Little Rock



Little Rock is the capital and the largest city of the state of Arkansas. Little Rock is a cultural, economic, government, and transportation center within Arkansas and the American South. There are several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, and hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Little Rock's history is available through history museums, historic districts or neighborhoods.

Understand
Little Rock lies at the center of the state, more-or-less where the Ozark Mountains, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (the "Delta") come together. Traveling east from Little Rock, you traverse flat land nearly all the way to the Mississippi River; traveling west you quickly enter hilly country.

Little Rock is Arkansas's largest city, as well as the state capital and major economic center (although northwestern Arkansas, with Walmart, Tyson Foods, and major trucking firms, is rapidly gaining). Little Rock is home to the state's only medical school, and one of the two branches of the University of Arkansas law school. In 2019, it had a population of about 200,000 with a metro area of over 700,000.

History
Little Rock derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River called La Petite Roche (the "little rock"). The "little rock" was used by early river traffic as a landmark and became a well-known river crossing. The original historic "little rock" was later dynamited and used as a foundation for a railroad bridge, but its location can be visited in downtown's Riverfront Park.

Little Rock is located at the first high that upstream travelers on the Arkansas River came to, and so was a logical place to found a settlement. When it became apparent that the original capital of Arkansas Territory, Arkansas Post, was too subject to flooding, the seat of government was moved to Little Rock in 1819.

Climate
Temperatures range can reach above 90°F (32°C) in the summer, peaking in August and September, to below freezing in December and January. The most pleasant times of year to visit are fall and spring; the changing of the leaves in fall is particularly enticing.

Tourist information

 * Little Rock tourism website

Airlines and destinations

 * Alliegant: Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Los Angeles, Orlando-Sanford.
 * American: Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington-Dulles.
 * Delta: Atlanta and Detroit.
 * Frontier: Denver and Orlando.
 * Southwest Dallas-Love Field, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Phoenix, St. Louis.
 * United: Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston George Bush Intercontinental.

By train
Amtrak serves Little Rock with the Texas Eagle between Los Angeles and Chicago, however the schedule is not optimal nor reliable. The westbound train from Chicago is scheduled to arrive at 3:10AM, and the eastbound train from L.A. by way of Dallas is scheduled to arrive at 11:34PM.



By car
Little Rock is located at the intersection of Interstates 40 and 30, about two hours west of Memphis, five hours east of Oklahoma City, and five hours northeast of Dallas. I-530 and U.S. Route 167 also lead into the city.

Interstates 430 and 440 nearly encircle the metropolitan area, and I-630 runs from downtown westward to end at I-430.

By car
If you'd like to see more than Downtown, a car is your best bet.

While taxis aren't as common a sight in Little Rock as they are in Dallas or Atlanta, they are available. You'll definitely be able to find one at the airport, and probably you'll see one pass through downtown if you're patient. A better plan would be to call in advance. You can call Capitol Cab at.

If you're renting a car: I-630 runs from east/west from downtown to the edge of west Little Rock; for most attractions you won't go too far north or too far south of 630.

Be aware while driving that east Little Rock is pretty much flat, whereas west Little rock can get extremely hilly.

Parking is generally not difficult in Little Rock. However, if you're parking where the Metro Streetcar (formerly River Rail) runs, you'll want to make sure that you're well clear of the tracks. Check this specifically on Markham, Second, and Third Streets near the River Market and the Clinton Library in downtown Little Rock, and around Main and Maple Streets in North Little Rock. It would probably be wise to walk or ride the trolleys to visit these areas.

By bike
Little Rock has a large population of cyclists. There is a large mixed use pedestrian and bike loop connecting both North Little Rock and Little Rock's downtown corridors. There are bike rental places that are located along the Arkansas River Trail. Try the junction bridge, or the Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest bridge in the world dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. Proceed with caution while traveling downtown in the River Market area. There are no dedicated bike paths other than the Arkansas River Trail, and the River Rail Trolley tracks have deep ruts which can knock off cyclists not paying attention.

East Little Rock
The eastern edge of Little Rock is sparsely populated but is a vital economic area, as Little Rock National Airport and Little Rock River Port are here.



Downtown


Many of Little Rock's most interesting attractions are found in its downtown area.


 * MacArthur Park (bounded by 9th St. to the north, I-630 to the south, Commerce St. to the west, and McMath Ave. to the east): this city park is built around the old Little Rock Arsenal, where Douglas MacArthur was born in 1880. Lots of room to walk around, picnic, and play. Bring a loaf of bread to feed the numerous ducks in the ponds. The park also has two museums within its boundary:
 *  Riverfront Park This beautiful downtown park overlooking the Arkansas River is the site of La Petite Roche ("the little rock"), the rock formation for which the city is named. In addition, the park hosts the annual Riverfest celebration every Memorial Day weekend. An outdoor amphitheater for concerts is also located here.
 * Robinson Center, Markham and Broadway. One of two city-owned convention centers, connected to the Doubletree Hotel and anchored by the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall, home to traveling Broadway productions, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Arkansas.
 * Taborian Hall, Ninth and State. This 1916 building is the only surviving remnant of Little Harlem, an African American community that saw its heyday during the segregation era. By 1992, it was vacant and had a huge hole in its roof, and was subsequently restored to house Arkansas Flag and Banner. There is a movement to restore the Dreamland Ballroom on the building's top floor to its splendor. It once saw the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.
 * Union Station, Markham and Victory. Although now a shadow of its former self save for occasional Amtrak service, Union Station still retains most of its late nineteenth-century atmosphere.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 * MacArthur Park (bounded by 9th St. to the north, I-630 to the south, Commerce St. to the west, and McMath Ave. to the east): this city park is built around the old Little Rock Arsenal, where Douglas MacArthur was born in 1880. Lots of room to walk around, picnic, and play. Bring a loaf of bread to feed the numerous ducks in the ponds. The park also has two museums within its boundary:
 *  Riverfront Park This beautiful downtown park overlooking the Arkansas River is the site of La Petite Roche ("the little rock"), the rock formation for which the city is named. In addition, the park hosts the annual Riverfest celebration every Memorial Day weekend. An outdoor amphitheater for concerts is also located here.
 * Robinson Center, Markham and Broadway. One of two city-owned convention centers, connected to the Doubletree Hotel and anchored by the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall, home to traveling Broadway productions, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Arkansas.
 * Taborian Hall, Ninth and State. This 1916 building is the only surviving remnant of Little Harlem, an African American community that saw its heyday during the segregation era. By 1992, it was vacant and had a huge hole in its roof, and was subsequently restored to house Arkansas Flag and Banner. There is a movement to restore the Dreamland Ballroom on the building's top floor to its splendor. It once saw the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.
 * Union Station, Markham and Victory. Although now a shadow of its former self save for occasional Amtrak service, Union Station still retains most of its late nineteenth-century atmosphere.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 * MacArthur Park (bounded by 9th St. to the north, I-630 to the south, Commerce St. to the west, and McMath Ave. to the east): this city park is built around the old Little Rock Arsenal, where Douglas MacArthur was born in 1880. Lots of room to walk around, picnic, and play. Bring a loaf of bread to feed the numerous ducks in the ponds. The park also has two museums within its boundary:
 *  Riverfront Park This beautiful downtown park overlooking the Arkansas River is the site of La Petite Roche ("the little rock"), the rock formation for which the city is named. In addition, the park hosts the annual Riverfest celebration every Memorial Day weekend. An outdoor amphitheater for concerts is also located here.
 * Robinson Center, Markham and Broadway. One of two city-owned convention centers, connected to the Doubletree Hotel and anchored by the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall, home to traveling Broadway productions, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Arkansas.
 * Taborian Hall, Ninth and State. This 1916 building is the only surviving remnant of Little Harlem, an African American community that saw its heyday during the segregation era. By 1992, it was vacant and had a huge hole in its roof, and was subsequently restored to house Arkansas Flag and Banner. There is a movement to restore the Dreamland Ballroom on the building's top floor to its splendor. It once saw the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.
 * Union Station, Markham and Victory. Although now a shadow of its former self save for occasional Amtrak service, Union Station still retains most of its late nineteenth-century atmosphere.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 *  Riverfront Park This beautiful downtown park overlooking the Arkansas River is the site of La Petite Roche ("the little rock"), the rock formation for which the city is named. In addition, the park hosts the annual Riverfest celebration every Memorial Day weekend. An outdoor amphitheater for concerts is also located here.
 * Robinson Center, Markham and Broadway. One of two city-owned convention centers, connected to the Doubletree Hotel and anchored by the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall, home to traveling Broadway productions, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Arkansas.
 * Taborian Hall, Ninth and State. This 1916 building is the only surviving remnant of Little Harlem, an African American community that saw its heyday during the segregation era. By 1992, it was vacant and had a huge hole in its roof, and was subsequently restored to house Arkansas Flag and Banner. There is a movement to restore the Dreamland Ballroom on the building's top floor to its splendor. It once saw the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.
 * Union Station, Markham and Victory. Although now a shadow of its former self save for occasional Amtrak service, Union Station still retains most of its late nineteenth-century atmosphere.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 * Robinson Center, Markham and Broadway. One of two city-owned convention centers, connected to the Doubletree Hotel and anchored by the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall, home to traveling Broadway productions, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Arkansas.
 * Taborian Hall, Ninth and State. This 1916 building is the only surviving remnant of Little Harlem, an African American community that saw its heyday during the segregation era. By 1992, it was vacant and had a huge hole in its roof, and was subsequently restored to house Arkansas Flag and Banner. There is a movement to restore the Dreamland Ballroom on the building's top floor to its splendor. It once saw the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.
 * Union Station, Markham and Victory. Although now a shadow of its former self save for occasional Amtrak service, Union Station still retains most of its late nineteenth-century atmosphere.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 * Union Station, Markham and Victory. Although now a shadow of its former self save for occasional Amtrak service, Union Station still retains most of its late nineteenth-century atmosphere.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.
 * YMCA Building, 524 South Broadway. Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor to this YMCA branch during his years as governor of Arkansas. The building was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. But in 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock shuttered the branch due to declining membership. The building is now awaiting restoration.

Midtown

 * The Heights and Hillcrest Two affluent neighborhoods with a small-town charm. Beginning at Stifft Station on Markham St. and ending at University Ave., Kavanaugh Blvd. winds through both neighborhoods, following the route of a now-defunct streetcar line. Cantrell Rd. forms the boundary between the two neighborhoods, with The Heights to the north and Hillcrest to the south. Many of the city's most popular restaurants are located along Kavanaugh, along with art galleries and odd and interesting shops, both funky and upscale. Hillcrest is mix of mid-priced houses and apartments along with fine old houses. The Heights represents more of the old-money Little Rock Country Club crowd. These were the city's most exclusive neighborhoods until the boom in expensive subdivisions in the far west (e.g., Chenal Valley and Hickory Hills).
 * War Memorial Park A golf course, fitness center, and public swimming pool are all located here. Also features:

West Little Rock
Little Rock used to end about where I-430 now runs, but the pace of development in the western part of the city has been rapid, in both commercial and residential areas. Big box stores, chain restaurants, new hotels, and apartment complexes and subdivions stretch for miles west of I-630, especially along Chenal Parkway, West Markham Street, and Cantrell, Bowman, and Shackleford Roads.


 * The drive across the river on I-430, while not a destination in and of itself, offers an amazing view of the city and of the river. Driving north on 430 to cross the bridge also offers a panoramic view north.
 * The drive across the river on I-430, while not a destination in and of itself, offers an amazing view of the city and of the river. Driving north on 430 to cross the bridge also offers a panoramic view north.
 * The drive across the river on I-430, while not a destination in and of itself, offers an amazing view of the city and of the river. Driving north on 430 to cross the bridge also offers a panoramic view north.
 * The drive across the river on I-430, while not a destination in and of itself, offers an amazing view of the city and of the river. Driving north on 430 to cross the bridge also offers a panoramic view north.

North Little Rock
North Little Rock is an independent city just across the Arkansas River from downtown Little Rock.



The Arkansas River Trail
The circular Arkansas River Trail runs from downtown Little Rock, west along the Arkansas River to the Big Dam Bridge, crosses it, then runs back east to downtown North Little Rock, finally completing the loop after crossing the historic Junction Bridge. Soon you'll be able to go all the way to Pinnacle Mountain, once the Two Rivers Bridge west of the Big Dam Bridge is finished. A great place to exercise by walking, running, roller skating, or cycling.

Do
If you have kids with you, the Little Rock Visitors Bureau website has a kids section with a wide range of activities.

Sports and leisure
For those who want to get off the beaten path, Little Rock offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

Golf is a popular activity in Little Rock; both public and private courses; country club membership may apply.

Movie theatres include UA Breckenridge Village 12 (1200 Breckenridge Drive,, online ticketing at Fandango) or Rave Motion Pictures Colonel Glenn 18 (18 Colonel Glenn Plaza Drive, , online ticketing at movietickets.com), both of which have digital projection, stadium seating and surround sound. Independent films are shown at Riverdale 10 VIP Cinema (2600 Cantrell Road,, online ticketing available through theatre's website).

Those looking to take a stroll can walk across the Arkansas River to North Little Rock on one of two converted train trestles — the former Rock Island Railroad bridge from the Clinton Presidential Center, or the Junction Bridge from Riverfront Park.

Buy

 * Shackleford Crossing Shackleford Rd. at I-430.
 * Shackleford Crossing Shackleford Rd. at I-430.
 * Shackleford Crossing Shackleford Rd. at I-430.
 * Shackleford Crossing Shackleford Rd. at I-430.
 * Shackleford Crossing Shackleford Rd. at I-430.
 * Shackleford Crossing Shackleford Rd. at I-430.

Budget

 * Damgoode Pies Locations in Hillcrest, on Cantrell Road just outside the Heights, and in downtown's River Market District with some of the best pizza in town.
 * The Oyster Bar A longtime neighborhood favorite in Stifft Station-Hillcrest with shrimp, oysters, po-boys, and draft Bass and Guinness. A contender for best jukebox in town.
 * Pizza D'Action A smoky hangout for the young and hip crowd at Stifft Station on Markham Street. (They get around the no-smoking law by declaring themselves a bar and barring the under-21s.)
 * U.S. Pizza There are several locations of this popular locally based chain, including Hillcrest, the Heights, and Rodney Parham Road.
 * U.S. Pizza There are several locations of this popular locally based chain, including Hillcrest, the Heights, and Rodney Parham Road.

Mid-range

 * Ciao Baci, in a cozy Hillcrest home converted into a restaurant (that used to be the original Andre's). Very good appetizers and entrees, extensive wine list, and open very late.  A good place for dinner or for just hanging out with appetizers and wine.  A little expensive, but good prices for the quality.
 * Forbidden Garden along west Little Rock's Cantrell Road is the second generation of the longtime Forbidden City Chinese restaurant once part of midtown's Park Plaza Mall.
 * Loca Luna Eclectic food: a mix of southern, Southwestern, with maybe a touch of Italian and Mexican. (Example: barbecue chicken pizza with cranberry tequila sauce.) Good nightly specials, or try the old faithful pot roast. Great meatloaf (!) at lunch. Reasonably priced wine. Outside seating.
 * Mt. Fuji Enjoy the best cuisine from Japan in a fine setting. Also has a gift shop that sells Japanese goods.
 * Star of India, 301 N Shackleford Rd. Lots of good Indian food for the money, from a long menu of traditional Indian dishes. Good service, and owner Sami goes out of his way to please customers. Indian beer, too. +1 501 227-9900
 * Trio's Fine food and fine service in an upscale mini-mall on Cantrell Road. On nearly all locals' lists of LR favorites. Outside seating.
 * Star of India, 301 N Shackleford Rd. Lots of good Indian food for the money, from a long menu of traditional Indian dishes. Good service, and owner Sami goes out of his way to please customers. Indian beer, too. +1 501 227-9900
 * Trio's Fine food and fine service in an upscale mini-mall on Cantrell Road. On nearly all locals' lists of LR favorites. Outside seating.

Sleep
The opening of the Clinton Presidential Library in 2004 nearly caused Little Rock's hotels to burst at the seams, and the number of visitors to the city is growing. It would be nearly impossible to list all the best hotels here. The designations of Budget, Mid-range, and Splurge do not necessarily reflect price range, and also apply to the quality of accommodations and amenities.

Mid-range

 * Holiday Inn at the Presidential Center 600 Interstate 30, . The closest hotel to the Clinton Library.

Connect

 * Free Internet service is provided in all branches of the Central Arkansas Library System

Consulates

 * 🇲🇽 Mexico

Go next

 * Memphis is a 2-hr drive east on I-40.
 * Hot Springs is a one-hour drive southwest of Little Rock.
 * Bentonville by way of Eureka Springs or Fort Smith. Two to three hours driving, plus sightseeing stops.