If you are entering Little Rock from I-430, you cannot miss the mammoth Pinnacle Mountain to the west, with its pointy, volcano-resembling top. The Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which is centered around this mountain, is a unique Arkansas treasure. There are multiple hiking options sure to please adventure seekers. There is also a family-friendly hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain. Plenty of picnic tables are available, and several campgrounds are nestled nearby. The park staff offers frequent events such as cookouts and puppet shows for families, along with survival lessons for adults.
Old Mill has been called the most picturesque spot in North Little Rock. The actual mill, which operated in the 1800s, provided the background for the opening scenes of 'Gone With the Wind'. Today, visitors can explore the inside of the mill or sit on the surrounding mushroom-shaped benches and watch the waterwheel churn. In the spring and early summer, flowers decorate the banks of the pond. You can take in the scenery while enjoying lunch at one of the numerous picnic tables in the surrounding TR Pugh Memorial Park.
Located in Little Rock, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is run in partnership with Little Rock public schools and the National Park Service. This regular high school came into the public eye when it was the site of desegregation in public schools during the Civil Rights Movement in 1957. The event gained national attention for its controversy, with many still being staunchly anti-integration at the time. After several attempts to enter and attend the school that was marred by violence, nine African-American students were finally escorted into the school by the U.S Army's 101st Airborne Division. This event provided a huge step towards equal civil rights in the American South, and all over the country. The site has a visitor center that displays a film and various exhibits centered around the Civil Rights Movement. Apart from this, there is a garden which has nine trees planted in honor of the Little Rock 9, who was at the center of the Little Rock Integration Crisis.
Located in the two-story 1840 Pike-Fletcher-Terry mansion, the Arkansas Arts Center is the cultural focus of Little Rock. Rotating exhibits of paintings, photographs and sculptures feature both local artists and renowned masters. The center boasts an eclectic gift shop, the upscale Best Impressions Restaurant and the Children's Little Theatre, which stages several theatrical productions a year. Check website for details on upcoming events.
The Arkansas Maritime Museum tells the heroic tale of the USS Razorback. The legendary submarine came back without any major damages after its various escapades in World War II and the Vietnam War. It was later sold to Turkey in the 1970s. Restoring the legend of the ship became essential and hence was brought to the Little Rock in 2004, to be displayed in the Maritime Museum. The graphic account of the war means children are advised against the tour. Hours vary as per season.
Discover the secrets of Arkansas' history in the oldest still-standing state capitol building to the west of the Mississippi River. Peruse permanent exhibits of Arkansas' women, President Clinton's journey to Washington, the first Arkansas House of Representatives, Arkansas' first families, period rooms and the State House's history. Special exhibits change various times per year, always featuring fascinating subject matter about the Natural State. Visitors may either take a self-guided tour of the museum or take one of the guided tours available each hour.
Just west of Downtown Little Rock lies the popular and historic neighborhood of Hillcrest. On the National Register of Historic Places, Hillcrest was established at the end of the 19th Century and continued to grow throughout the beginning of the 20th Century and beyond. One main characteristic of the area is the wide variety of interesting and aesthetically pleasing architectural styles of the homes. Within the Hillcrest Historic District are landmarks like Little Rock's former town hall. Hillcrest in recent years has become a hub of entertainment as well with numerous bars, restaurants, shops and galleries, among other things.
The artwork in this gallery is breathtaking. You will find a wide range of sculptures, paintings and drawings by African-American artists. From James Ayers' emotionally-charged works to Euneda Otis' paintings depicting everyday scenes from the lives of Southern African-Americans, these pieces are collector-worthy. A special note: the bookstore sells hard-to-find, out-of-print books by African-American authors, some of which are autographed. The gallery also regularly hosts events. Call or visit its web site for details.
The Local Color Gallery hosts works of over 20 artists in and around the Arkansas area. Suited for both the experienced art observer and the novice, the works have a proper mix of the simple and the breathtaking. Classic oils, pastels, watercolors and other mediums are used to adorn the canvas and beyond. The gallery hosts a range of events from time to time, providing timely updates for the works on its walls. At times, the simple becomes a breath of fresh-air. Nothing underlines that more than the Local Color Gallery.
If you are entering Little Rock from I-430, you cannot miss the mammoth Pinnacle Mountain to the west, with its pointy, volcano-resembling top. The Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which is centered around this mountain, is a unique Arkansas treasure. There are multiple hiking options sure to please adventure seekers. There is also a family-friendly hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain. Plenty of picnic tables are available, and several campgrounds are nestled nearby. The park staff offers frequent events such as cookouts and puppet shows for families, along with survival lessons for adults.
A gallery showcasing artworks by emerging artists, Gallery 360 focuses on contemporary art. Sculpture, paintings and even embroidered artworks are displayed here. Artists are often invited to paint on certain themes and temporary exhibitions displaying the themed artworks are also organized. Established in 1012, the gallery has garnered raves for the great selection of artworks bringing attention to the keen eye of the curator. If you want to understand the local art scene, Gallery 360 is a great place to begin.
Old Mill has been called the most picturesque spot in North Little Rock. The actual mill, which operated in the 1800s, provided the background for the opening scenes of 'Gone With the Wind'. Today, visitors can explore the inside of the mill or sit on the surrounding mushroom-shaped benches and watch the waterwheel churn. In the spring and early summer, flowers decorate the banks of the pond. You can take in the scenery while enjoying lunch at one of the numerous picnic tables in the surrounding TR Pugh Memorial Park.