Explore Little Rock, AR

Think “Mid-South” and “tourism,” and likely what comes to mind are Memphis and/or Nashville, the music capitals that have contributed so much to the nation’s popular culture.

But there is another town that definitely merits attention from those planning to visit that part of the country: Little Rock, Ark.

Granted, Arkansas’ capital city, which sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, isn’t as popular a tourist destination as those Volunteer State favorites, but there is certainly enough to see and do to merit spending a couple days there. Below are some noteworthy reasons to check out Little Rock:

William J. Clinton Library and Museum
1200 President Clinton Ave. 

The crown jewel of Little Rock’s tourism industry is this repository dedicated to the life and career of the 42nd president, the only Commander-in-Chief to hail from The Wonder State. The complex celebrates Clinton’s life and career, from his rather humble childhood through his time as Arkansas’ governor and his eight years in the Oval Office.

The main focus of the impressive complex, which is part of a 30-acre campus, is the Presidential Center, which houses artifacts, photos, interactive displays and the like.

Self-guided tours begin with a moving 12-minute film about Clinton. Then it’s on to the main floor, whose multiple displays examine every facet of his life, from the various issues/crises he and his administration faced to his and Hillary’s relationships with celebrities—illustrated by correspondence to and from the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Mother Theresa, Paul Newman and Elton John.

The tour ends on the third level, which houses a clone-like recreation of the Oval Office as it was during his time in the White House. Visitors can have their pictures taken sitting at the Resolute Desk for $14.95 (pic or digital photo); $32.95 for the photo in a Clinton Center frame.

For more, go to clintonlibrary.gov

Arkansas State Capitol
500 Woodlane St. 

Constructed between 1899 and 1915, this typically ornate seat of government--designed in neoclassical style as an homage to the U.S. Capitol--offers both (free) guided and self-guided tours. The building’s centerpiece is a Tiffany-created chandelier with 2,000 parts that sits under rotunda. There are plenty of photos and portraits to peruse with permanent exhibits focusing on such topics as the building’s history and Arkansans’ participation in various wars.

For more, go to