7 Historic Sites in Little Rock That You Shouldn't Miss

July 14, 2021 Brandee Mangan

The Clintons may have put Little Rock on the map, but this charming and historic capital city offers plenty of reasons to keep it there. The Central High Museum tells the painful, powerful story of the city's racial struggles. Political buffs and Clinton fans will want to check out the State Capitol. Shoppers can spend hours at the River Market, a collection of tasty eateries and eclectic stores. Kids will be more than wowed by attractions such as the Children's Museum, the Museum of Discovery and the Zoo, famous for its eye-popping ape exhibit. Stay at a charming historic abode, an inviting bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel. Eat at fabulous restaurants and enjoy exciting nightlife. Little Rock has all the ingredients of a perfect weekend getaway.
Restaurants in Little Rock

1. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

1500 S Park St, Little Rock, AR 72202-5843 +1 501-374-1957 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/chsc
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4.5 based on 1,188 reviews

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Reviewed By YourHighnessK

This was the highlight of our trip with high school aged Girl Scouts. It is a beautiful high school with reflecting pond in front, and the Visitor Center contains a wealth of information about the integral role that the Little Rock Nine played in the Civil Rights movement after Brown v. Board. My scouts are about the same age as the Little Rock Nine were during that time. Seeing the school and the visitor center was an important lesson for the younger generation and a poignant reminder for the older generations. We definitely recommend for all ages and would visit again if in this area.

2. Old State House Museum

300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201-1406 +1 501-324-9685 http://www.oldstatehouse.com/
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52%
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4.5 based on 388 reviews

Old State House Museum

Built in 1836, this was the state's first capital building.

Reviewed By mariegleerup - Los Angeles, United States

Don't pass this one up -- what a terrific museum! We did not expect to spend more than an hour, but there was plenty to see (museum is free, also!). In May, curator Jo Ellen is opening two new areas: the Rock & Roll history of Little Rock, and The Governors of Arkansas. Both areas are fantastic, so if you're traveling to Little Rock, book yourself a couple hours to visit. We were able to view 28 of the 43 "first lady" inaugural gowns, which are impeccably displayed, with purse, shoes, coat and hat included.

3. Arkansas Governor's Mansion

1800 Center St, Little Rock, AR 72206-1418 +1 501-324-9805 http://www.arkansasgovernorsmansion.com/
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4.5 based on 53 reviews

Arkansas Governor's Mansion

The stately home of the sitting Arkansas governor is not open to the public. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the mansion's most illustrious former resident - there's a bust of Bill Clinton inside the front gates.

4. William J. Clinton Presidential Library

River Market District 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR +1 501-748-0419 http://www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org
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4.5 based on 2,553 reviews

William J. Clinton Presidential Library

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, Arkansas, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to its grounds each year. Opened in 2004, the Center is home to the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

Reviewed By GRANDDADGREENGO - Texas, United States

The Clinton Presidential Library is a bold, modern building near downtown Little Rock, overlooking the Arkansas River, which does a good job of telling the story of the Clinton administration of 1993-2001, a period of relative peace and prosperity in the United States. Unlike some presidential libraries that feature a replica of the oval office, visitors here can have their photo made (for a fee) sitting behind a replica of the Resolute desk, which President Clinton (and other presidents, such as JFK), have used.

5. Hinderliter Tavern

200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201-1608 +1 501-324-9351
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4.0 based on 3 reviews

Building that served as a meeting site for the territorial legislature.

6. Clinton Home

5419 L St, Little Rock, AR 72205-1726
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4.0 based on 7 reviews

Clinton Home

Home once owned by Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Reviewed By Lundy_Love

This house is privately owned. The owner does not give personal tours. She was kind enough to give me a little history though. I was thrilled for that!

7. Quapaw Quarter

615 E Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202-2421
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4.0 based on 5 reviews

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