Road Trips : Arkansas : Little Rock, AR
322mi ~ 5hr 30min
At the center of the state, Little Rock is Arkansas's capital city. The Arkansas River borders Little Rock, and it's here where the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains begin to rise from flat farmlands. Fittingly, the state's diverse cultures converge at Little Rock, which is home to a thriving and downtown entertainment district, a wide array of restaurants, exciting nightlife, riverside parks and golf courses, and the Clinton Presidential Library.
At the center of the state, Little Rock is Arkansas's capital city. The Arkansas River borders Little Rock, and it's here where the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains begin to rise from flat farmlands. Fittingly, the state's diverse cultures converge at Little Rock, which is home to a thriving and downtown entertainment district, a wide array of restaurants, exciting nightlife, riverside parks and golf courses, and the Clinton Presidential Library.
Attractions
Arkansas State Capitol
The Capitol Building stands 230 feet tall featuring a circular central drum tower that is capped with a dome and cupola. The building was built over a century ago as a replica of the US Capitol and has been used in many movies as a stand in. The construction started in 1899 with George Mann and ended in 1915 with Cass Gilbert. Located on the grounds are several monuments including monuments to veterans, police, Confederate soldiers, Confederate women and a Confederate war prisoners marker.
The State Capitol Building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm. and on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. You can have a guided tour or just walk through yourself. The free scheduled tours of the Capitol Building are offered weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. Call 501-682-5080 for more information or to arrange a private tour.
Clinton Presidential Library
Clinton Presidential Library, which focuses heavily on the time that William J. Clinton spent as the nation's leader.
The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is located within the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. The Center includes the Clinton Foundation (Little Rock office) and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
In addition to the archival collection and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits, special events, and educational programs. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Permanent exhibits utilize documents, photographs, videos and interactive stations. A timeline and alcoves highlight domestic and foreign policy, as well as life in the White House.
* Coupons are available at the gift shop (located in the River Market area), so stop there first.
Crater of Diamonds
During a vacation in Arkansas, who wouldn't want to dig for diamonds? And keep them? At Crater of Diamonds State Park you can do exactly that and more. Bring your shovels, buckets, silves, hats and water!
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
While integration protesters made their presence known, nine African-American students entered the then segregated Central High School on September 23, 1957. This event was broadcast around the world and was one of the most highly-publicized moments in the Civil Rights struggle.
The Visitor Center contains multimedia displays of the civil rights movement and interviews with the Little Rock Nine. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., year round. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
The Old Mill
The old South isn't completely gone with the wind in North Little Rock. A short drive from McCain mall will bring you to a quiet, tranquil place that looks like something from an old movie. As a matter of fact, it was featured in the opening scene of Gone With the Wind. It's believed to be the only remaining structure from that film. So, put on your hoop squirt, grab your parasol and your "fiddle dee dee" attitude and come for a visit.
The Old Mill is in the Lakewood area on Lakeshore drive. Take McCain Boulevard East and you'll see Lakeshore which has signs pointing you to the Mill. Admission to the Mill is free and visitors may tour at their own pace. It is open from dawn until dusk.
The Old State House Museum
The Old State House is Arkansas' original state capitol and the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River. It now houses a museum of Arkansas history. The building is Greek revival style and houses some great Arkansas history. It also holds special events for families throughout the year.
It's located in downtown Little Rock within walking distance of the River Market and the current state capitol. The address is 300 W. Markham, between the Doubletree and the Peabody Hotels
Hours
9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Saturday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Day
Talimena Scenic Byway
Tourists utilizing car rentals to get around on their Arkansas vacations will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and panoramic landscapes when exploring the Talimena Scenic Byway. Spanning the western region of Arkansas, this fifty-four-mile expanse leads through the crest of the beautiful Ouachita Mountains and along the way offers plenty of exciting things to do in Arkansas.
The Capitol Building stands 230 feet tall featuring a circular central drum tower that is capped with a dome and cupola. The building was built over a century ago as a replica of the US Capitol and has been used in many movies as a stand in. The construction started in 1899 with George Mann and ended in 1915 with Cass Gilbert. Located on the grounds are several monuments including monuments to veterans, police, Confederate soldiers, Confederate women and a Confederate war prisoners marker.
The State Capitol Building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm. and on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. You can have a guided tour or just walk through yourself. The free scheduled tours of the Capitol Building are offered weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. Call 501-682-5080 for more information or to arrange a private tour.
Clinton Presidential Library
Clinton Presidential Library, which focuses heavily on the time that William J. Clinton spent as the nation's leader.
The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is located within the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. The Center includes the Clinton Foundation (Little Rock office) and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
In addition to the archival collection and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits, special events, and educational programs. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Permanent exhibits utilize documents, photographs, videos and interactive stations. A timeline and alcoves highlight domestic and foreign policy, as well as life in the White House.
* Coupons are available at the gift shop (located in the River Market area), so stop there first.
Crater of Diamonds
During a vacation in Arkansas, who wouldn't want to dig for diamonds? And keep them? At Crater of Diamonds State Park you can do exactly that and more. Bring your shovels, buckets, silves, hats and water!
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
While integration protesters made their presence known, nine African-American students entered the then segregated Central High School on September 23, 1957. This event was broadcast around the world and was one of the most highly-publicized moments in the Civil Rights struggle.
The Visitor Center contains multimedia displays of the civil rights movement and interviews with the Little Rock Nine. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., year round. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
The Old Mill
The old South isn't completely gone with the wind in North Little Rock. A short drive from McCain mall will bring you to a quiet, tranquil place that looks like something from an old movie. As a matter of fact, it was featured in the opening scene of Gone With the Wind. It's believed to be the only remaining structure from that film. So, put on your hoop squirt, grab your parasol and your "fiddle dee dee" attitude and come for a visit.
The Old Mill is in the Lakewood area on Lakeshore drive. Take McCain Boulevard East and you'll see Lakeshore which has signs pointing you to the Mill. Admission to the Mill is free and visitors may tour at their own pace. It is open from dawn until dusk.
The Old State House Museum
The Old State House is Arkansas' original state capitol and the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River. It now houses a museum of Arkansas history. The building is Greek revival style and houses some great Arkansas history. It also holds special events for families throughout the year.
It's located in downtown Little Rock within walking distance of the River Market and the current state capitol. The address is 300 W. Markham, between the Doubletree and the Peabody Hotels
Hours
9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Saturday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Day
Talimena Scenic Byway
Tourists utilizing car rentals to get around on their Arkansas vacations will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and panoramic landscapes when exploring the Talimena Scenic Byway. Spanning the western region of Arkansas, this fifty-four-mile expanse leads through the crest of the beautiful Ouachita Mountains and along the way offers plenty of exciting things to do in Arkansas.
Activities
Accommodations
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock
424 West Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas, United States 72201
Tel: 1-501-372-4371 Fax: 1-501-372-0518
The Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Little Rock, just off I-30 in the heart of Arkansas' capital city, is attached to the classic Robinson Center, only minutes away from Arkansas Area Golf, and five blocks from the River Market Entertainment District. Our stylish Doubletree hotel is located across the street from Little Rock's Government and State offices, and Little Rock National Airport is 15 minutes away by courtesy shuttle.
You can see the capitol from here and if this is the end of your stop, the $1 drinks at the manager's reception may be just what you need.
424 West Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas, United States 72201
Tel: 1-501-372-4371 Fax: 1-501-372-0518
The Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Little Rock, just off I-30 in the heart of Arkansas' capital city, is attached to the classic Robinson Center, only minutes away from Arkansas Area Golf, and five blocks from the River Market Entertainment District. Our stylish Doubletree hotel is located across the street from Little Rock's Government and State offices, and Little Rock National Airport is 15 minutes away by courtesy shuttle.
You can see the capitol from here and if this is the end of your stop, the $1 drinks at the manager's reception may be just what you need.
Dining
Gusano's Pizza
313 President Clinton Avenue.
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 374-1441
Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. - Close
Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
313 President Clinton Avenue.
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 374-1441
Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. - Close
Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Related Destinations
Resources
Back To Arkansas Road Trips