What to do and see in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR): The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

March 3, 2022 Natalie Tallman

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. Arkansas Repertory Theatre

601 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201-4201 +1 501-378-0405 http://www.therep.org/
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 75 reviews

Arkansas Repertory Theatre

Reviewed By arkansastraveler2018 - Russellville, United States

Always a lovely experience attending any performance at this venue. Intimate setting with good seating and easy access and parking. Conveniently located to various sites in the area.

2. Mystery Mansion Escape Room

2122 S Broadway St, Little Rock, AR 72206-1356 +1 501-486-8463 [email protected] http://mysterymansionescape.com
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 644 reviews

Mystery Mansion Escape Room

Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call.

Reviewed By C1013HMvaleries

First time experience for my sister and me ~ we went with my 12-year-old niece and nephew who had been to other escape rooms several times. I'll admit, they were way better at it than we were! We needed a bit of help but made it through. We did the Riddle High room- a great retro theme and lots of fun. The Mystery Mansion crew were great and gave us extra time to finish (we needed it!). Fun activity!!

3. An Enchanting Evening

29300 Highway 300, Little Rock, AR 72135-9197 +1 501-330-2182 [email protected] http://www.anenchantingevening.com
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

An Enchanting Evening

An Enchanting Evening Winery is open to the public and features a family friendly tasting room. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic deck that looks out at Pinnacle Mountain while enjoying a glass/bottle of our award winning wines. If interested, ask to get a tour of the wine making process. If attending a wedding at our venue, come out early and enjoy some wine prior to the event!

4. Arkansas Brews Cruise

Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Arkansas Brews Cruise

Arkansas's only full craft beer immersion experience. You will see, feel, smell and , most importantly, taste great beer on this tour. We visit 3 select local breweries to insure you the best possible experience. Our first stop the focus is on the brewing process. We will show how beer is made and walk the process from grain to glass. The second stop is all about style, where we dive into beer styles and beer history. Our final stop is a chance to get social and enjoy hanging out with new friends and excellent beers. Join us on the Arkansas Brews Cruise for a casual, fun and informative way to see and experience the local craft beer scene. Great for Wedding parties, Reunions, Girls night out, Date nights, Corporate events and Team building.

5. 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
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

6. Old State House Museum

300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201-1406 +1 501-324-9685 http://www.oldstatehouse.com/
Excellent
52%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

7. Arkansas State Capitol

Woodlane & Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 +1 501-682-1010 http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/stateCapitolInfo/Pages/stateCapitolTour.aspx
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 476 reviews

Arkansas State Capitol

Visitors can tour this government building that sits on a knoll, overlooking downtown to the east and the Arkansas river to the north, and bears a striking resemblance to the U.S. Capitol building.

Reviewed By 908julias - The Woodlands, United States

We loved it, lots to see, free parking around. Be sure to visit the treasury to look rich (for a few mins anyway.

8. Historic Arkansas Museum

200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201-1608 +1 501-324-9351 http://www.historicarkansas.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 181 reviews

Historic Arkansas Museum

Recalling Arkansas' frontier days with restored pre-Civil War houses plus a museum center featuring full-scale galleries, interactive exhibits and more.

Reviewed By TravellingMagi - Wichita, United States

We decided to spend a few hours here while passing through Little Rock recently and were very glad we did. Great exhibits and the personal, guided tour of all of the outbuildings was a very nice touch that made you really feel as if you were walking back in time. I have family that live in Little Rock who said they've never been there, and that's a shame. It's a real nice piece of preserved history right there in your little city and is well worth the time and money to go and see. Parking can be a bit tricky, but if you're not in a hurry it is well worth the stop. Highly recommended place to visit.

9. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

503 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202-3997 +1 501-376-4602 [email protected] http://www.arkmilitaryheritage.com/
Excellent
60%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History relates the military heritage of Arkansas and its citizens to a diverse and widespread audience. Located in the historic Arsenal Building in MacArthur Park--one of Central Arkansas's oldest surviving structures and the birthplace of one of this country's foremost military heroes--the museum collects, preserves, and interprets our state's rich military past from its territorial period to the present. Admission to the museum is free.

10. Arkansas Arts Center

501 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202-3952 +1 501-372-4000 [email protected] http://www.arkansasartscenter.org
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Arkansas Arts Center

The Arkansas Arts Center is an art museum and active center for the visual and performing arts. Featuring a world-class international collection of art, live theatre productions, art classes, lectures, films, family programs, shopping and dining, the Arkansas Arts Center offers something for everyone. Visit today and find your inspiration!

Reviewed By TallTexWally

The Arkansas Arts Center is located in MacArthur Park, just south of 9th Street, where the Little Rock Arsenal was located during the Civil War. The birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, which is now the Arkansas Military Museum, is adjacent to the Art Museum. There is plenty of parking outside the building. Admission is free, but there is a box for contributions. When I visited they had a special exhibit for Delta artists in one section of the museum. You just have to register at the front desk to gain admission to the Delta exhibit. Works of art, mainly paintings, but some sculptures, from artists from Arkansas and surrounding states were on display. Many of the artists were born in other states, but have moved to Arkansas. All the works were interesting, and showed a sense of style and sophistication. Other parts of the museum housed the permanent collection. One section was devoted to French Impressionists. There was another gallery devoted to the works of young artists. The museum is larger inside than you would think at first, and it takes time to wander from one room to the next. Arkansas is not a large state, compared to others, but this collection of art, for a small state, is worth a visit. I should also like to mention that the new Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, AR is also a very fine art museum, and should be visited, although it is quite a distance from Little Rock.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.