Little Rock, Arkansas is a great large family educational destination. The city is home to many historical sites that are not expensive to visit. Here are six to get you started.
1. State Capital – Since Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, a must-see is the capitol building. The building was started in 1899 and completed in 1915. Free scheduled tours are given from 9-4 on weekdays.
2. The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park is the presidential library of the 42nd president of the United States and is managed by the National Archives and Records Administration. It is located next to an 1899 Rock Island railroad bridge that is no longer in use and will eventually be used as a pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River.
Admission is very inexpensive: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for college students, $5 for retired military, $3 for children 6-17, and children under 6 are free.
3. Central High School – The site of the forced desegregation during the Civil Rights Movement in 1957 and now is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
4. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History – Little Rock is the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, who was supreme commander of the United States forces in the Pacific during World War II. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is located in the oldest remaining building of the original Little Rock Arsenal. The building was started in 1840 and has housed many organizations and two museums since its completion. Within the MacArthur Park Historical District can be found some of the oldest homes in the city. Some date before the Civil War. This area is also called the Quapaw Quarter so named for the Quapaw Indians who lived in the central Arkansas area before the arrival of the white man.
5. The Old State House Museum is housed in the Old State House. It is the oldest surviving capital building west of the Mississippi. It was constructed between 1833 and 1842. Admission to this museum is free.
6. The Arkansas River runs through the middle of Little Rock, and the River Market District was once a central place for the exchange of goods between farmers across the state. This tradition continues every Tuesday and Saturday. With all the new restaurants and bars, the River Market District is packed on Friday and Saturday nights.
This is only a small sampling of the historical sites in Little Rock, Arkansas. For more ideas on great places to visit on your trip, visit Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. To find a hotel for your big family in Little Rock, visit SixSuitcaseTravel.com.
