A fun and beautiful road trip from Dallas is Little Rock in Arkansas.

Little Rock is about a 5 hour drive from Dallas but adding the rest stops which you will for sure make either to use the restroom, grab some snacks, gas or just to explore the sweet towns on the way, lets make it close to 6.

Which towns you ask….Sulphur Springs, Texarkana, Arkadelphia to name some. From specialty shops, to family owned restaurants to state parks…..there is a lot to explore on your way to Little Rock, if you have time.

If driving is not your thing, you can also fly to Little Rock which is only a little over an hour flight.

Little Rock is the capital and the most populous city of Arkansas. It is a blend of history and culture and there is so much to see around here.

Here are a few things we really enjoyed during our stay there.

 

1. ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL

Located at 500 Woodlane Street, Arkansas State Capitol or simply the Capitol building is the home of the Arkansas General Assembly, and the seat of the Arkansas state government. The building bears a notable resemblance to the US Capitol Building.

The building is made of limestone and was completed in 1915.

The Capitol grounds is home to multiple monuments and memorials some of them include the Monument to Confederate Soldiers, Liberty Bell replica, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument to Confederate Women, “Little Rock Nine” Civil Rights Memorial and more.

2. LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Little Rock Central High School (LRCHS) is a public school in Little Rock. On November 6, 1998, Congress set out the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

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.

Visit the visitor center to learn how the sacrifice and struggle endured by the Little Rock Nine have provided opportunities and opened doors for those seeking equality and education around the world.

 

3. PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

The Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located just west of Little Rock in the Pulaski County and spans over 2300 acres.

There are lots of outdoor adventures which can be enjoyed in the park. There are over 22 miles of trails and 14 miles of challenging mountain bike trails.

One can hike to the mountain top, enjoy the arboretum, explore the rivers or simply reserve a pavilion to have an large gathering or a simple picnic.

Do stop by the visitor center to read up on why the Pinnacle Mountain State Park is also certified as a Trails of Tears National Historic Site.

4.WILLIAM J. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum are located on the banks of Arkansas River at 1200 President Clinton Ave.

The huge campus includes the Clinton Presidential Library, the Clinton Foundation offices, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and a full-service restaurant called 42 bar and table.  The library features multiple exhibits which chronicle Clinton’s presidency.

The library is open Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

An important note is, that of November 2021 you have to  show proof of vaccination to enter the library.

 

5.CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL PARK BRIDGE

The Clinton Presidential Park Bridge originally built in mid 1800s was reopened in 2011 as a pedestrian and cyclist bridge. It is located adjacent to the Clinton Presidential Center and connects Little Rock to North Little Rock by traversing the Arkansas River.

This bridge is also part of the Arkansas River Trail system which which runs along both the north and south banks of the Arkansas River for around 15 miles.

6.RIVER MARKET DISTRICT

The River Market  includes the indoor River Market, River Front Park, Arkansas River Trail and the famous Junction Bridge.

Technically a culinary heaven, the indoor market is the home of dozen of family operated restaurants & food stalls. Not only that there are plenty specialty shops so you can shop till you drop.

Once done with dining and shopping, head out to enjoy the Riverfront Park which is hands down the best public park in the area. There are so many activities to be done in the area and the most enjoyable and unique for us was the Junction Bridge.

The Junction Bridge is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge which links both sides of the Arkansas River Trail. You can access the bridge via a walkway  behind the River Market pavilion on the Little Rock side.

7.OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM

Old State House Museum is the original State Capitol Building of Arkansas and is oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. It is located at 300 W Markham St. It served as the State Capitol till 1912 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997.

There are a lot of permanent and seasonal exhibits.

8.H.U LEE INTERNATIONAL GATE & GARDEN

This is a must for all Martial Arts fans. This is a tribute to Haeng Ung Lee (H.U. Lee) who was the co-founder and first Grand Master of the American Taekwondo Association. This Korean exhibit is located at 101 E. Markham St.

9.QUAPAW QUARTER

The Quapaw Quarters is Little Rock’s oldest area areas where you will find historic homes, art galleries, hidden garden and lots of specialty stores.

A must to see is the Bernice Garden and your trip would be incomplete without enjoyed the breakfast at the famous Root Café and ice cream from Loblolly Creamery.

 

 

On your way back don’t forget to make a short detour and visit the city of Hope, the birth place of President Clinton. The home is now a National Historic Site.

 

Lastly if you have time or are wanting to do another weekend getaway, Hot Springs in Arkansas is another outing. You can read all about it HERE.