Little Rock Travel Guide

Sat in the center of Arkansas, Little Rock is the capital and largest city in the state and is particularly appealing to the more discerning traveler. While not a happening city, Little Rock offers bags of history through its many fine museums and attractive colonial buildings which happen to be situated amid beautiful surroundings.

The town originally borrowed its name from a boulder on the Arkansas River, although the landmark has since been blown to pieces to build a bridge. Many outsiders connect the city with former President Bill Clinton, as this is where he spent his tenure as state governor.

Like most US cities, Little Rock is well spread out and the city limits cover a fairly wide area. The bulk of the interesting stuff lies downtown and near the river where the inviting Riverfront Park spreads across both banks. Downtown is south of the river where the most interesting stately homes and mansions can be found, while farther out quality golf courses, national parks and hot springs abound.

Little Rock attractions

The Clinton Library: features a large collection of memorabilia from the two terms of former President Clinton, complete with an Oval Office replica.

Historic Arkansas Museum: displays changing exhibits and four historic antebellum homes, with guided tours available.

The Old State House: is one of the oldest surviving state capitol buildings and features the former House of Representatives Chamber and Grandmother’s Cottage.

Quapaw quarter: the Governor’s Mansion can be seen in this fine, Victorian residential area near downtown.

War Memorial Park: located in Little Rock’s Midtown area, the park offers several attractions including Little Rock Zoo.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park: features outstanding hiking trails up Scaling Pinnacle and great views of the city. Canoeing and fishing can be enjoyed on the Little Maumelle and Big Maumelle rivers.