Need a fun Arkansas escape with riverfront charm and local flavor? Head to North Little Rock! Located just across the Arkansas River from Little Rock, this lively city offers a blend of outdoor adventure, historical landmarks, and a thriving dining and arts scene. Whether you’re catching a baseball game, exploring the river trails, or dining along Argenta’s Main Street, North Little Rock delivers a welcoming and entertaining destination.
North Little Rock, AR Highlights:
- For Families: Visit the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum – Tour the USS Razorback submarine and explore naval history along the riverfront.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Walk or bike the Arkansas River Trail – Enjoy miles of scenic trails with views of the river, downtown skyline, and the iconic Big Dam Bridge.
- For Kids: Play at Burns Park – One of the largest urban parks in the country, with playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and even a miniature amusement park.
- For an Adventure: Attend a game at Dickey-Stephens Park – Cheer on the Arkansas Travelers, the city’s minor league baseball team, in a beautiful riverfront stadium.
- For Shoppers: Browse Argenta Arts District – Explore galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops in this vibrant historic neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit North Little Rock, AR
The best time to visit North Little Rock is in spring and fall (March–May, September–November), when mild temperatures and seasonal events make it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring local festivals. Summers are warm but full of lively riverfront events, while winters are quiet and mild.
How to Get to North Little Rock, AR
- If you are traveling by car: North Little Rock is accessible via I-40 and I-30, just minutes from downtown Little Rock and about 2 hours from Memphis.
- By Air: Clinton National Airport (LIT) is the nearest major airport, located about 15–20 minutes away by car.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Texas Eagle stops at the Little Rock station, a short drive across the river.
Where to Stay in North Little Rock, AR
- Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock – Comfortable, riverfront hotel with modern amenities and proximity to the River Market and Argenta district.
- Courtyard by Marriott Little Rock North – Stylish hotel with a pool and restaurant, great for business or leisure stays.
- Inn at the Mill – For a boutique experience, explore nearby historic inns or unique accommodations just outside the city.
Best Things to Do in North Little Rock, AR
⮕ Step Through Time at Fort Logan H. Roots Military Post Historic District
Historic buildings and sweeping river views honor a legacy of service and strength
© Courtesy of Sergey - Fotolia.com
The Fort Logan H. Roots Military Post Historic District is an important area that was once a military base located known as Fort Logan H. Roots (usually referred to just as Fort Roots) with several important hospitals. Named for Congressman Logan H. Roots in honor of his excellent work in the negotiations, the military base was set on a high promontory overlooking the Arkansas River and today still retains many of the historic buildings flanking the former parade ground. The original buildings surrounded an 11-acre parade ground in the center of the original post, some of which were converted to hospital structures, but were later demolished. Today, the entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for the public to explore.
⮕ Wander Into a Fairytale at The Old Mill
A movie-famous mill, rustic charm, and one of the South’s most photogenic spots
© Courtesy of dvande - Fotolia.com
The Old Mill is a quaint 1880's-style water mill with rustic outdoor sculptures that can be explored on guided tours. Located in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, the Old Mill, which is a replica of the old mills that were in service in the early 1800s provides a glimpse into the history of the region and features actual historic relics including the grist mill itself that date back to 1828, two original milestones, and the large mill rocks used for seats that date back to 1823 and 1840. The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is most famous for its part in the opening scenes of Gone With The Wind.
3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, Phone: 501-791-8538
⮕ Climb Aboard History at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Tour a WWII submarine and naval exhibits right on the riverbank
© Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is a maritime museum dedicated to presenting the maritime history of the region and includes historical artifacts from the nuclear-powered cruiser USS Arkansas, such as the ship's bell and anchor. Located on Riverfront Park Drive, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum features other significant exhibits such as the USS Razorback, a Balao-class submarine, which served during the Second World War, as well as the Cold, Korean and Vietnam wars. Visitors can enjoy an interactive experience of the Razorback with guided tours and sleepovers on the submarine. Other exhibits include a US Navy tugboat called the Hoga, which responded to and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.
120 Riverfront Park Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72114, Phone: 501-371-8320
⮕ Catch a Game at Dickey-Stephens Park
Minor league baseball meets major league views of the Little Rock skyline
© Courtesy of Eric Hood - Fotolia.com
Dickey-Stephens Park is a baseball park in downtown North Little Rock that serves as the home to the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League. Constructed in 2007 as a replacement for the Ray Winder Field, the Dickey–Stephens Park is named after two pairs of baseball-loving local Arkansas brothers - former Major League Baseball catcher George Dickey, Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Dickey, W. R. Stephens, and Jackson T. Stephens, and has a seating capacity of 7,200 which includes 5,800 fixed seats. Located at the corner of the Broadway Bridge and Broadway Avenue and directly across the Arkansas River, the ballpark boasts beautiful urban views of the skyline of downtown Little Rock.
400 W Broadway St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, Phone: 501-664-7559
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Play Big at Burns Park
One of the largest urban parks in the country, with golf, trails, and family fun
© North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
Burns Park is a 1,700-acre urban municipal park in North Little Rock that features two 18-hole disc golf course, a variety of sports facilities, camping, and the Funland Amusement Park. The golf courses include the 18-hole Championship Golf Course, and the 18-hole Tournament Golf Course, while sports facilities include a tennis center, a softball complex, a baseball park, a soccer complex, a Bonzai BMX track, and several playgrounds. The park also features a covered bridge and a pre-Civil War log cabin, an archery range, a seasonal amusement park, and several hiking and walking trails with access to the Arkansas River Trail. Victory Lake can be found in Burns Park and provides bank and boat fishing for the public to enjoy.
North Little Rock, AR 72118, Phone: 501-791-8538
⮕ Stroll with a View on the North Shore River Walk
Scenic riverside paths, skyline photo ops, and breezy bike rides await
© Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com
The North Shore River Walk is a three-acre park situated along the north side of the Arkansas River and one of Little Rock's busiest attractions. The park features a jogging trail and bike path, lighted sidewalks, a beautifully preserved paddle wheeler called the Arkansas Queen, and the longest-serving submarine in the world – the U.S.S. Razorback. Other facilities on the North Shore River Walk include a picnic area with tables and benches, a playground for children, a boat ramp, and the Junction Bridge Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, which crosses the Arkansas River. The River Walk also features picturesque promenade with beautiful views of the Arkansas River and Little Rock skyline, as well as an amphitheater pad, permanent restroom facilities.
Riverfront Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72119, Phone: 501-758-1424
⮕ Laugh Local at The Joint
Original comedy, coffee, and cocktails in a one-of-a-kind cabaret experience
© The Joint
The Joint is a cozy cabaret theater and coffeehouse that serves specialty coffee, fine wines and craft beers, light bites, and live entertainment five nights a week. Located on Main Street in the heart of Little Rock, The Joint serves freshly baked pastries, delicious cuisine, locally-roasted coffee, signature cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers, all of which can be enjoyed in the 20-seat café or out on the lighted patio, or the 100-seat cabaret theater during a show. Both venues are also available for private parties and special events. The rental of the site includes the use of the 100-seat theater, the 40-person capacity lobby, and coffee shop, and a cozy lighted patio, and a customized menu and beverage service.
301 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, Phone: 501-372-0210
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Shop Fresh and Local at Me & McGee Market
Seasonal produce, artisan goods, and Southern charm in a farm-style setting
© Me & McGee Market
Located in Central Arkansas, Me & McGee Market is a community market that provides an outlet for local farmers and producers to showcase and sell their wares. The locally owned and operated market sells a variety of fresh produce ranging from grass-fed beef, buffalo, pork, lamb and poultry, dairy products such as eggs and cheeses, and homemade goods like jams, jellies, honey, and more. Me & McGee Market also offers produce grown in the on-site garden produce such as pecan nuts from nine large trees, herbs, spices, pickles, tomato salsa, and other goodies. Me & McGee Market is open Tuesday through Saturdays during the Spring season.
10409 US-70, North Little Rock, AR 72117, Phone: 501-554-5561
⮕ Pause for Peace at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park
A tranquil escape surrounding the iconic Old Mill, perfect for reflection and photography
© Courtesy of Irina K. - Fotolia.com
T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is a recreational park that is home to The Old Mill, a beautiful replica of a 1880s era water-powered grist mill that was used in the opening scenes of the movie classic Gone With The Wind. Designed by Frank Carmean, who also created the replica of the mill and built by Justin Matthews in 1933, the park is named in honor of his close friend and benefactor, Thomas R. Pugh and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Artist Dionicio Rodriguez designed the concrete work which is made to simulate wooden, iron, and steel structures, and today, the Old Mill serves as the backdrop for weddings and portrait photography due to its picturesque views.
North Little Rock, AR 72116
⮕ Preserve the Past at North Little Rock Heritage Center
Dive into local stories, historic artifacts, and cultural exhibitions in a hidden gem museum
© North Little Rock Heritage Center
The North Little Rock Heritage Center is the home of the North Little Rock History Commission, whose mission is to collect, preserve, and care for the materials that showcase the history of the city from the earliest times. Located in the old Argenta fire station, the North Little Rock History Commission hosts a variety of temporary historical exhibits and keeps an archive of the materials relating to the history of the City of North Little Rock. The commission also provides a range of educational programs, workshops, and presentations, and encourages in scholarly research on the history of North Little Rock.
506 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, Phone: 501-371-0755
Where to Eat in North Little Rock, AR
- Ristorante Capeo – Upscale Italian cuisine with handmade pastas and an excellent wine list in the Argenta district.
- Flyway Brewing – A local brewery serving craft beers and tasty pub food in a laid-back, community-driven setting.
- The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse – Cozy spot for coffee, light bites, and live comedy or cabaret performances.
If you are interested in local events:
- Argenta Art Walk (monthly) – Enjoy art exhibits, live music, and local food on the third Friday of each month.
- North Little Rock Christmas Parade (December) – Kick off the holiday season with floats, music, and festive fun downtown.
- Arkansas Riverfest (late spring) – Celebrate with live music, food trucks, and riverfront entertainment shared across Little Rock and North Little Rock.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of North Little Rock, Arkansas:
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (15 min) – Learn about the Civil Rights Movement and school integration history.
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park (30 min) – Hike scenic trails with panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley.
- Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park (30–40 min) – Explore ancient Native American mound sites and interpretive trails.
- Petit Jean State Park (1 hour) – Visit Arkansas’s first state park, known for stunning hikes and waterfalls.
- Hot Springs National Park (1 hour) – Relax in historic bathhouses or explore scenic trails and mountain views (just over an hour but a favorite day trip).
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is North Little Rock located?
- Situated in Pulaski County, Arkansas, North Little Rock is a friendly city across the Arkansas River from Little Rock in the central part of the state.
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What is the heart of North Little Rock?
- The city’s beating heart is the vibrant Argenta Historic District, which is named after the city’s original name.
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What are some interesting places to visit in North Little Rock?
- Other interesting areas of North Little Rock include Dickey-Stephens Park, the home of the minor league baseball team, the Arkansas Travelers.
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What major entertainment venue is located in North Little Rock?
- The city is also home to the metropolitan area's leading entertainment venue, the Verizon Arena.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers. |
Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock – A comfortable stay with easy access to downtown. |
Explore Burns Park – One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. with trails, golf, and scenic views. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for river activities. |
Hilton Garden Inn North Little Rock – A convenient stay near shopping and restaurants. |
Visit the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum – Tour the USS Razorback submarine on the Arkansas River. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather and colorful foliage. |
The Baker House Bed & Breakfast – A historic and charming retreat. |
Attend the North Little Rock Airshow – Watch thrilling aerial performances and military displays. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild winter temperatures with festive events. |
Courtyard by Marriott Little Rock North – A modern stay with great amenities. |
Experience holiday lights at the Arkansas River Trail – Enjoy a scenic winter walk with festive decorations. |
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