Discover Why Little Rock, Arkansas Is a Buzz-Worthy Destination

Little Rock might not be the most obvious choice for a vacation destination. However, once you learn what this dynamic capital city has to offer, you’ll know why it deserves a spot on your radar.

Little Rock has something for everyone

Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the South with a vibrant food scene and a buzzing downtown. In addition, are plenty of historic and cultural attractions.

It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here.

The ESSE Purse Museum

Museums abound in Little Rock. One of my favorites is the ESSE Purse Museum, the only American museum dedicated to the art of the handbag. It’s currently one of just two in the world (the other is in South Korea).

Founded by collector Anita Davis, the museum’s permanent exhibit, “What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags 1900-1999,” takes you on a journey through the 20th century, using purses as its historical and evolutionary barometer.

If you’re a fashionista, you’ll be in heaven with all the interesting and colorful designs and brands on display. Even if you’re not, you’ll still find it a fascinating exploration of the concepts of art, history and the feminine, and how they connect with one another.

The name ESSE comes from the Latin infinitive for “to be,” which embodies what is the essence of this museum. It emphasizes that the purse is more than a bag for a woman to carry her necessities. It’s an extension of herself and her personal identity.

Choice of purse says a lot about a woman and “her continuously evolving position within the public sphere.”

“History in a Handbag”

The collection, along with photos and ephemera, portrays women’s struggles while giving equal focus to their accomplishments, all amid the times in which they lived. It’s “history in a handbag.”

For example, in the 1920s, purses took on a more contemporary and exciting new look. They were typically small with thin straps or clutch varieties, as women of this decade kicked up their legs and began to experience new freedoms.

In the 40s, during wartime, fashion was relegated to the back burner, so purses became larger and more practical. Fashion ruled in the 50s. A matching gloves/shoes/purses ensemble was all the rage, with women sporting colorful Lucite bags, designer leather and box purses.

In the 60s, the fashion statement was youthful and fun; think of a smiley face bag. Fast forward to the 80s when logo-adorned, designer bags were a must-have.

ESSE also has a great gift shop with high-quality and unique handbags. There is also eclectic jewelry, books, scarves and other items. There are purses in everything from leather and wood to felt, rubber and recycled materials.

Get Your Art Fix at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is another of my top picks. Featuring a world-class, international collection of art, along with art classes, programs, and live theater productions, the museum is a work of beauty in and of itself. With its creative use of light, space and form, it’s an architectural landmark for the city.

The museum’s permanent collection showcases two-and three-dimensional art with works from such well-known artists as Diego Rivera, Elaine de Kooning, Louise Nevelson and Claude Monet.

You’ll notice Anne Lindberg’s installation, “passage,” which was designed for a narrow corridor gallery. Made of cotton thread, it floats overhead as you walk below, feeling like you’re under a cloud of color. It’s on view through early July 2027, so catch it while you can.

History Is Alive and Well in Little Rock

For history, several attractions are on view. These include the Old State House, Historic Arkansas Museum, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the Clinton Presidential Library.

Delve into the Political History of Arkansas at The Old State House

The Old State House was Arkansas’s first capitol building. Constructed in 1833, it’s also the oldest standing state capitol west of the Mississippi. Over the years, it has been the Arkansas War Memorial, home of the Arkansas State Police and a medical school. Since the early 1950s it’s been a museum.

Inside are exhibits on Arkansas governors and their families, along with the state’s political history from territory through statehood and beyond.

You’ll get to walk inside the House of Representatives Chamber, which was returned to its likely appearance during the 1840s, complete with wooden desks, chairs and even spittoons.

First Ladies of Arkansas also get their due with an exhibit exploring the lives and accomplishments of governors’ wives throughout Arkansas’s past. It contains the largest exhibition of first ladies’ gowns outside the Smithsonian.

During my visit, there was a demonstration on Civil War medicine, done by an historian in period clothing. The tools of his trade were not for the squeamish, as they contained saws and other barbaric-looking instruments.

He explained that during the war, medical and surgical procedures were performed in very unhygienic conditions, often using unsterilized equipment. He proceeded to show how amputation would have been done – in graphic detail!

Check Out the Exhibits and Demonstrations at the Historic Arkansas Museum

A few blocks away is the Historic Arkansas Museum. Inside is an array of galleries featuring Arkansas-made art and history. These range from indigenous people to the artists and artisans of today.

The Knife Gallery is a surprise hit. It traces the story of the Bowie knife, which got its start in Arkansas territory, and holds one of the country’s best collections. The museum also rotates exhibits of Arkansas-made art and craft, so there’s usually something new in its larger galleries.

“We Walk in Two Worlds” tells the story of Arkansas’s first people, the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw Native American tribes, from early times to the present. Over 150 objects, such as clothing, pottery and weapons, are on display.

Outside, on the grounds, are some of the state’s oldest buildings on their original sites. This includes the oldest building in Little Rock, the Hinderliter Grog Shop, built around 1827. There’s also a transplanted 1850s farmstead.

Several are open for you to peek inside, where you can interact with period-costumed interpreters performing activities such as weaving or operating a print shop, à la 1800s. It’s like a mini Williamsburg.

Delve into the City’s Darkest Time at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Visiting the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is perhaps one of the most impactful experiences for visitors. The city is known for its role in the country’s civil rights struggle.

It was the epicenter of the segregation crisis in the 1950s and a focus of the national spotlight during this dark and painful period in history.

The ranger’s presentation here is informative, eye-opening and emotional, as you learn about the Little Rock Nine and their attempt to enroll in Central High School in 1957. To be accepted, the school board had several requirements.

To be accepted, students needed top grades, a strong attendance record and a clean disciplinary history. Once accepted, they wouldn’t be allowed to take part in any extracurricular activities.

Even more outrageous was that you would have to guarantee you would never retaliate or defend yourself against negative comments or behaviors directed at you by other students.

So, for example, if a white student shoved you into the lockers and called you terrible names, you wouldn’t be able to say or do anything.

The Little Rock Nine and the Battle for Desegregation

These requirements whittled down the list, just as intended. Roughly 80 students were approved at first, but the number dropped to 10 after families were warned the students couldn’t join any activities and that parents could lose their jobs.

I was heartbroken watching the images of these young African American students being jeered and shouted at, as well as spit upon, by a large mob of angry white protesters, as they tried to enter the school.

A showdown followed. Governor Faubus had called in the Arkansas National Guard to block the students, in direct challenge to federal law. When a federal judge ordered him to stop, he pulled the Guard out, which left the students facing a mob of nearly a thousand people. President Eisenhower then sent in the 101st Airborne and took control of the Arkansas Guard so the nine could finally attend class.

Photos of the clash, taken by the media from a gas station across the street (Gov. Faubus wouldn’t let them on-site), were shown around the country.

And even after the Little Rock Nine were admitted to the school, Gov. Faubus continued to advocate for segregation. But these nine students became symbols of courage and optimism for the future. They helped pave the way for all those who came after them.

Central High is still functioning today and you can walk past it on your tour. It’s the only operating high school located within the boundaries of a National Historic Site.

You can also see the gas station, which is a part of this historic destination. Make sure you also check out the Monument to the Little Rock Nine on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol.

Get to Know the Man Behind the Oval Office at the Clinton Presidential Library

Allow plenty of time to explore the Clinton Presidential Library, another of the city’s top attractions. With 20,000 square feet of exhibits, the ultra-modern museum gives you the chance to get to know the man behind the Oval Office.

There’s a timeline documenting the years of Clinton’s presidency, featuring significant events and decisions, a host of Clinton family memorabilia, photos, gifts from heads of state around the world, an extensive archive detailing Clinton’s day-to-day life in office, formal wear worn by Clinton and his wife Hillary at state dinners and much more.

There are even exact replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room that you can step inside.

Little Rock Rocks When It Comes to Outdoor Fun

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find much to like about Little Rock. After all, this is Arkansas, the Natural State! Stroll or cycle along the Arkansas River Trail, the region’s premier outdoor recreation trail.

Enjoy the beautifully landscaped Riverfront Park, which stretches eleven blocks on the banks of the Arkansas River in the downtown area. It provides oodles of greenspace with murals, sculptures, a history pavilion, an outdoor concert venue, a children’s playground and more.

At its center is La Petite Roche Plaza, which pays homage to the city’s namesake with interpretive plaques and of course, the “little rock.”

Story has it that a French explorer, Benard de le Harpe, is credited with using the name “Little Rock” in 1722 to describe a stone outcropping on the bank of the Arkansas River. The rock was used by early travelers to denote a landmark.

Rent a kayak or take a kayaking tour with Rock Town River Outfitters and paddle the Arkansas River for great city and nature views. Hike up nearby Pinnacle Mountain for a good cardio workout and be rewarded by picturesque mountain and lake panoramas.

Or walk across the Big Dam Bridge and get your steps as you enjoy more scenic vistas.

You Can Eat Your Way through Little Rock’s River Market District

While downtown, explore Little Rock’s River Market District, where there’s a selection of cool shops, restaurants and watering holes. For all things crawfish and catfish, head to Flying Fish. If you want fried chicken, make a beeline for Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.

And if you crave barbecue, Platnum Barbecue serves up southern-style BBQ staples and classic sides. Other popular establishments include Cache, Doe’s Eat Place, One Eleven at the Capital, Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe and Sonny Williams’ Steak Room.

When it comes time to dine with a view, Brave New Restaurant should be at the top of your list. You’ll enjoy a feast for the eyes and the taste buds with delicious, creative American dishes at one of Little Rock’s most successful and longest-running dining establishments.

Pescatarians will love the walleye, scallops, Big Eye tuna and salmon entrees, while carnivores will relish the pork tenderloin, veal, duck and chicken options. Start with the goat cheese mousse and save room for the decadent chocolate crème brûlée!

Head to SoMa for More Good Eats

Another area to check out is the Southside Main Street District or SoMa. Once a rundown and desolate section of town, SoMa underwent extensive revitalization and is now a hip “hood” with cafes, boutiques, gardens and colorful street art.

One of the more locally beloved spots is the Root Café. This sustainable, farm-to-table, locally owned eatery sources from small farms and producers across the state.

Try the biscuit or pulled pork sandwiches, chicken and dumplings, housemade sauerkraut, pimento cheese bread or kimchi fries, among other eclectic offerings.

If you’re in the mood for some yummy baked goods, head to Community Bakery, where the scones, sticky buns and buttery croissants will melt in your mouth.

But if it’s ice cream you want, Loblolly Creamery’s got you covered with flavors like Rock Town Bourbon Pecan, Banana Moon Pie, and Cookie Butter Latte.

Ride the METRO Streetcar for Free

Transportation is easy in Little Rock with the METRO Streetcar. Ride one of three historic replica streetcars between the “twin cities” of Little Rock and North Little Rock for a fun way to take in the sights. And even better, it’s free!

Plenty of Options When It Comes to Accommodations

Accommodations are plentiful in Little Rock, with options ranging from luxury to business to budget-friendly. If you want to stay downtown, the Little Rock Marriott is a good choice.

This amenity-rich hotel boasts spacious guest rooms, many offering views of downtown or the Arkansas River, on-site dining and a fitness center. And with its convenient location, you’ll be able to walk to a number of attractions and restaurants.

You’ll be glad to know that Classic Southern hospitality is on full display in Little Rock and the reception you’ll get as a visitor is warm and welcoming. People here really want you to like their town. I needed no further convincing.

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Author Bio: Debbie Stone is an established travel writer and columnist who crosses the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places, culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness and more. Her travels have taken her to nearly 100 countries spanning all seven continents, and her stories appear in numerous print and digital publications. 

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