North Little Rock AR is home to some amazing attractions. North Little Rock AR has something for everyone,from outdoor activities to local cuisine.
The Big Dam Bridge is a favorite attraction for those looking to walk,jog or cycle over it. The bridge also offers a beautiful view of the Arkansas River.
1. The Big Dam Bridge
Put on your running shoes or bike and enjoy one of the most unique bridges in North America,designed expressly for pedestrians and cyclists. This engineering marvel provides postcard views of the Murray Lock and Dam and the Arkansas River and Pinnacle mountain. Benches and binoculars equip 8 scenic stops along the bridge’s span. Watch for birds and wildlife and,if you’re lucky,catch a river barge passing through the lock.
North Little Rock is also home to a number of attractions along the river,including the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Burns Park is the largest park in the city,with 1,700 acres,including sports complexes and trails,as well as the One Heart Playground. It’s also home to a regional hub for the Metro Rail Electric Streetcar.
2. The Old State House Museum
The Old State House Museum is the home of Arkansas political history. This imposing building,designed by Gideon Shryock and built in 1836 to serve as the state capitol,was originally intended to be used for that purpose. The architecture of the building was heavily influenced from Greek history. It stood out as a sign that the young America had a distinct identity.
During the Civil War,it was used as Army headquarters. Eventually,it would become the scene of a hair-raising gubernatorial race between Elisha Baxter and Joseph Brooks. Before Ulysses S Grant stepped in,there were riots and militias. There was even cannonfire.
Since then,the statehouse has evolved into a museum. Visitors can still view the original chambers and learn about Arkansas’ political history.
3. River Rail Electric Streetcar
River Rail Electric Streetcar offers a unique and fun way to see the downtown of Little Rock and North Little Rock,central Arkansas’ twin cities. The route spans 3.4 miles and crosses the Main Street Bridge. It connects places like the Clinton Presidential Center,Heifer International,and favorite hotels,restaurants and brewpubs with cultural attractions,hotels and restaurants.
The line began operation in November 2004 and is operated by the Central Arkansas Transit Authority,formerly known as CATA. The system operates seven days a weeks,excluding New Year’s Day and Memorial Day. It is also closed on Labor Day,Christmas Day,Independence Day and Labor Day.
4. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
In the heart of downtown North Little Rock,is a military museum that’s a must visit for history buffs. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a museum that focuses on local and Arkansas military history with an impressive amount of photos and artifacts.
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History aims to interpret Arkansas’s military history from the territorial period up until today. The museum is located in the Tower Building,also known as General Douglas MacArthur’s birthplace,at the Old Arsenal of Little Rock. It preserves Arkansas contributions to military history,both domestically and internationally.
The Tower Building,built in 1840,was initially used as a munitions warehouse for the Little Rock Arsenal. This frontier military post was established at the time. The building is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Little Rock. The building is a National Historic Landmark.
5. Burns Park
The Burns Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The park contains many sports and recreation facilities,including baseball,softball,soccer and rugby fields,tennis courts,and two golf course.
The 14-mile mountain bike trails in the park include steep climbs and challenging rock gardens. There are several loop options. The Emerald Loop has some of the fastest,rocky descents and is considered to be the most difficult.
Locals call North Little Rock NLR. Residents are dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. This is reflected in the city’s thriving food and beverage scene and its emphasis on healthy eating and active living.
