The 25 Best Things To Do In Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas's capital is packed with activities.

Little Rock, Arkansas
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The capital of the Natural State, Little Rock is best known for a couple of reasons. President Bill Clinton spent 16 years here as governor—the Clinton Presidential Center houses one of the largest archival collections in presidential history. The city also played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, when a group of Black teenagers dubbed the “Little Rock Nine” helped pave the way for desegregation in schools. And, thanks to Little Rock’s location along the Arkansas River, there are ample outdoor recreational opportunities to be had here. These well-known attractions are a few of the more obvious things to explore in Little Rock, but there's so much more. Travelers seeking art, culture, and food should add the following favorite adventures to their Arkansas itinerary.

01 of 25

Check Out The River Market District

Person holding beer outside of market

Little Rock Tourism

Exploring the River Market District is a must. This bustling area is Little Rock’s premier entertainment neighborhood. It’s filled with bars, restaurants, shops, and museums; the farmers market is also held here. You’ll find some of the city’s top attractions in this neighborhood, too, like the Clinton Presidential Center. Plan to spend the day browsing shops and museums. Come evening, you can soak up the thriving nightlife scene. Looking to hop between a few different spots? It's easy to sip while you walk with an official RMED wristband and cup. 

littlerock.com/river-market; 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-375-2552

02 of 25

Picnic At The Old Mill

Quaint cottage in a forest

Arkansas Tourism

If you’ve ever seen “Gone With the Wind,” then you’ve seen the Old Mill, which was featured in the 1939 film. This water-powered grist mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features sculptures by Senor Dionicio Rodriguez. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery.

Old Mill; 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116; 501-791-8538

03 of 25

Bask In The Views From The Big Dam Bridge

Two people riding bikes on a bridge at sunset

Arkansas Tourism

The Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian and cycling bridge in North America, boasting a 4,226-foot span. It’s a scenic spot for a stroll, with the bridge connecting more than 14 miles of riverside trails. Go for a mid-day ride, or head here at dusk—there are eight observation areas with benches where you can sit and enjoy the excellent sunset views.

thebigdambridge100.com; 4000 Cook’s Landing Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118

04 of 25

Eat Your Way Through Ottenheimer Market Hall

People sitting at tables inside a city market

River Market Facebook

Easily one of the best foodie experiences in Little Rock, the Ottenheimer Market has more than 17 permanent food vendors. Sample Thai specialties, tacos, Middle Eastern fare, pizza, dumplings, and more, all under one roof. This food court-style market is conveniently located in the River Market District, making it the perfect pit stop for fueling up while you wander around. Note that it’s only open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you'll want to schedule your visit for breakfast or lunch.

Ottenheimer Market; 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201

05 of 25

Experience The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden

Staute of a dog

Arkansas Tourism

Art enthusiasts will love strolling through the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, a sculpture garden with more than 90 works from artists across the world, located on the banks of the Arkansas River. This is also a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city if you’re looking for some serenity in nature. 

Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden; Arkansas River Trail, Little Rock, AR 72201

06 of 25

Shop At The Local Farmers Market

Man and woman at Farmer's Market looking at strawberries

Little Rock Tourism

The seasonal Little Rock Farmers Market is a hub of activity, overflowing with farm-fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, and local performers. Held every Saturday (rain or shine) from May through September, this market is a lively community event that’s well worth checking out when you’re in town, whether you’re food shopping or not. The setting—in the River Market District’s open-air pavilions overlooking Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River—is the perfect jumping off point to peruse the rest of the River Market. 

Little Rock Farmers Market; 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-370-3220

07 of 25

Tour The Clinton Presidential Center

Exterior of the Clinton Presidential Center

Arkansas Tourism

Of course, you can’t go to Little Rock without doing a deep dive into President Bill Clinton’s legacy. At the Clinton Presidential Center, explore a 20,000-square-foot museum with exhibits that chronicle Clinton’s life and work, including replicas of the Oval Office and the White House Cabinet Room. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library, which houses presidential artifacts and documents, is also located on-site.

Clinton Presidential Center; 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-370-8000

08 of 25

Sample Cheese Dip

Basket of chips and queso

Arkansas Tourism

Perhaps unbeknownst to most, Little Rock is known for being the birthplace of cheese dip. The city hosts the World Cheese Dip Championship every fall, and there are dozens of places around town that serve the tasty party starter. That said, Red Door is one of the best places to go—the Blue Mesa Cheese Dip consists of a whopping four types of cheese (be sure to add the smoked tomato hot salsa).  

Red Door; 3701 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202; 501-666-8482

09 of 25

Take A Self-Guided Mural Tour

Large butterfly mural on side of building

Little Rock Tourism

There’s nothing like a walking tour of public art to provide unique insight into a place. Take a tour of Little Rock’s downtown murals—Visit Little Rock has created an easy-to-follow tour that includes all the (major and minor) pieces of public art scattered around the city. You’ll see, for example, the butterfly mural in the River Market, which is part of an initiative installing 12 pieces of public art across Arkansas.

10 of 25

Stop By The Esse Purse Museum

Interior of purse museum

Arkansas Tourism

A delightfully quirky attraction, the Esse Purse Museum houses hundreds of handbags, categorized by decade, along with temporary exhibits that focus on the female experience. For anyone interested in American fashion and culture, this museum makes for an enjoyable outing. It’s also in the revitalized SoMa neighborhood, which is brimming with local eateries and shops. Stop into Community Bakery for European desserts and pastries after your museum visit.         

Esse Purse Museum; 1501 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202; (01-916-9022

11 of 25

Kayak The Arkansas River

Two women kayaking on a river

Rock Town River Outfitters

For a fun outdoor adventure and a unique look at the city, paddle a kayak on the Arkansas River with Rock Town River Outfitters. This popular outfitter offers guided tours and a sunset kayak tour; you can also opt to rent stand-up paddle boards. Those interested in learning facts about the river and the history of Little Rock will thoroughly enjoy taking a guided tour.

Rock Town River Outfitters; 1600 Rockwater Blvd Suite A, North Little Rock, AR 72114; 501-831-0548

12 of 25

Catch Some Live Music

Interior of moody bar with fairy lights

White Water Tavern Instagram

Little Rock has a vibrant music scene, from the local folk and blues bands that play in small bars to the nationally-touring musicians that regularly come through town. Catch a show at the White Water Tavern, a been-there-forever watering hole where there's live music multiple nights a week. Vino’s Brewpub is known for its punk vibes (and, not to mention, its tasty calzones). And, located in the River Market District, the Rev Room hosts a wide range of artists that span genres.

White Water Tavern; 2500 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72205; 501-375-8400

Vino’s Brewpub; 923 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-375-8466

Rev Room; 300 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-823-0090

13 of 25

Hike In Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Mountain peak during the daytime

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Rising more than 1,000 feet above an otherwise-flat expanse, Pinnacle Mountain is a Central Arkansas landmark, notable for its cone-shaped peak. Hike to the top for awesome views, then walk or bike on the 22 miles of lush trails or take advantage of the access to the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers. The park is also a Trail of Tears National Historic Site, bearing witness to the five Southeastern tribes that were forcibly removed from the area as the U.S. expanded its territory west during the 19th century.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park; 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Roland, AR 72135

14 of 25

Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Exterior of large high school

Arkansas Tourism

One of the most important historic sites in the country (and still in operation as a high school), Little Rock Central High School was the epicenter of desegregation in the 1950s. In 1957, nine Black students enrolled at the formerly all-white school, following the 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that school segregation was unconstitutional. The “Little Rock Nine,” as they came to be known, endured hostility and abuse at the hands of white anti-integrationists as they attempted to attend the school. Today, visitors can either do a self-guided tour or a ranger-led tour of the school and view the exhibits at the Visitor Center across the street. 

Little Rock Central High School; 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202; 501-447-1400

15 of 25

Dive Into The Local Brewery Scene

Interior of a brewery with open ceilings and long tables

Lost Forty Brewing

Beer enthusiasts, take note—Little Rock has several breweries, including Lost Forty Brewing, Stone’s Throw Brewing, and Diamond Bear Brewing Company. Most are located within just a couple miles of each other, making it easy to hop from place to place.

Lost Forty Brewing; 501 Byrd Street, Little Rock, AR 72202; 501-319-7275

Stone’s Throw Brewing; 402 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202; 501-244-9154‍

Diamond Bear Brewing Company; 600 N Broadway St, North Little Rock, AR 72114; 501-708-2739

16 of 25

Peruse The Historic Arkansas Museum

Exterior of museum with sculptures

Arkansas Tourism

Delve into the cultural heritage of the Natural State at the Historic Arkansas Museum, a city block that includes the oldest building in Little Rock, galleries of Arkansas-made art and artifacts, an interactive children’s gallery, and an 1850s farmstead. The museum always has exciting temporary exhibits on display in addition to permanent exhibits like “We Walk in Two Worlds,” which tells the story of the Osage, Quapaw, and Caddo tribes who first lived in Arkansas.

Historic Arkansas Museum; 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201; 870-725-2877

17 of 25

Visit The Arkansas State Capitol

Exterior of capital building

Little Rock Tourism

Funnily enough, the Arkansas State Capitol building was designed to look exactly like the U.S. Capitol building in D.C. (so much so that it’s been used as a stand-in for the real thing in movies). Take a self-guided tour and explore the grounds at your own pace.  

Arkansas State Capitol; 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-682-3000

18 of 25

Enjoy A Performance At The Robinson Center

Interior of orchestra center

Little Rock Tourism

Spend an evening seeing a musical, the symphony, or a ballet performance at the Robinson Center. Built downtown during the Great Depression as a Public Works Administration project, this music hall and performance theater is an eye-catching building where what awaits inside is even more spectacular.

Robinson Center; 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-255-3300

19 of 25

Learn Something New At The Museum Of Discovery

Interior of Museum of Discovery

Little Rock Tourism

Families with kids will love spending time at the Museum of Discovery, which features 90 interactive exhibits and programs. Permanent exhibits include Tornado Alley Theater, where visitors can relive the tornado that devastated the Governor’s Mansion district of downtown Little Rock in 1999. The museum is situated alongside Riverfront Park, a gem of a park that has playgrounds, a splash park, meandering paths, history displays, and more than 100 works of art (the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden is located here).

Museum of Discovery; 500 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-396-7050

20 of 25

Bike Along The Arkansas River Trail

Two people biking on riverside trail

Arkansas Tourism

Cyclists of all levels love to bike the Arkansas River Trail, a 17-mile loop that goes along the north and south banks of the river. This is one of the best ways to see the city, as you get to take in downtown and the riverfront and pass many key landmarks along the trail.

21 of 25

Sip Spirits At Rock Town Distillery

People sitting at a bar inside a distillery

Arkansas Tourism

Arkansas’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, Rock Town Distillery churns out award-winning hand-crafted spirits, utilizing ingredients sourced from local farmers. Make time for the tour, where you’ll learn all about the origins of each spirit and taste eight of Rock Town’s best for yourself. The distillery also offers fun cocktail classes, during which participants learn how to make two seasonal cocktails (which you get to drink, of course). 

Rock Town Distillery; 1201 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202; 501-907-5244

22 of 25

Wander Through The Argenta Arts District

Strip of artsy shops with flowers

Arkansas Tourism

The Argenta Arts District is equal parts hip and historic, with a bevy of art galleries, music venues, theaters, and breweries, in addition to century-old buildings. Check out the Argenta Plaza Calendar before you go. There’s always a fun community event happening here, from concerts to art walks.  

argentaartsdistrict.org; 774-482-0378

23 of 25

Ride On A Streetcar

Yellow street car

Little Rock Tourism

For a unique and convenient way to get around, the METRO Streetcar operates throughout the Little Rock and North Little Rock downtown areas seven days a week. Many of the city’s top destinations are linked on the streetcar line, so it’s a great way to take in the sights without having to worry about parkting. Download the METROtrack app to see how far away the next streetcar is at any given stop. 

rrmetro.org/services/streetcar; 501-375-6717

24 of 25

Stroll The Quapaw Quarter

Mansion with trees around it

Arkansas Tourism

The Quapaw Quarter is where you’ll find the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. It comprises three districts: the Governor’s Mansion District, South Main Residential District, and MacArthur Park District. Some of the most notable landmarks in the Quapaw Quarter include the governor’s home, historic churches, Mount Holly Cemetery, and the Little Rock Arsenal Tower Building, a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1840.

25 of 25

Eat Lunch At The Root Cafe

Family sitting outside at cafe

Arkansas Tourism

The Root Cafe is a farm-to-table restaurant that’s as charming as they come. Located in SoMa, it’s the perfect lunch spot (and the Esse Purse Museum is right next door), with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and food that’s made fresh daily. As per their website, all of the meat, eggs, and bread they serve come directly from Arkansas farmers. The house-made bratwursts may be the star of the show, but there’s plenty else to keep diners of all palates and preferences happy.  

The Root Cafe; 500 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202; 501-414-0423

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