Little Rock is the capital of the scenic state of Arkansas and also its cultural and commercial hub. It’s the state’s largest city, surrounded by mountains and an alluvial plain and set close by the Arkansas River. Its downtown area holds most of the historic attractions and museums,and beautiful national parks, lakes, hot springs and stunning mountain scenery are all just a short drive away with car rental. Checking your preferred model online with National travel deals will save you time and money on arrival.
Getting there
It isn’t hard to reach Little Rock by road with your rental car, as it is located in the heart of Arkansas. The Wilbur Mills Freeway (I-630), the main east-west route through downtown, links up with I-30 and I-430. Little Rock National Airport is located four miles from downtown and offers flights to all major U.S. destinations. To reach the city you can take bus#12 or catch a cab at a cost of about $10. Most hotels, however, offer a free shuttle service from the airport. Car rental is easily available on the complex. Amtrak offers its Texas Eagle service, which stops in Little Rock on its way from Chicago, through Dallas and Austin to San Antonio.
Key attractions
The Old State House is an exquisite Greek Revival building that’s now a museum documenting Arkansas history. For more historical insight visit the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, home to original and restored colonial buildings and lovely gardens. During the summer you can enjoy the reenactment of famous Arkansas historical events, featuring actors in period dress.
The Arkansas Museum of Science and History has informative hands-on exhibits for the kids, the Decorative Arts Museum includes a toy exhibit – a fantasy world of toys designed by artists, while the Museum of Discovery is also great for kids, located in the River Market District where most of the cityеs action can be found. Here youеll find numerous restaurants, bars and the farmerеs market down by the river.
Out and about
The popular spa town of Hot Springs is located 50 miles southwest of Little Rock, nestled in the foothills of the Ouachitas. The town boasts an enormous array of recreational activities in the Hot Springs National Park and nearby lakes, while the elegant Bathhouse Row district is lined with magnificent magnolia and elm trees and is bursting with art galleries and novelty shops as well as a single bathhouse remaining open as a spa. Scenic drives through stunning natural beauty are easily accessed by rental car, and checking national travel deals before booking gets you the best rate.
Leisure options
To the west of Little Rock is Ouachita National Forest, home to the largest artificial lake in Arkansas, and a wonderland of outdoor activities. Scenic drives crisscross the forest and mountains, punctuated with recreation areas where you can swim, fish or go for a scenic hike or horse ride. Northwest of Little Rock is the Ozark National Forest taking in the exceptional natural beauty of the Boston Mountains. Hiking and camping through spectacular wilderness is also the order of the day here, revealing breathtaking views, huge caverns and caves, scenic lakes and surging rivers. Self-drive comes into its own here.
Safety
Several southern and northern districts of the city can be risky after dark and are best avoided, but common sense as regards your valuables and cash should see you through in most of the city districts and downtown. Travel insurance is highly recommended for you and your travelling companions.