Are you looking to visit Little Rock, Arkansas, and want to find the best attractions to check off your list while you are there? Then you are in luck. We have a comprehensive list of Little Rock, Arkansas’s 15 most popular destinations.
Our list includes various activities around Little Rock, Arkansas, such as spending the day in nature, enjoying the beautiful scenic views, having educational experiences, or having good ol’ family fun.
1. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Facts:
- Pet-friendly
- Free Parking
- Scenic Overlook
- Mountain Biking
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Fishing
Are you looking to connect with nature while visiting Little Rock, Arkansas? Then Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just what you need. If you want to go fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or canoeing, you must check out this park. This park has it all.
The trail features over 40 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. This includes a section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which expands over 213.9 miles. Make sure you don’t get lost on this trail. You may end up in Oklahoma. No, seriously, this trail goes all the way to Oklahoma!
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is perfect for backpacking long distances for either a day to weeks.
Another significant aspect of Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the several scenic overlooks. The hiking trails that provide the best panoramic views are Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail, and Rocky Valley Trail/East Quarry Spur. If you decide to go hiking, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to grab a map and guide.
In addition to hiking, you can also rent non-motorized boats. Therefore, if you want to spend the whole day on the lake, you can stop by the visitor center to rent a canoe or a solo kayak and hit the water. Boat rentals are by the hour or half-day. In addition to kayaks and canoes, you can rent a Paddle Boat by the hour.
Suppose you feel more comfortable navigating the water with a guide. In that case, the park does offer guided canoe and kayak day float trips during spring and fall. Just check with the park on dates and availability.
The park also allows fishing. However, you can only fish with a rod or pole, and the daily limit of catfish is three. Furthermore, the park rangers allow open/electric trolling motors only. Once you’re done fishing, you can enjoy the park’s shaded picnic tables and grills while your kids play on the playground. Pavilions are also available at the park to rent for special occasions.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great way to spend the day outdoors with friends and family! Bring your dog, family, and friends to enjoy the day hiking, fishing, biking, or out on the lake. It’s a great way to spend the days outdoors while bonding with those you love.
2. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
Walk the replica of the Oval Office at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, making this an excellent library with exhibits throughout all three levels.
You can view the Presidential Limousine on the first floor. You can stop on the second floor and view the Orientation Theater or see a replica of the Cabinet Room in the White House. There is a Replica of the Oval Office and a temporary exhibit constantly changing on the third floor.
Additionally, the Presidential Library offers information on the Clintons’ lives from before being elected until after they left office. The exhibits include over 100,000 documents, photos, and videos that tell a story.
Collections include material from the Clinton Campaign, his life in the White House, to his inauguration. You can opt for a self-guided tour or go on a group tour. Grab a map on the ground floor for a self-guided tour.
3. Rock Town Distillery
Rock Town Distillery offers award-winning Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, and Rum that you can sample in the Tasting Room. The tasting room also offers hand-crafted cocktails, local craft beer, and wine. So rather you are in the mood for some hard alcohol or just a glass of wine, Rock Town Distillery has you covered. While here, be sure to stop by for a tour. They offer four different tours that you can take. Below we have our two favorite tours:
Rock Town Distillery Guided Tour
Have you ever wondered how liquor is made? Then take the Rock Town Distillery Guided Tour to find out. While on this tour, you will learn the entire process of making spirits, from obtaining grain and making the liquor to bottling. Included with the tour is a sample of 8 different spirits. The tour and sampling take approximately 1 hour to complete.
Rock Town Whiskey Enthusiast Tour
Rock Town, Whiskey Enthusiast Tour, is excellent if you are interested in the history of Bourbon. This tour gives a history lesson on Bourbon. How cool is that? Plus, you can tour the facility and see how Bourbon is made. In addition to the tour, you get to sample 8 bourbons and whiskeys made at Rock Town Distillery. You must be 21 years or older to participate in the tour.
These are just a few of the tours offered at the facility. Other tours provided may be seasonal. Please visit the Rock Town Distillery website to see a list of tours.
4. Arkansas State Capitol
Have you ever wondered where speeches are created, public meetings are held, bills are signed, and legislative committee meetings are hosted in Arkansas? Now you can view the different rooms where all the action occurs.
Some of the various rooms you can see while visiting the Arkansas State Capitol are the State Treasurer’s Office, Old Supreme Courtroom, Governor’s Reception Room, Lieutenant Governor’s Office, and so many more. You can take a self-guided tour of the State Capitol or a Guided Tour.
If you choose to do a self-guided tour, grab a map and booklet by the front desk that gives you a detailed history of the different rooms throughout the building. If you are interested in a guided tour, they are available during the week from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome.
In addition to touring the inside of the State Capitol, you can walk about the capitol grounds, which host various monuments. The multiple monuments pay tribute to the individuals, rights, and freedom of Arkansas and the country. Learn more about Arkansas State Capitol. [Read also: Tour the Arkansas State Capitol].
5. Museum of Discovery
The Museum of Discovery is a great educational experience for the whole family. They are dedicated to educating about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while having fun.
The museum offers over 90 different interactive exhibits. In addition to the various educational exhibits, the Museum of Discovery has ongoing events throughout the year, allowing you to dive into a particular subject your kid is interested in.
Even if you live in Little Rock or visiting from another city/state, you must check out the Museum of Discovery! Your kids will have a blast while they learn something new.
6. Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo features over 500 different animals. While learning about new unknown species, you can see some of your favorite animals, such as the Red Fox, White Rhino, Bush Dogs, and Bears.
The Little Rock Zoo being approximately 33 acres, allows you to spend the entire day seeing and learning about each animal the Zoo has to offer. Since the Zoo is massive and features over 500 different animals, you may be interested in viewing a Little Rock Zoo Map online before visiting, allowing you to plan your trip ahead.
The Little Rock Zoo is broken down into different ‘exhibits, making viewing the animals you wish to see easier. These exhibits include Big Cats that have Lions, Jaguars, and Tigers. Then you have the Bears, Great Apes, and Penguins, Reptiles & Birds. These are just a few of the Little Rock Zoo’s many exhibits.
If you plan to spend the entire day at the Little Rock Zoo, you may be interested in one of the many places to eat. Cafe Africa features a variety of food, including hamburgers, chicken salad, pizza, ice cream, and more. This cozy cafe is a great way to take a break from the outdoors and enjoy a delicious meal. If you want a quick snack, you may be interested in Mosi’s Snack Shack and Lorikeet Landing Snack Shack. However, these are only open on weekends during Spring and Summertime.
This must-see attraction if you have never been to the Little Rock Zoo! You will not be disappointed as you see some of the cutest animals this world has to offer!
7. Robinson Center
The Robinson Center hosts various events, from Ballet, and Broadway Plays, to Symphonies! The Robinson Center is a great way to spend an evening enjoying the performing arts. Events are constantly changing, allowing you to pick your favorite performances. Visit the Robinson Center website to see a list of upcoming shows.
8. An Enchanting Evening
Are you looking for a way to relax on vacation with your significant other? Then you must check Enchanting Evening, a winery that offers excellent wine with amazing views! It’s a great way to enjoy scenic views with your partner. The Tasting Room is open from Friday to Sunday, allowing you to sample their wines. Wine tastings are free with a purchase of a bottle of wine.
The Winery Experience
While at An Enchanting Evening, opt into the two hours Winery Experience. The Winery Experience starts with a wine tasting, followed by a unique experience blending various varietals to create your flavor wine.
After the tasting, you get an opportunity to tour the winery. The tour takes you through creating, bottling, and sealing wine. Afterward, you get to bottle your wine and seal it! That’s not even the best part. The bottle of wine comes with a customized photo frame label. It’s a unique way to always remember and cherish your experience here.
Important Information: Dogs are not allowed on-premise.
9. Old State House Museum
If you are into American and local history, you may be interested in the Old State House Museum. The Old State House Museum was built in 1833 as the Original State Capital of Arkansas. Later in 1947, the building was turned into a Museum. This building hosts various educational exhibits that allow you to learn more about the local history of Arkansas.
The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Some more permanent exhibits include the replicas of the 1836 House of Representative Chambers and an educational video, allowing you to experience political aspects from another era. Then there is the Arkansas Supreme Court Exhibit, which explains the politics, economy, and history of Arkansas’s past. These are just a few permanent exhibits the Old State House Museum features.
10. The Old Mill
The Old Mill is a free attraction located in Little Rock, Arkansas. If you have seen “Gone with the Wind,” you likely have seen the famous Old Mill in the movie’s opening scene. The 1880s style mill was created in 1939 and designed to give a rustic appearance.
The park also features bridges that look like intertwined branches giving the park a whimsical feel. Furthermore, the grounds always have flowers in bloom throughout the entire year. Therefore, you can visit anytime during the year, from Winter to Summer, and always have scenic views throughout the park. The park featuring beautiful greens, gardens, and a mill, makes it a perfect place to picnic.
11. Magic Springs
Are you planning a vacation to Little Rock, Arkansas? Then you must add Magic Springs Theme & Water Park to your itinerary. Magic Springs offers many rides, including thrill rides, family rides, and kid rides.
In addition to the theme park, there is a waterpark that you can enjoy during summertime. The waterpark has a wave pool, many slides, and a splash zone.
In addition to a theme park and a waterpark, the facility features several different restaurants. Thus, allowing you to find something to eat for the whole family! Food options include hot dogs, funnel cakes, chicken tenders, and salads, among other types of food.
12. Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion is another must-see attraction in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. You will be in awe from when you first drive onto the premise and throughout the tour. Every aspect of this building is breathtakingly gorgeous.
The Governor’s Mansion is the full-time home of the governor and his family. Therefore, if you want to take a tour, you must make an appointment beforehand. To make an appointment, call 501-324-9805.
If you cannot visit Arkansas Governor’s Mansion while in town for whatever reason, you can take the online virtual tour to view different rooms throughout the house. The rooms include but are not limited to the Grand Hall, The Former Living Room, and the Grand Foyer. After the virtual or actual tour, you can take an online quiz to see how much you learned.
13. Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park
Are you looking for an action-packed adventure in Little Rock, Arkansas? Then look no further. Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park has everything you need to create a memorable day with your friends and family.
The facility offers various attractions, including an Aerial Adventure that allows you to be harnessed to a rope to complete an obstacle course in the air. Another great attraction the facility has to offer is the Amazing Maze. The maze allows you to get lost and try to find your way out!
In addition to an aerial course and maze, you can partake in mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, an arcade, and a laser maze. You can pay for each attraction individually or get a wristband and save. Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park offers several wristbands to suit your needs. Check Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park for more pricing information.
14. Funland Amusement Park
Are you looking for an affordable way to spend the day with family while keeping the littlest ones entertained? Then Funland Amusement Park is just what you need. The park offers several rides, including a mini Ferris wheel, a carousel ride, a bungee jump pad, and a mini coaster.
Each ride requires tickets that can be purchased at the park. You can buy one ticket, an unlimited ride pass, or a season pass, allowing you to buy based on the number of rides you want to opt into and the number of times you plan on visiting each year. Visit Funland Amusement Park’s website for more information on pricing and hours of operation.
15. Big Dam Bridge
If you visit Little Rock, Arkansas, you must see this Big Dam Bridge! The longest bridge designed for walking and biking in the world. The bridge is built atop the Murray Lock and Dam, allowing for a 4,226-foot bridge approximately 30 feet above the Dam and 90 feet above the Arkansas River. Walking or biking the bridge is a great way to get outdoors, breathe fresh air, and enjoy scenic views.
Full List of Explore Little Rock Arkansas
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- William J. Clinton Presidential Library
- Rock Town Distillery
- Arkansas State Capitol
- Museum of Discovery
- Little Rock Zoo
- Robinson Center
- An Enchanting Evening
- Old State House Museum
- The Old Mill
- Magic Springs
- Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
- Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park
- Funland Amusement Park
- Big Dam Bridge
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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