A historic town, Little Rock and its surrounding area are also a thriving metropolis nestled in the one of the most beautiful parts of the country. With the perfect mix of southern charm and modern living, it has something for everyone. Of course, you might want to see it to believe it. Feel free to explore the links below to know more.
Dining in Little Rock
Let’s talk about the food and drink scene. It may not be nationally lauded, but Little Rock’s no place to pass up. With eight breweries, numerous no-nonsense dining establishments, and a James Beard award-winning chef running a Michelin-rated hotel restaurant.
K-12 Schools (Public and Private) in the Little Rock Area
When it comes to education, families in central Arkansas have incredible options. From public to private to parochial, Little Rock Family’s annual guide highlights the best schools in the region with detailed listings that include class size, accreditation, and more.
Real Estate in Little Rock
River Market – Downtown Little Rock
The River Market stands as an unofficial cultural center in Little Rock–on any given day you’ll find a wealth of cuisine from every part of the globe, skilled Arkansas artists practicing their crafts and even Arkansas live music – be it a one-man band in the River Market pavilion, local Arkansas artists in a battle of the bands or a national act at the amphitheater.
Events in Little Rock
Plan your trip to Little Rock around one of our many annual festivals or check out our calendar to discover big-name entertainment, sporting events, unique exhibits, and much more.
Weather in Arkansas
Arkansas weather is mild and typically pleasant. No matter what time of year you plan on visiting Arkansas, you’ll find The Natural State offering beautiful scenic views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. With four distinct, yet temperate, seasons, Arkansas is the perfect year-round vacation destination. Spring and fall are particularly mild with hot and humid days in late summer. During winter months temperatures occasionally dip into the teens or below, especially with wind chill.
State Parks
Arkansas’ 52 state parks are natural treasures set on gorgeous mountains, lakes, streams, and forests. Enjoy endless outdoor fun, whether you’re a hiker, biker, wildlife watcher, or whitewater paddler – these parks have something for everyone.
Buffalo National River
The Buffalo River, located in Northern Arkansas, was the first National River to be designated in the United States. Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs is a city in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. It’s known for naturally heated springs, many of them in Hot Springs National Park to the north. Bathhouse Row has 8 bathhouses from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visit Hot Springs for a relaxing spa vacation getaway in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, where you can enjoy hiking, shopping, boating, horseback riding, and more.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds offers park visitors a one-of-a-kind experience—the adventure of hunting for real diamonds. You’ll search over a 37 ½-acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. If you find a diamond, it is yours to keep.
Biking/Running Trails in Arkansas
Explore the best-rated trails in Arkansas, whether you’re looking an easy walking trail or a bike trail. With more than 57 trails covering 178 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you.
Hiking Trails in Arkansas
Explore the best trails in Arkansas with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
The mission of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Crystal Bridges takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie.
Fun Facts About Arkansas
- How Little Rock got its name: In 1722, French explorer, Bernard de La Harpe, led an expedition of fellow Europeans up the Arkansas River from Arkansas Post, a French trading post founded in 1686 near the mouth of the river. La Harpe, who is believed to have traveled about 50 miles above the present sites of Little Rock and North Little Rock, described the area when writing in his journal. He noted a landmark on the north bank of the Arkansas River, which he referred to as the “French Rock” (now known as “big rock.”) From that, La Petite Roche, the “little rock”, was coined on the south bank. The Little Rock is located at the north end of Rock Street, La Petite Roche Plaza, overlooking the Arkansas River and is part of the 33-acre Riverfront Park. How Arkansas Got Its Name
- The Old Mill, in the Lakewood area of North Little Rock, was filmed for the iconic opening scene of the 1939 classic film “Gone With The Wind”
- Elevations in the state range from 54 feet above sea level in the far southeast corner to 2,753 feet above at Mount Magazine, the state’s highest point.
- The state contains six national park sites, two-and-a-half million acres of national forests, seven national scenic byways, three state scenic byways, and 50 state parks.
- The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest is held annually in Stuttgart.
- Sam Walton founded his Wal-Mart stores in Bentonville.
- Arkansas became the 25th state on June 15, 1836.
- The average temperature in July is 81.4 degrees; in January it is 39.5, and the annual average is 61.7 degrees. The average rainfall is 48.52 inches and the average snowfall is 5.2 inches.
- Ouachita National Forest reigns as the oldest national forest in the South.
- A person from Arkansas is called an Arkansan.
- 47 hot springs flow from the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain, at an average temperature of 143º F.
- The Ozark National Forest covers more than one million acres.
- The diamond is the official state gem. It was designated in 1967.
- The quartz crystal is the official state rock. It was designated in 1967.
- The fiddle is the official state instrument. It was designated in 1985.
- The honeybee is the official state insect. It was officially designated in 1973.
- The apple blossom is the official state flower. It was designated in 1901.
- Milk is the official state beverage. It was designated in 1985.
- Bauxite is the official state mineral. It was designated in 1967.
- The pine tree is the official state tree. It was designated in 1939.
- The mockingbird is the official state bird. It was designated in 1929.