats, pigs and other animals but will also learn how Heifer applies eco-friendly agricultural practices in the field.
Museum of Discovery
The Museum of Discover is a nonprofit museum dedicated to igniting a passion for science, technology, and math in a dynamic, interactive environment. Founded in 1927, it is the oldest museum in the state. The museum is housed in a historic building in the River Market District. Following renovations, the Museum of Discovery reopened in January 2012 with a new focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education. All of the exhibits are interactive and the museum features a large live animal collection.
River Market
Located in the heart of Little Rock's River Market District, the River Market is an exciting public food market that will entice your senses with its relaxing entertainment and rich cultural experiences. The River Market is also home to a bustling Farmer's Market. The Farmers' Market has been a unique shopping experience since it began in downtown Little Rock back in 1974. These days, the Farmers' Market makes its home in the River Market's two outdoor, open-air pavilions overlooking Riverfront Park. The Market is filled with farmers selling farm-fresh produce straight to you from the backs of their trucks. From early morning until mid-afternoon, you will find bargains on Arkansas crops as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts & crafts.
Witt Stephens, Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center opened December 17, 2008. The 16,232-square foot building on 3.4 acres in Little Rock, overlooks the Arkansas River and is within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park. The site is a part of the River Market District, and is adjacent to the Museum of Discovery and the Clinton Presidential Library.
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Built in 1840 as part of a frontier military post. The arsenal building originally housed munitions, gunpowder and cannons. In 1880, the building served as the birth place to famed general Douglas MacArthur. Today the building serves as a museum that seeks to preserve the contributions of Arkansas men and women who served in the armed forces. Located in MacArthur Park, its exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that vividly portray Arkansas's military history at home and abroad.
Arkansas Arts Center
Also located in historic MacArthur Park, the Arkansas Arts Center offers fascinating exhibitions, live theatre and art classes along with its engaging Museum Shop and wonderful Canvas Restaurant.
Stay a While!
If you find yourself struggling to see and do everything in a single day's time, why don't you give yourself some extra time? Check out some of the best lodging accommodations Little Rock has to offer!
Capital Hotel
Little Rock Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
Doubletree Hotel
The Empress of Little Rock located in the 1888 Gothic Queen Anne style Hornibrook House
See the Sights
Hop on the Rock Region METRO Streetcar System to see the sights in downtowns Little Rock and North Little Rock. These Replica Birney Trolleys are much like those used in the 1940s. Each trolley seats 44 people and offers a wheelchair lift and air conditioning. Hop on at one of many locations such as Verizon Arena, the Statehouse Convention Center, the Robinson Center, the Clinton Presidential Center, Heifer International, and Dickey-Stephens Park, home to the Arkansas Travelers.