Things to Do and See in North Little Rock AR

North Little Rock AR is a popular place to live. It’s a good location with plenty of things to do and see.

Its burgeoning downtown offers craft breweries, miles of river trails and a thriving arts district. It’s also home to minor league baseball and other sports venues. The city also hosts a variety of concerts at Simmons Bank Arena.

1. Old State House Museum

The Old State House Museum is one of the oldest original state capitol buildings in the country. Designed by Gideon Shryock, the building began construction in 1833 when Arkansas was still a territory and finished in 1842. During its time as the state capitol, the building was home to the legislature and Supreme Court chambers.

The building’s impressive exterior reflects its illustrious history. It was here that delegates held a constitutional convention to ensure voting rights for freed slaves and establish public education, among other important issues.

The imposing structure also has several famous landmarks on its grounds, including a fountain that was brought from Philadelphia for the 1876 Centennial Exposition and the Lady Baxter cannon, which was used in the Brooks-Baxter War. Today the building houses many permanent and rotating exhibits that are sure to be interesting.

2. Big Dam Bridge

Pedestrians and bicyclists flock to the Big Dam Bridge for its stunning views of the Arkansas River. The 4,226-foot bridge, which cost $12.5 million, is the only pedestrian bridge built into instead of over a dam.

The Big Dam Bridge is also the start and end point of the Big Dam Bridge 100 cycling race, which draws thousands of people from across the country every year to the city. The race features 15-, 26- and 50-mile routes that start in the city’s Riverfront Park, cross the Big Dam Bridge and loop back to the park.

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde recently broke ground on a project to construct a plaza on the north side of the Big Dam Bridge in Cook’s Landing Park. Hyde says the new facility will increase safety and offer more amenities to visitors.

3. River Market District

The River Market District is a booming area for foodies, tourists, families and locals. Its restaurants and bars are known to serve the best in Southern cuisine, craft brews and world-class drinks.

The main center of the district is the Ottenheimer Market Hall, home to 17 permanent merchants who offer a wide selection of market specialties year-round. Guests can purchase everything from straight-from-the-oven pastries and hand-roasted coffee to succulent barbecue and fresh flowers.

Residents in the River Market neighborhood earn middle-income salaries, compared to the national average. It is also a low-density residential neighborhood with a higher proportion of one and two-bedroom real estate than most of the country. This makes it a good choice for those looking to rent a new apartment in Little Rock AR.

4. Camp Taco

After opening a successful food truck, Luis Vasquez opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2022. His team serves tacos, pupusas, and arepas along with salads and a savory vegan cheese dip for those looking for meatless options.

Located in the former Rebel Kettle Brewing space at 822 E. Sixth St, Camp Taco is a brewpub meets restaurant that also meets camp. It’s the perfect combination of innovation, creativity, and 70s aesthetics that makes this a unique dining experience.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven at the new Camp Taco. Baker and Niemann tried the entire menu, including a few tasty alcoholic beverages. They even had time for a game of beer pong. And don’t forget to bring the kitty. Hollywood Feed has plenty of cat toys, scratching posts, and litter scoops for your furry friend.

5. Ouachita National Forest

Located in western Arkansas and parts of extreme-eastern Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest is a vast congressionally-designated National Forest. It is home to six wilderness areas, the Womble Trail and a few rare reserves of moist-hardwood old growth forests.

Rugged mountain landscapes are the focus of recreation opportunities here, with scenic routes and crystalline lakes offering prime sightseeing and fishing experiences. Oak and pine forests cloak these hills, with seasonal flora adding color and texture to the landscape.

The National Forest showcases a number of special features including the Talimena Scenic Byway, a historic roadway that traverses the Winding Stair Mountains and Rich Mountains in LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Camping, horseback riding and scenic driving are popular activities here, especially during the peak fall colors season from October through November.