As the former home of President Bill Clinton and the location of the famous civil rights protests spurred by school integration at Little Rock Central High School, the largest city and capitol of the state of Arkansas holds a special place in American history. The city of 187,000 people is well-known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement and has several point of interests for visitor’s coming to the city.
WHAT TO DO
Most of Little Rock’s most interesting attractions are found downtown. The state capitol, which was modeled after the U.S. capitol, has been used in several movies because of its close appearance to the capitol building in Washington D.C. There is also a monument here honoring the Little Rock Nine, who were the nine black students that faced mass protests in 1957 to attend classes at Little Rock Central High.
Because of the important role Little Rock played in the Civil Rights movement, there are several points of interest associated with this piece of American history. History buffs and those interested in the story of Central High should visit the Central High School National Historic Site and Museum. This site id dedicated to the Central High integration crisis of 1957. Take your picture in front of the iconic facade of the school and look at the exhibition on event from the visitor center. (Note that this is still an operating school, so tours must be privately prearranged).
If you are going for a history themed visit, also stop by MacArthur Park, where you can picnic near General Douglas MacArthur’s birth site, feed the ducks, and check out the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History or the Arkansas Arts Center.
Visitors can also pay tribute to famous people from Arkansas at the “Westminster Abbey of Arkansas” Mount Holly Cemetery, visit the Old State House (which is the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi). There are also the famous Peabody Hotel Ducks, which swim in Little Rock’s first class hotel’s lobby and are given literal red carpet treatment.
GETTING THERE
Little Rock’s National Airport (airport code LIT) is serviced by all major airlines, which makes getting a flight to Little Rock fairly easy, though unless coming from a handful of larger markets, travelers will have to change planes. The airport is located about 10 minutes from town, so getting a cab into the city is easy. Visitor’s driving to the airport can also reserve Little Rock airport parking in advance. A public bus also services the airport for those looking for an alternative way to get to the airport.
WHERE TO STAY
If you aren’t up for the price tag that comes along with staying at Little Rock’s famous Peabody Hotel, visitors can opt for another hotel in Little Rock. The city has everything from high to low end. Budget travelers may not find a hostel in Little Rock, but there may be inexpensive discount rooms in the city.