With the Arkansas River carving through its heart, Little Rock serves as the lively capital of Arkansas. It takes its name from a rock formation that was dubbed “La Petite Roche” by the 18th-century French explorer Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe. This storied city is home to impressive museums and cultural institutions and offers easy access to the recreational pursuits in the Ouachita National Forest.
Things to do in Little Rock
If you’re interested in the history of Arkansas, don’t miss a visit to the Old State House Museum, which occupies the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Its collection includes antique furnishings, vintage costumes and artwork, as well as exhibits detailing the tumultuous events the building has witnessed since its construction in 1833.
Want to step into a replica of the Oval Office? You can do just that at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, which celebrates the life and legacy of Bill Clinton. Get up close to his presidential limousine and a bicycle gifted to him by Lance Armstrong, then follow the timeline outlining the major world events that took place during his presidency.
Spend a day cycling or walking along the Arkansas River Trail, which follows a circular loop between downtown Little Rock and downtown North Little Rock. A highlight is crossing the 1,288-metre-long Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian and cycle bridge in the United States.
Getting around Little Rock
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is the main gateway to Little Rock and lies 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Trains travelling between Los Angeles and Chicago stop in Little Rock, as do long-distance Greyhound buses. For getting around the city, you can ride the River Rail Trolley system or join one of the many local cyclists.