North Little Rock AR has some incredible attractions. North Little Rock AR has something for everyone,from outdoor activities to local cuisine.
Big Dam Bridge has become a popular attraction for people who want to walk,run or cycle across it. It also provides a scenic view of the Arkansas River.
1. The Big Dam Bridge
Put on your running shoes or bike and enjoy one of the most unique bridges in North America,designed expressly for pedestrians and cyclists. This engineering marvel offers postcard panoramas of the Murray Lock and Dam,the Arkansas River and Pinnacle Mountain. Eight scenic stops are equipped with benches and binoculars along the span of the bridge. Birds and wildlife are common sights,and if you’re fortunate,you might even catch a barge moving through the lock.
North Little Rock is also home to a number of attractions along the river,including the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Burns Park is the largest park in the city,with 1,700 acres,including sports complexes and trails,as well as the One Heart Playground. It’s also home to a regional hub for the Metro Rail Electric Streetcar.
2. The Old State House Museum
The Old State House Museum is the home of Arkansas political history. This imposing building,designed by Gideon Shryock and built in 1836 to serve as the state capitol,was originally intended to be used for that purpose. The architecture of the building was heavily influenced from Greek history. It stood out as a sign that the young America had a distinct identity.
During the Civil War it was used by the Army as a headquarters. It would eventually become the site of a hairy gubernatorial contest between Elisha Brooks and Joseph Baxter. There were riots,militias formed,and even some cannon fire before President Ulysses S Grant intervened.
Since then,the statehouse has evolved into a museum. Visitors can still see what the original chambers looked like and learn about Arkansas political history.
3. The River Rail Electric Streetcar
The River Rail Electric Streetcar is a fun and unique way to enjoy the downtown scenery of central Arkansas’ “twin cities,” Little Rock and North Little Rock. The route spans 3.4 miles and crosses the Main Street Bridge. It connects places like the Clinton Presidential Center,Heifer International,and favorite hotels,restaurants and brewpubs with cultural attractions,hotels and restaurants.
The line began operation in November 2004 and is operated by the Central Arkansas Transit Authority,formerly known as CATA. The system is open seven days a week,except for New Year’s Day,Memorial Day,Independence Day,Labor Day,Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
4. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
A military museum is located in the heart of North Little Rock. It’s a great place to visit for history lovers. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History focuses on military history from a local and Arkansas perspective with a surprising amount of information,photos,and artifacts.
The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History was created to interpret the state’s military heritage from its territorial period through today. The museum is located in the Tower Building,also known as General Douglas MacArthur’s birthplace,at the Old Arsenal of Little Rock. It preserves Arkansas contributions to military history,both domestically and internationally.
The Tower Building,built in 1840,was initially used as a munitions warehouse for the Little Rock Arsenal. This frontier military post was established at the time. The building is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Little Rock. The building is a National Historic Landmark.
5. Burns Park
The Burns Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The park contains many sports and recreation facilities,including baseball,softball,soccer and rugby fields,tennis courts,and two golf course.
The mountain biking trails inside the park are 14 miles long and include challenging rock gardens and stout climbs with several loop options. The Emerald Loop has some of the fastest,rocky descents and is considered to be the most difficult.
Residents of North Little Rock,dubbed NLR by locals,are committed to making healthy lifestyle choices. The city’s vibrant food and beverage industry and emphasis on active living and healthy eating reflects this.