Here in the heart of the state, you can fish the Arkansas River with Little Rock's skyscrapers as your backdrop in the morning, and attend a performance of a contemporary drama at the Arkansas Repertory Theater in the evening. Museums, concerts, one-man shows and lectures enliven the cultural scene, and there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the outdoor world of biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, sailing, fishing and bird watching only minutes away from the metropolitan area.
The Historic Arkansas Museum at Third and Scott Streets in downtown Little Rock is a fascinating collection of the city’s earliest structures. A visit here will give you an introduction to a life as it was lived on the frontier before statehood was accomplished in 1836. Five museum houses and their outbuildings comprise the tranquil walled complex, and an Arkansas crafts shop, artists’ gallery and exhibit hall give further insight into the origins of this unique state.
The Old State House at 300 West Markham is another important attraction for visitors. It served as the seat of government from 1836 to 1911 and has been called one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. An exhibit on the Arkansas wilderness helps to define the roots of the state. The inaugural gowns of Arkansas’s first ladies comprise another popular display. In the 'Grandmother's Cottage' exhibit visitors of all ages are encouraged to interact with a variety of objects from the 1930s. An innovative gift shop offers reproductions appropriate to the period.
Just down the street is the bustling RiverMarket, a shopping and dining complex. Nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, and the Farmers Market are found here. Also in the district are the Little Rock Public Library and the Museum of Discovery. A new addition to the skyline is the Clinton Presidential Center and Library.
