Who couldn't stand to save some money? If you're penny pinching but still want something fun to do, check out these fun, free things to do in Little Rock. Arkansas has lots of great little spots that won't cost you anything . . . except maybe a tank of gas.
The Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third St., lets you experience living history. The museum features five restored early 19th-century homes, including Little Rock's oldest remaining building, the Hinderliter Grog Shop (1827). The best part is the actors who portray some of Arkansas' earliest residents and give you a taste of frontier life. Tours are free the first Sunday of each month. Check their website or call 501-324-9351 for hours and more info.
Browse through the Arkansas Arts Center. You'll see displays of local, regional and national artists with permanent exhibits and traveling exhibits. Located near MacArthur Park. Always free but donations are accepted. Most of the special exhibits do carry a fee. 501-372-4000.
Burns Park is one of the largest parks in the country with 1,575 acres. Burns Park features a log cabin which was built prior to the Civil War, a covered bridge, a fishing pier, camping areas, a 36 hole golf course, baseball, softball, tennis, hiking trails, an amusement park and more. Located at exit 150 off Interstate 40. Most of the park is free (some small fees for some attractions). 501-758-1424.
This is fun for all ages. Who knew ducks could live in a hotel? Bring the family out to see the ducks ride the elevator down and play in the lobby fountain. It's the cutest thing you'll ever see and it's 100% free (you don't need to be a hotel guest). The twice-daily March of The Peabody Ducks starts in the morning at 11am and in the afternoon at 5pm.
The Old State House is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. You can tour it for free and see some historical artifacts. Located at 300 W. Markham in Little Rock. 501-324-9685.
If you're in to the military or history, The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is the perfect spot. It's located at 503 E. Ninth St., in MacArthur Park and it has everything from Civil War artifacts to artifacts from today. The National Historic Landmark that the museum is located in was actually the birth place of General MacArthur and was once used as an arsenal! Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 501-376-4602.
This is one of the only state capitols that was modeled after the capitol in Washington DC and has served as the "body double" for the nation's capitol in many movies. You can have a guided tour or just walk through yourself. The free scheduled tours of the Capitol Building are offered weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. Call 501-682-5080 for more information or to arrange a private tour.
While the vendors would probably prefer if you shopped, I enjoy just browsing the River Market. Along the streets of downtown Little Rock there are lots of interesting shops and restaurants and during the Spring & Summer the Farmer's Market is open and it's great fun! The River Market shops are open year round, the Farmer's Markey is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays from late May through October.
The Central High Museum and is located at 2125 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. in Little Rock. It was the location of the infamous desegration in 1957. The museum is a restored gas station across from the school and it chronicles the story as well as some other Arkansas history. The museum is open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. 501-374-1957.
Little Rock is a great place to track the former President. From the Governor's mansion where Bill Clinton once lived to the old Gazette building where he headed his campaign, the downtown area is full of Clinton sites!
