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10 Fascinating Things To Do In Little Rock, Arkansas

From intensely historic sites to laid-back urban trails, there are an incredible number of things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas. Here are our top ten picks.

I’m standing in a tea shop that smells of ground-up tea leaves and dried fruit and fresh flowers. But I could have sworn that the neatly labeled tin cans, five years ago, were sugar-and-malt coated soda taps.

“Are you looking for something in particular?”, the tea lady asks.

“Sorry, I thought this was an ice-creamery,” I say confused. My head spins this-way-and-that as I take in the new surroundings.

“Oh, I know the one. It expanded and moved next door.”

Expanded. The word fills me up. Expanded explains the same but different split I felt whilst revisiting some of my favorite attractions in Little Rock throughout the day – the weird this-is-old-but-it-feels-new.

Things To Do In Little Rock, Arkansas

view from Clinton Presidential Center
view from Clinton Presidential Library in winter

Without a doubt, Little Rock has expanded a lot since my first visit (which coincidentally was a few months after starting this blog). But it remains one of my favorite cities in the United States (not just because it’s in Arkansas, which is one of my favorite states).

Here are our top things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas!

Visit The Arkansas Capitol Building

Arkansas Capitol Building

During my first trip to Little Rock, I simply drove by the Arkansas Capitol Building (which I recently discovered was a huge mistake on my part).

Bronze front doors. Tiffany-chandeliers. A 24-karat gold plated cupola. The Arkansas Capitol Building looks similar to the US Capitol building (and as a result, has been a stand-in for The Capitol in many lower-budget movies).

General Info

Address: 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, AR 72201

Little Rock Central High School

Little Rock Central High School

In 1957, nine African-American students (Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo) were selected to attend previously all-white Little Rock High. The day they arrived, a hot September morning, they were barred from entering the school.

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There was so much resistance that then-President Eisenhower had to issue an Executive Order to de-escalate the whole situation (which later became known as the Little Rock Integration Crisis).

The story is a lot more complicated than that (and involves a slimy governor, angry crowds, and segregationists), making a weekday guided tour (which must be reserved a few days in advance) one of the top things to do in Little Rock.

General Info

Address: 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202

Villa Marre

Villa Marre exterior from Designing Women Sugarbaker Design Firm

If you’re a fan of Designing Women, a late 90s American sitcom, you may be surprised to discover that some of the exterior shots were filmed in Little Rock (not Atlanta, Georgia as I previously assumed)!

Sugarbakers’ Design Firm is officially Villa Marre (I believe someone lives there now so my husband and I just drove by and casually peeped over the gate when we visited). And Suzanne Sugarbaker’s home is the site of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion (which looks absolutely gorgeous in spring when all the flowers are in bloom)!

General Info

Address: 1321 Scott St, Little Rock, AR 72202

Heifer Village

Heifer Village interior

Although Heifer Village is geared towards kids, it quickly turned out to be one of my favorite things to do in Little Rock.

Built on the site of an abandoned railyard, Heifer International is a company that prides itself on sustainable practices. And their museum goes back-to-the-basics. What exactly is fair trade? Why are farmer’s markets important?

General Info

Address: 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202

Ottenheimer Market Hall

Farmer's Market in Little Rock
outdoor farmer’s market in Little Rock

Located in the summer bustling River Market District, the Ottenheimer Market Hall is a food court meets boutique shopping experience. The market offers a little bit of everything – a taste of Thailand, Middle Eastern meals (and of course, burgers and pizzas).

General Info

Address: 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201

Old Mill

visiting the Old Mill is one of the top things to do in Little Rock surrounding areas

Although the Old Mill is in North Little Rock, Arkansas (a neighboring city), no list of things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas is complete without a mention of the iconic park that made its film debut in Gone With The Wind (the mill was in the opening credits for six incredibly memorable seconds).

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General Info

Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Bernice Garden

Bernice Garden

The Bernice Garden is the kind of spot that needs to be visited during an event (like a weekend morning Farmer’s Market). The frenzy of activity adds to the color of the flowers and statues and artworks.

General Info

Address: 1401 S Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202

Julius Breckling Riverfront Park

Junction Bridge is one of the top things to do in Little Rock

Julius Breckling Riverfront Park is a cute walking area in Little Rock. The park faces a waterfront and traces past Junction Bridge (another personal favorite attraction).

The grass bows into the water, sliced once by a jogging and bike path popular amongst locals.

P.S. In the summertime, there’s an outdoor concert series open to the public!

General Info

Address: 400 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201

Esse Purse Museum

The Esse Purse Museum is perfect for a mother-daughter romp through Little Rock. The museum follows the evolution of purses, over the decades, and the societal and political factors that played into changes in their design. I felt like I was in a women’s history museum more than a purse museum!

General Info

Address: 1510 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202

Cost: $10 Per Adult

Ride A Streetcar

streetcar trolley in Little Rock

This is a hop-on-and-hop-off trolley in Little Rock and it is absolutely FREE! You get on at any stop and listen to the driver sketch out stories about Little Rock (it depends on the driver. just ask before you hop on) before you get off.

General Info

Address: River Market District

Shopping In Little Rock, Arkansas

gorgeous street for shopping, one of the most popular things to do in Little Rock

Whilst Hillcrest is home to several micro-shops, the River Market District is the main tourist attraction in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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It’s a shopping district (and a huge one at that) filled with boutiques and eateries by the dozen (there are also several museums in-and-around the area).

Here’s where to shop in Little Rock:

open sign in Little Rock
  • Fringe Clothing: a high-end boutique that carries Bohemian meets modern-country girl styles
  • Freckled Frog: local artisan shop selling a hodgepodge of hand-designed items, from soaps to patchwork skirts
  • River Market Books & Gift: our favorite bookstore in Arkansas. gently used reads from the main library sold at slashed prices. three floors (plus a cafe).

Places To Eat In Little Rock, Arkansas

Three Fold in Little Rock

Our Top PickThree Fold

I pick through the meal slowly. The congenial staff has already transformed the translucent Chinese re gan mian (hot, dry noodles) into a colorful mix from added peanut sauce and fresh herbs. I stir the bowl with my chopsticks and take a bite. The mound of noodles has absorbed the thick, creamy sauce running over the heap. The noodles are soft and have a slightly hardened gel-like consistency. The herbs provide the slightest crunch to an otherwise soft meal. The dish isnโ€™t underwhelming, but it isnโ€™t over-the-top either. It is satisfying and scrumptious.

dumplings
when at Three Fold, order the dumplings!

It is then that I truly understand the charm of Three Fold. It is unlike any restaurant experience I’ve had. Three Fold isnโ€™t a place that is easy to define. Itโ€™s austere yet complete with fresh adornment. It could be an upscale fast-food restaurant, but there are too few options for it to be considered one. It could be a gourmet restaurant, but the meals are more mess-style fun than culinary masterpieces. Three Fold is the gray area. Three Fold is the point where less is more. Three Fold is minimalist.

Other Little Rock favorites:

inside new Loblolly in Little Rock
  • Root Cafe: patio restaurant known for its locally sourced grub (go for the burgers)
  • One Eleven: a Southern James Beard-nominated brunch spot
  • Damgoode Pies: casual pizzeria known for its veggie options
  • Loblolly Creamery: The best ice-creamery in Little Rock. Try the cereal milk ice-cream. You won’t regret it.

Where To Stay In Little Rock, Arkansas

figuring out where to stay whilst looking for things to do in Little Rock

Having made Little Rock a nightime stopover for many years, here are my favorite places to stay in Little Rock!

  • Embassy Suites: mid-range to budget hotel in Little Rock (slightly noisy in the evening but good for the price)
  • Empress Of Little Rock: pamper yourself bed-and-breakfast in a lush setting
  • Homewood Suites: The rooms are weirdly neon-colored but they’re always clean so if I’m strapped on time and need a late-night booking, this is my go-to

Did you enjoy this guide to the top things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas? What are your favorite Little Rock attractions?

24 Comments

  • Maria-Carla Atencio
    August 23, 2016 at 5:38 PM

    Such a lovely trip! I can’t wait to visit and have those cheeseburgers as well ๐Ÿ™‚
    xo,
    Maca

    http://www.heymaca.ca

    Reply
  • MegOhKay
    August 23, 2016 at 9:54 PM

    I need to get out and travel more. Thank you for taking us downtown! I loved the adventure.

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 24, 2016 at 12:37 PM

      I’m glad you enjoyed coming along with me! xx – Anshula

      Reply
  • Dash the Map
    August 24, 2016 at 2:51 AM

    I’ve never been to Little Rock, but would love to explore the city. Any recommendations on
    accommodations?

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 24, 2016 at 12:40 PM

      It is such a great city to explore! If you are looking into travelling there, this might be useful (it covers the more practical parts of visiting – hotels, transportation, etc):
      https://passporttoeden.com/pocket-guide-to-little-rock-arkansas/
      xx – Anshula – I wish you safe and happy travels – today, tomorrow, and every day ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  • Beth Shankle Anderson
    August 24, 2016 at 3:02 AM

    What a great view of Main Street. My husband visited Little Rock on business and stayed downtown and just adored it!

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 24, 2016 at 12:37 PM

      I love downtown Little Rock as well! It is such a charming place! xx – Anshula

      Reply
  • Anamika Ojha
    August 24, 2016 at 3:47 AM

    I’ve never been to Little Rock but looks like you had such a fun trip! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

    Reply
  • MegOhKay
    August 24, 2016 at 1:52 PM

    I’m a VA gal, never been out that way but it looks beautiful! I love the little mom&pop shop type establishments. Makes you feel at home, when you’re far away from home!

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 24, 2016 at 11:04 PM

      It’s been a while since I visited Virginia! Little Rock is a bit like NOVA: South Main in Little Rock is a lot like Purcellville. The River District reminded me of a very, very large-scale version of Reston Town Square. The historic district is a bit like Alexandria. Instead of froyo and cupcakes: think of good old-fashioned ice-cream and milkshakes. That would be Little Rock! xx – Anshula

      Reply
  • Roxy Crenshaw
    August 24, 2016 at 4:37 PM

    I’ve never been to Little Rock, but this Main Street looks like a ton of fun. It looks super charming and chalked full of history!

    Reply
  • Milena Milani Barrett
    August 24, 2016 at 7:49 PM

    I have never been, but that purse museum seems right up my alley!

    Reply
  • Valerie CottageMakingMommy
    August 24, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    We’ve been all over Arkansas but never Little Rock. Now I want to go there.

    Reply
  • dramrita
    August 25, 2016 at 6:08 PM

    I thoroughly enjoyed this travelogue. I could almost see the icecream parlour and the figure8 with the lock.Wonderfully vibrant description.

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 26, 2016 at 4:41 PM

      Thank you! ๐Ÿ™‚ xx – Anshula

      Reply
  • Valerie CottageMakingMommy
    August 25, 2016 at 6:57 PM

    I’m falling even more for this city. I too love the small town shops.

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 26, 2016 at 4:40 PM

      I love how Little Rock is a big city donned in a small town t-shirt. It is one of the reasons I fell in love with the place myself! xx – Anshula

      Reply
  • Anamika Ojha
    August 25, 2016 at 7:08 PM

    Little Rock looks so amazing and I’d love to visit all those dessert shops that you mentioned! Glad to know that you had an amazing time!

    Reply
    • Anshula
      August 26, 2016 at 4:40 PM

      Yes! The ice-cream there is amazing! It is not a well-known foodie town, but does well in the dessert department! ๐Ÿ™‚ xx – Anshula

      Reply
  • kayvonabransosn
    August 25, 2016 at 9:35 PM

    I would never think to visit Little Rock but it seems pretty interesting

    Reply
  • Jasmine
    August 26, 2016 at 1:35 PM

    Interesting! Never think about this but now I would love to go there one day!

    Reply
  • Tim's Auto Body, Inc.
    May 29, 2018 at 5:38 AM

    This is a great place, very romantic. great place for couples. http://www.timsautobodyinc.com

    Reply
    • anshula.varma
      June 15, 2018 at 3:53 PM

      Hey Tim, Little Rock is certainly a very quiet, romantic place! xx – Anshula

      Reply
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