Things to Do/Places to Visit
The Arkansas State Capitol is a must see attraction when you visit Little Rock. Built between 1899 and 1915, the capitol building was built on the site of the state penitentiary. A unique fact is that the prisoners helped with the construction. Not only is the building known for its history and government role, its architecture is also an important part. The building is made of limestone and marble, with the cupola made of 24-carat gold leaf. Inside the capitol, you can find a duplicate of the Liberty Bell, the Confederate War Prisoners Memorial, as well as other memorials. Because it is still an active house of government, you can watch legislators at work from public galleries. Entrance and tours are free. On weekdays, the capitol is open from 7 am to 5 pm, although some parts open later. On weekends and holidays, they are open from 10 am to 5 pm.
The oldest museum in the city, the Museum of Discovery is a history and natural science facility. Originally established in 1927 as the Arkansas Museum of Natural History and Antiquities, the name was changed to the Museum of Discovery in 1998. Inside, you can find over 14,000 artifacts and exhibits of live insects and other animals. Throughout the year, the museum hosts educational programs, camps in summertime, and hands-on science exhibits. The Museum of Discovery is the perfect place for a school field trip, as well as just a normal trip with your family. Admission for adults cost $10 and $8 for children under 13, seniors, teachers, and military personnel. On Tuesday to Saturday, they are open from 9 am to 5 pm. On Sunday, they are open from 1 to 5 pm. On Monday, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but they are closed if school is session.
Learn about the state’s history at the Historic Arkansas Museum, located in the oldest part of Little Rock. The museum is made up of several historic buildings, one of them being the Hinderliter House. The Hinderliter House is the oldest building in the city. Formerly called the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, the facility features historic houses, galleries, log cabins and buildings, and restored houses. These buildings bring Arkansas’ frontier past to life. The seven galleries, which contain art and artifacts, show different objects that reflect the creativity of Arkansans, Indian life of the area, a knife gallery, as well as other galleries and exhibits. Admission into the grounds is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and $1 for children under 18. Hours of the museum vary by the different parts, such as the museum center, historic grounds, and store.
If you’re looking for the best art galleries in Little Rock, and perhaps ever Arkansas, the Arkansas Arts Center is the place to go. In 1914, it was founded as the Fine Arts Club of Arkansas; in 1960, the museum was officially founded as the Arkansas Arts Center. The permanent collections features famous artists such as Degas, Redon, Rembrandt, Picasso, and more. The museum also features a museum school, a children’s theater, a restaurant, and more. If you’re having a large party or wedding, the main atrium and lecture can be rented out. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The hours for the administrative office and Canvas restaurant are different. Entrance to the museum is free, but special events and exhibits might cost you money.
The largest zoo in the state, the Little Rock Zoo is comprised of 33 acres. When it was founded in 1926, it began with just a few animals. Today, it has expanded to house over 725 animals that are made up of over 200 species. The zoo is split into four zones. The North Zone contains exhibits like those of the African continent, while the South Zone is geared more for young children with a Children’s Farm and an Elephant Barn. Great Apes and other primates are featured in the East Zone, while giraffes, bears, and other carnivores make up the West Zone. Throughout the year, the zoo also offers programs, especially for kids and those in school. The zoo is open every day except special days and holidays. Through September 4thto February 28th (Winter Hours), the zoo is open from 9 am to 4 pm. From March 1st to September 3rd, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. For adults (13+), admission costs $12.95, $10.95 for seniors (60+) and military personnel, $9.95 for those aged 3 to 12, and free for those 2 and under.
A privately-owned garden intended for public use, the Bernice Garden was founded in 2007. The Bernice Garden is a great example of the Arkansans’ creativity and design, as “both temporary and permanent sculptures are designed by local Arkansas artists.” Throughout the garden, you can find benches, mosaics, and more. Some plants of the garden include flowers, herbs, and a variety of native plants. One of the most popular exhibits, the wildflower garden, attracts beautiful insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, and moths. Other than exhibits, the garden is also host to a farmer’s market and a vintage market. The garden is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. Special events and the farmers market cost/may cost money.
Best Way to TourLittle Rock, AR
- The best way to tour the city of Little Rock (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Bus Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Bus Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Bus Charters can help you. Prompt Bus Charters offers Charter buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit promptbuscharters.com to book your rental bus today!
Best Places to Eat/Shop
- Pleasant Ridge Town Center –Pleasant Ridge is Little Rock’s premier shopping center. It features all from department stores as well as a market. You can also grab a great bite-to-eat here.
- Outlets of Little Rock –A popular outlet mall, theOutlets of Little Rock features great stores as well as several dining options. Popular stores/brands here include Banana Republic, Chico’s, GAP, J. Crew, and more.
- Promenade At Chenal – Another popular shopping mall, the Promenade at Chenal offers health, fashion, shoe, jewelry, and technology stores, as well as several services and dining options.
- Park Plaza Mall –At the Park Plaza Mall, you can enjoy time with your friends as you shop, eat, and do more activities. Here, you can find big-name brands as well as more common ones. They also offer a variety of dining cuisine.
- Brave New Restaurant –If you’re looking for an amazing sit-down restaurant, the Brave New Restaurant is the place to go. The American steakhouse is rated the #1 fine dining restaurant in Little Rock by tripadvisor.
- The Root Café –Who doesn’t like local food? Head over to the Root Café, one of the best local restaurants. The American restaurant is rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Little Rock by tripadvisor.
Enjoy your Charter Bus Vacation!