Visiting Little Rock and have only one day? This article is for you. Little Rock is rich in history, culture, art and nature. This article will spotlight some of the best places and activities you can experience if you have “24 hours in Little Rock”. Squeeze the most of your trip with this itinerary guide-
9:00am- Start your morning right with a delicious breakfast at The Root Cafe!
Wake up in Little Rock the right way, with a hearty breakfast to kick start your day. Enjoy the local food at the Root Cafe. This cafe serves up creative breakfast that is made using locally grown produces. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, bratwursts and many vegetarian dishes.
Address: 1500 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States
Phone: 1 501-414-0423
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 7:00am-2:30pm; Saturday: 8:00am-3:30pm; Sunday: 9:00am-2:00pm
10:00am- Tour the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion!
Tour the Georgian Colonia Mansion- the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, which is a symbol of the Arkansas rich past. Eleven Arkansas Governors have called it home and the grounds and rooms of this historic mansion hold the memories of their history. It features paintings, heirloom and other memorabilia. Several cultural events, First Family public events, and state luncheons and dinners are held here.
Address: 1800 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72206, United States
Phone: 1 501-324-9805
Distance from the Root Cafe: 0.5miles or 2minutes drive
10:30am- Stroll through history at Mount Holly Cemetery!
Mount Holly Cemetery is soaked in Arkansas history. It serves as an eternal resting spot for some of the Arkansas’s most popular and influential citizens. It has burial sites of Arkansas senators and governors, mayors, Pulitzer Prize winners, newspaper editors, and many more. Some of the headstones date back to the 1800s. Visitors are in awe of the history as well as architecture of the cemetery, which is a mix of modern and Victorian style designs. See the headstones and the epitaphs on them. It is a great place for taphophiles!
Address: 1200 South Broadway, Little Rock, AR, United States
Phone: 1 501-376-1843
Distance from Arkansas Governor’s Mansion: 0.8miles or 3minutes drive
11:00am- Take in some fine art at Arkansas Arts Center!
Just a mile away from the Mount Holly Cemetery is the Arkansas Arts Center. Some of the finest art collections are on display at the center. It is home to the works by some well-established artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Jackson Pollack, Rembrandt, and many others. It houses a permanent collection of over 5,300 drawing and European and American paintings, and about 1,000 contemporary crafts and sculptures. The art collection is diverse enough to sate any art lover.
Address: 501 E 9th Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States
Phone: 1 501-372-4000
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Mount Holly Cemetery: 1.0mile or 3minutes drive
12:00pm- Up-close look at the Arkansas history and politics at Arkansas State Capitol!
Next, take a tour of the Arkansas State Capitol that features the history of Arkansas and its government operations. The Capitol houses portraits and items of the past governors, the official seal of Arkansas, murals, a cupola in 24 karat gold, Old Supreme Court Chamber, Senate chambers, among other attractions and features of interest. Do walk the ground around this beautiful building. It holds several memorial figures and statues, along with beautiful gardens.
Address: 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-682-5080
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Arkansas Arts Center: 1.8miles or 6minutes drive via I-630 W
1:00pm- Lunch!
Step into Cotham's in the City (1401 W 3rd St) or The Box (1023 West Seventh) that serves up American cuisine. Drop by the Brave New Restaurant (2300 Cottondale Ln Ste 105) for American, seafood and steak. For barbecue, head to the Capitol Smokehouse & Grill (915 West Capitol Ave).
2:00pm- Discover the Arkansas past through the lens of art at Historic Arkansas Museum!
Venture back in time to the pioneer days at the Historic Arkansas Museum, which includes pre-Civil War houses and six galleries that features the fine art pieces and decorative art. There are historical characters portraying the life of early Arkansas and how Arkansas was during the frontier days.
Address: 200 E 3rd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-324-9351
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
3:00pm- Glimpse of the military past at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History!
Next, head off to the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History that features the military history of the Natural State through artifacts, documents, photographs, uniforms, weapons and other related items. The museum chronicles the military past of Arkansas from its early days to the present day.
Address: 503 E 9th Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States
Phone: 1 501-376-4602
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Historic Arkansas Museum: 0.9miles or 3minutes drive via I-30 West
4:00pm- Take a look at the Natural State history at Old State House Museum!
Next, take a tour of the Old State House Museum, which was the site of discourse during the civil unrest period. The building has played a significant part in the progression of the Civil War as well as in the development of the Arkansas statehood. The museum features exhibits on diverse historical topics, such as the Arkansas political history, Arkansas women in past, the depression era of Arkansas, folk art, the importance and role of Old Capitol building, and much more. Be an expert of the Natural State history here!
Address: 300 W Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-324-9685
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History: 1.1miles or 6minutes drive
5:00pm- Indulge in shopping at the River Market!
Take a 3-minute drive to the River Market, which is the hub for shopping, dining and live music in Little Rock. While the best and perfect shopping experiences are spread all over the Little Rock, a visit to the River Market should not be missed. Peruse the farmer’s market that is held every Tuesday and Saturday and buy some fresh produce and hand-crafted items. The River Market features several boutiques, art galleries, gift shops and service shops. Shop for jewelry, items for home, clothes, books, pottery, gifts, souvenirs and knick-knacks at this spot. There is something for everyone here!
Address: 400 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-375-2552
Distance from Old State House Museum: 0.4miles or 3minutes drive
7:00pm- Live Music and Brew!
Get the night started at the Vino’s Inc, a vibrant brewpub where several rock musicians perform nightly. It features handcrafted brews, wine, live music and a mouthwatering menu of entrees, small plates and New York style pizza. Relax and enjoy some freshly brewed beer and listen to local talent. Get ready to take in some punk vibe here!
Address: 923 W 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-375-8466
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-11:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-12:00am; Sunday: 11:00am-11:00pm
Distance from River Market: 1.4miles or 4minutes drive
8:00pm- Dinner!
Follow the fulfilling and delicious dinner with drinks at some of the Little Rock’s best restaurants. For some fresh seafood, step into the Flying Fish (511 President Clinton Avenue), or try the American cuisine with French flair at the One Eleven (111 W Markham Street). Try the Italian cuisine at Ciao Italian Restaurant (405 W 7th Street), or Chinese cuisine at New Fun Ree (418 W 7th St). Drop by the Hanaroo Sushi Bar (205 W Capitol Ave) that serves up sushi, Korean and Japanese cuisine with wine and beer.
10:00pm- Immerse yourself in the Rock Town’s Nightlife!
Finish your perfect Little Rock night with live music and beer in hand at the Flying Saucer. The Flying Sauce has an amazing selection of beers in town, serving up more than 200 different beers to suit every taste. Mondays is the Pint night and live music is at least on two nights every week.
Address: 323 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-372-8032
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:00am-1:00pm; Thursday & Friday: 11:00am-2:00am; Saturday: 11:00am-1:00am; Sunday: 11;00am-12:00am
Or
If a cocktail and live piano music sound more tantalising, make your way over to Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar. It is a lively piano bar where several talented musicians play and you just can’t stop from singing along. Relax, have a drink, listen to piano music, make a request and sing along.
Address: 307 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Phone: 1 501-372-4782
24 Hours in Little Rock Map Guide
