I'm Melissa, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Little Rock, Arkansas. My grandmother was from Little Rock. She went to North Little Rock High School. Yes, that North Little Rock High School. If you see a cute blonde carrying a lunch pail in the background of those old photographs from 1957, it's probably her.
When I was a child, my favorite place to go in Little Rock was Funland Amusement Park with its miniature train, carousel and Ferris wheel. Unfortunately, it was severely damaged by a tornado in 2023. Fortunately, they've rebuilt the place with a climbing attraction and a splash pad for summer fun. It's part of Burns Park, a large municipal park with great places for nature hikes. I remember persimmon trees and a wooden bridge that my grandmother refused to cross. (She was in an accident once that left her in a coma for three days and stuck with permanent gephyrophobia.) But, enough about me and my family. You want to know what you and your family can do in Little Rock.
Where to Eat
When my brother had a wisdom tooth extracted, I assumed he would want soup for dinner. Oddly, he reported a strong craving for catfish. Catfish meat is tender and rich in protein and Vitamins D and E, great for reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Arkansas waters team with catfish and so do the restaurants!
Eat My Catfish certainly has a straightforward name and has gotten popular enough to have three locations in Arkansas. They might've become a nationwide chain, but they only like to serve fresh, locally farmed fish. For something off the beaten track with some historical significance, try Lassis Inn, a little blue building just off I-30. It's one of the oldest restaurants in Arkansas and in the 50s and 60s was a meeting place for many Civil Rights leaders. Today, people come for the tender fish with a crispy crust and stay for the homey atmosphere. Don't forget the hushpuppies!
Where to Fish
Perhaps you're the adventurous type who would like to go out and catch some of that famous Arkansas catfish. Maybe some crappies or trout while you're at it. Just remember, the state of Arkansas requires anyone over the age of 16 who wants to fish or even go frog gigging to have a license. If you want to keep trout, you'll need a special permit for that. Take all the bullhead catfish you like.
The famous Arkansas River is teaming with catfish as well as white bass, stripers and sauger. Come to the Murray Lock and Dam Area early in the morning or late afternoon for best results. The pond in MacArthur Park is a good place to fish without getting to far from the city. Lake Maumelle has plenty of crappie, bass and bream for the taking, but keep in mind gas-powered boats are prohibited. For bowfin and sunfish, try your luck at Fourch Creek. Ever try to make a catfish with greens? Forget it, he'll tell you worms work better. (Rim shot)
Where to Play
Besides Funland, my other favorite place to go in Little Rock was Norfork Lake. Arkansas is a landlocked state, but there are lakes with sandy shores, making it as good as a day at the beach without having to wash salt out of your hair at the end of the day. There are designated spots here to fish, boat, water ski and camp. The aforementioned Burns Park also has a variety of sports complexes, including an archery range. If you have a dog, they have a place to bring Fido. Check out the WWII tank and Western Union caboose while you're there.
If you're into mountain climbing, Little Rock is right near the picturesque Ozarks. Mount Magazine State Park has some of the first sport and trad lines put up in the state. Mount Mag, as the locals call it, is the highest point in Arkansas. If you can make it up there, check out The Bear's Den for a drink. Hang gliding, horseback riding, mountain biking and ATV riding are also done in this park. A heated indoor pool is available for people who prefer to do their exercise in relative safety.
Where to Learn
People from Arkansas are unfortunately stereotyped as dumb hillbilly hicks. That is not the case! After all, former president Bill Clinton was from Arkansas. The University of Arkansas is the best college for future world leaders. But don't let learning end just because you no longer go to school! The Central Arkansas Library System has fifteen branches throughout Little Rock, Perryville and all throughout Pulaski County. They lend not only books but bird-watching kits and telescopes so that you can learn about the universe and natural world by watching.
If you think Clinton was smarter than he looked, you can always check out the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. If science is more your thing, the Museum of Discovery is sure to spark your curiosity. Perhaps literally with their Tesla coil on display! Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is a nice place to stroll in a gallery of lovely paintings, sculptures and photographs as well as sign up for a class on how to create your own art. History buffs will prefer the Historic Arkansas Museum, which includes the oldest building in Little Rock and a collection of Bowie knives.
Where to Watch
If you want to see a recently released film some night in Little Rock, the Cinemark on Colonel Glenn Plaza or the AMC on Chenal Parkway are popular. If you want a restaurant-quality meal instead of just popcorn and candy, try Movie Tavern on Bass Pro Parkway with 50s diner-inspired fare. For a live concert, there is no hall like The Hall which is also open for special events. If it's football season, check out the schedule for War Memorial Stadium for the next game.
For dinner and a show in one place, try Murry's Dinner Playhouse, where you can enjoy live theater and buffet-style dining. For people who prefer murder mysteries instead of musical comedies with dinner, try The Dinner Detective at MacArthur Park. If what you like to look at is exotic animals, Little Rock Zoo has everything from tiny butterflies to a pair of Asian elephants. Babe and Zina are big, but they're really just a couple of little old ladies enjoying retirement. The animals here are given plenty of enrichment for mental stimulation and physical well-being, so they're sure to be doing something interesting. Budding entomologists will enjoy the Bugtopia experience.
Where to Shop
If you like outlet shopping, Outlets of Little Rock is the only place in the state to go. You can discover your favorite branches and grab a snack or some Chinese take-out while you're there. For the mall experience, go to Midtowne and try Park Plaza Mall, anchored by two flagship Dillard stores. Also in Midtowne is the Midtowne Shopping Center for those of luxurious tastes. If antiquing is more your thing, stick around Midtown for the Midtown Vintage Market where there's always something new. (Well, new to you.)
The gentleman looking for a stylish suit may want to try Barakat Bespoke for their fine tailoring and haberdashery. For the lady, Nouri Formals makes one of a kind gowns for every occasion. Bella Boutique sells a variety of jewelry and accessories plus everything you need for a spa night or even mahjong night. If all you need is a loaf of bread, there are chain stores like Kroger and Sam's Club. If you want a jug of wine to go with that loaf of bread, try Stratton's Market. If you want to sit down and have a drink, Dugan's Pub is right next door.
Where to Get Help
There are places in the world where you may not necessarily want to go, but you have to go. A hospital is one such example. Baptist Health Medical Center is number one in Little Rock. They have gotten favorable recognition from the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association and the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. If your teeth are giving you trouble, go to Little Rock Dentistry and ask for Dr. Nguyen. If you need your glasses or contacts replaced, Little Rock Eye Clinic can do that along with any eye surgery you might need. If what you need is a tool, but only on a temporary basis, the aforementioned Central Arkansas Library has a tool lending program that can get you what you need. If you need something fixed, but you're not very handy, Little Rock Mobile Mechanics Co. will come to you. If what you need fixed is a small electronic like a phone or tablet, bring it to Tritech Repair and they'll make it good as new.
And the Rest:
Suppose all you did was break a nail. Envy Nails & Spa will handle your mani-pedi and even give you a waxing if you need it. If you want hair put on, taken off or just styled or colored differently, Studio 2121 will take care of you. They also do skin treatments and lash extensions. The well-coiffed gentleman may want to try V's Barbershop in Midtown. If you need someone who can handle the intricate coils of African-American hair, 10KKutz knows what they're doing.
If your stay in Little Rock is just temporary, Capital Hotel is a nice place to stay awhile and enjoy room service. If you want to stay in Little Rock permanently and want a furry friend to share your home, Little Rock Animal Village has a plethora of cats and dogs up for adoption. Need some gear to catch those catfish? Southern Reel Outfitters carries rods, reels, lures and accessories.
If you prefer to fish with live bait, family-owned Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop might have what you need. The new owner is a reptile enthusiast if you like other scaley critters. If you like sparkly rocks and New Age stuff. The Stone Maiden may have what you're looking for. If you go five miles south of the city, you'll come across the old abandoned bauxite quarries. It's unlikely you'll find any diamonds, the state gemstone of Arkansas. However, you may well find some interesting crystals. If you're lucky, you might find some amethyst.
In Conclusion
Whatever you need, Little Rock has it. They've got the big chain stores and they got the little mom-and-pop places. They've got big, neon cities, and they've got little greenspaces and some not so little at all mountains. There's no oceanfront property, of course, but there are some lakes that come close to replicating a day at the beach. If you know where to go in Little Rock, you can always get what you want.
