If you have been around me for longer than five minutes, you have probably heard me jokingly mock my home town. Although it is somewhat unknown, Little Rock, Arkansas is actually a lively city with plenty of attractions for pretty much any type of person. As the capital city in a southern state, Little Rock is a strange mix of country and urban life. From local businesses on the Main Street strip to the numerous parks for outdoor recreation, there is no shortage of things to do in the city. Here are some of the best hidden gems of Little Rock.
Big Dam Bridge– This is claimed to be the longest pedestrian bridge in all of North America. It run across the Arkansas River and connects Little Rock and North Little Rock (yes, they are two *very* different places), and is frequented by runners and bikers alike. It is a great place to have a picnic or get in a scenic walk. In the evenings the bridge illuminates with bright lights, colored to match the season.
Little Rock River Market District– Situated right next to the Statehouse Convention Center and the beautiful Main Library, this area of downtown is an expanse of amazing restaurants and other small businesses. It is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, shop local, or meet up with friends. The cuisine within the District is from all over the world- India, Greece, Mexico- and is all authentically made in front of you.
Museum of Discovery– A personal favorite, this museum is open to everyone, but is especially geared toward teaching children about science and history through interactive exhibits and activities. Visitors can shoot their own weather cast on the green screen or experience the power of a nature in the tornado simulator. One of my favorite parts about this museum is the staff who are incredibly accommodating of guests with any variety of needs.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park– This beautiful park illustrates exactly why Arkansas is named the Natural State. There are walking trails and mountain trails of various difficulty levels, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and picnicking. True to its name, Little Rock’s mountain isn’t actually too high, and within a couple of hours, even novice hikers can reach the breathtaking view of amazing forests and rivers that can been seen from the mountaintop.
Little Rock Central High School– My alma mater, LRCHS is a national historic site that is known for being the first public high school in the United States to desegregate in 1957. History buffs can visit the school’s official visitor center and get a guided tour through the school while learning about the Little Rock Nine, the first nine Black students to integrate the school. Both inside and out, the school is beautiful, and much of the original architecture of the building (built in 1927) is still intact.
These are just a few of the many wonderful part of the capital city that make it such a beautiful and diverse city – a city that I am proud to call home.