World-class attractions, outdoor activities, and unique neighborhoods make Little Rock an outstanding destination.
Outdoor Activity
Residents of Little Rock are surrounded by natural beauty and countless outdoor recreational opportunities. The city sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, providing scenic views and access to the water for boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
The city is filled with more than 60 parks, including Riverfront Park, which stretches 11 blocks and connects downtown Little Rock to the Arkansas River. Its 30+ acres are filled with monuments to history and tributes to art.
There are several state parks within a short drive of downtown. Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers paddling, hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor programs. The Arkansas River Trail is Central Arkansas’s premiere outdoor recreational trail, stretching more than 15 miles, connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock, and anchored by the Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Bridge.
Little Rock is an excellent city for cyclists, with more than 1,200 miles of trails waiting for advanced cyclists and beginners to be explored. Many of Little Rock’s largest parks, including Two Rivers Park, Allsopp Park, River Mountain Park, and Boyle Park, feature mountain biking trails.
Arts and Culture
Little Rock boasts a lively arts and culture scene, serving as home to numerous art galleries, theaters, museums, and music venues.
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, which opened its renovated and expanded facility in April 2023, offers an inspiring array of visual arts, performing arts, and educational experiences. The museum is committed to creating an inclusive cultural space for the community to engage with diverse artistic perspectives through the AMFA Foundation’s 14,000-object permanent collection, compelling temporary exhibitions, lively theater, and enriching courses.
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre is the state’s largest non-profit professional theater company. It produces a wide range of plays, musicals, and performances throughout the year, showcasing both classic and contemporary works. The Rep also offers educational programs and workshops for aspiring actors and theater enthusiasts.
Ballet Arkansas, the Robinson Center, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra are just a few more examples of the Little Rock cultural institutions that offer opportunities to take in world-class culture throughout the year.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
You can explore Little Rock’s deep connection to the Civil Rights movement at sites like the historic Central High School National Historic Site, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and on the Little Rock Civil Rights self-guided tour.
In addition to the Clinton Presidential Center, the Old State House Museum, Historic Arkansas Museum, MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, and the Little Rock Nine Memorial are other important landmarks that provide insights into the city’s past.
Food and Dining
Little Rock has a burgeoning food scene with a wide range of culinary options. The city offers a mix of casual eateries and fine dining establishments, whether you’re craving traditional Southern fare, barbecue, seafood, or international flavors.
The city is also a destination for those looking to try locally brewed beer, craft cocktails, and the perfect cup of coffee. Local favorites include Lost Forty Brewing and Fidel & Co. Coffee Roasters, both nearby the Clinton School of Public Service in the East Village neighborhood.