Originally founded as Argenta in 1871, North Little Rock lies directly across the water from the Arkansas state capital, Little Rock. Many of its earliest buildings are preserved within the Argenta Historic District while one of the largest municipal parks in the United States hugs the city’s western corner.
Things to do in North Little Rock
On the north bank of the Arkansas River is the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, which is home to one of the world’s longest-serving submarines. Join a guided tour of the USS Razorback to learn about its involvement in World War II, Vietnam and the Cold War, then see the “Hoga” tugboat that participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Also on display are artefacts from the nuclear-propelled USS Arkansas.
In the geographical heart of North Little Rock is T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, which encompasses a water-powered grist mill that appeared in “Gone With The Wind”. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park was designed by Frank Carmean and is dotted with sculptures created by the Mexican-born artist Dionicio Rodriguez.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the Burns Park Funland, which is home to a miniature roller coaster and a small Ferris wheel. The 690-hectare green space of Burns Park also encompasses an 18-hole Championship golf course, a BMX track and tennis courts. You can stretch your legs on one of the riverfront walking trails or cycle across the 1,288-metre-long Big Dam Bridge.
Getting around North Little Rock
North Little Rock is around five minutes’ drive from the centre of Little Rock and 10 minutes from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to North Little Rock and travel throughout the city.