Planning fall visit to Little Rock - what should I plan on seeing/doing?? (North Little Rock: houses, casino)

[suecen]

Hi! I'm driving from WI to Little Rock this fall to sitesee. Any suggestions on what there is see/do? I'm up for just about anything - like history/museums and just taking in the sights. THANKS!!

[jenni-b]

If you're driving from Wisconsin I imagine you'll see lots of fall color as you come through the mountainous northern part of the state! That will be lovely.

The Clinton Presidential Museum would be great, of course, and the Arkansas Arts Center is having an Ancient Egypt exhibit--both art and artifacts--starting in September. I'm excited about that! Also in that area are the Decorative Arts Museum and the Museum of Science and History and Military History, in the old Arsenal building. The Old State House has lots of historical exhibits and right now has one about Arkansas Law and Justice that I'm wanting to see. (There's also a gangster museum in Hot Spring; a day trip down there for the scenic beauty and walking around the shops and bathhouses downtown would be worth your while as well.) And the Territorial Restoration is kind of cool, especially around the holidays. It's also downtown, near the River Market.

There are walking tours of the beautiful historic houses in the Quapaw Quarter, and depending on when you're here, some are open to visitors on the inside too.

The Heifer International Headquarters is supposed to be an interesting tour, but I haven't personally been on it. The Central High Museum it interesting, but I also find it very sad.

The River Market is fun, and the River Trail will take you up both sides of the river from the presidential library to the Big Dam Bridge. Especially great if you're into bicycling. Oh, and you can tour a submarine on the North Little Rock side.

In Scott, just east of town, there are the Toltec Mounds, and also an Agricultural Museum in an old plantation home. And north of town are Petit Jean Mountain, which has an old car museum, I think? And not far from that is the Heifer International Ranch. Scott is very close, and Petit Jean and Heifer are an easy day trip.

I hope you enjoy your time here!

[suecen]

Thanks, Jenni! That all sounds wonderful - all those sites are of interest to me - gangster museum sounds intriguing - they filmed parts of the Dillinger movie 'Public Enemy' up in Wisconsin. Appreciate your help - the only part of Arkansas I've been to so far is Eureka Springs which I loved.

[AllenKarber]

Definitely go to the Clinton Library and The River Market! I would also add going out to Pinnacle Mountain to the list above.

[Sneezyone]

I haven't been to the Toltec mounds yet (plan to take the kiddos before summer's end) but the agricultural museum and plantation may or may not be what you're expecting. The museum and grounds are open daily but are very small and mostly w/o air conditioning so do go on a cooler day (if possible). The plantation is really a collection of crumbling buildings, not a restored place or anything. It's still interesting but not an attraction in and of itself. It's also not open everyday, I think it's Tuesday and Thursday mornings only. You could do all three of these attractions in an afternoon (with plenty of water). There's a fruit/veggie stand (not a small one) right across from the ag museum. If you really just want to get dirty and have fun, why not the diamond mines? It's not picturesque but if you're traveling with kids it's a great way to wear their little booties out! It's also close to DeGray lake, which is gorgeous, and there are fully stocked 'cabins' (hot tub anyone?) too. My kiddos had a blast just digging in the dirt and coming 'home' to sit in the hot tub. There's tons to do, just depends on what you're into.

[hotair2]

I don't know if you like to bicycle, but they have a great paved bicycle trail around the river. I think it is 25 miles long now. It is fairly flat.

[suecen]

Thanks - sounds like there are quite a few things to do there - thanks for the recommendations - I'm looking forward to coming (and getting away for a while!!).

[ridicter]

Heifer Global Village- Environmental sustainability, fair trade, interactive museum on better living. High quality. Just opened a month ago. Must do. Right by the Clinton Library.

Big Dam Bridge- Longest pedestrian only bridge in the world (specifically constructed for pedestrians) and over a wide expanse of the Arkansas River with the Ouachita Mountain foothills jutting up from the river valley (i.e., Pinnacle Mountain). Cliffs along the river. Very scenic, esp considering you're in Little Rock city limits.

Hot Springs National Park - 1 hour southwest of Little Rock, with I would say even MORE to see: historic, very beautiful downtown tucked between small mountains, theme park, museums, casino/racetrack, lakes, etc. Built for tourism. Oh, and of course, the National Park.

[mrpontiac80]

You may notice from my user ID that I am a car guy , but Little Rock will be hosting the Fall Street Machine Nationals this year for the first time at the state fair grounds. It has previously been held at Springfield MO for the past several years. Anyway, it will be the first year here, but I expect and hope to see lots of turn out if all goes well.

So if your into cars, you can see them in mid September 11, 12, and 13th.

[suecen]

Mr. P - Actually those are the dates I might possibly be there so that could prove interesting - thanks.