arkansas

29 Pages·2017·3.27 MB·English

2018-2019 DESTINATION GUIDE
NORTH LITTLE ROCK

ARKANSAS
INSIDE:
INTERACT & EXPLORE ART
A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS
DRINK LIKE A LOCAL
DOG-FRIENDLY DINING OPTIONS
THE LEGEND OF “DOGTOWN”
THE OLD MILL FROM “GONE WITH THE WIND”
As North Little Rock’s Mayor and as
table of contents
a fourth generation North Little Rock
resident, I would like to cordially
welcome you to our beautiful city. You
Welcome
will enjoy our restaurants, hotels and Fun for All Ages
attractions – but most of all, you will
appreciate the hospitality and friendliness 4-9
that greets you everywhere you go.
Located on the northern banks of the Arkansas River, North Little Rock, Arkansas,
Joe Smith,
is at the intersection of natural beauty and city life, activity and relaxation. The city Arts & Culture
Mayor of North Little Rock
is accessible by major highways and airport but offers views that trick you into
10-14
believing you’re miles from civilization. With four distinct, yet temperate seasons,
North Little Rock is the perfect year-round destination. Each season brings its own
beauty and bustle of activity, each a perfect setting for creating last memories. Annual Events
North Little Rock is my hometown.
15
I’ve lived in this city my whole life and
through the decades I’ve seen it blossom
into a tourist destination - with only more
good things to come. Major highways Outdoor Recreation
make it easy to get here, and the outdoor
beauty matched with a thriving arts and 16-23
entertainment district make you want
to stay. Let us know if you have any
questions before or during your stay!
History
Bob Major, 24-29
Executive Director,
The mission of the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau is to promote
North Little Rock CVB
North Little Rock as a positive tourism and hospitality experience thus enhancing
economic growth and quality of life for its citizens and visitors. Lodging
30-37
Stay in Touch
Dining
If you want to stay in-the-know about all things North Little Rock,
please do one (or all!) of the following: 38-53
• Visit our website: www.NorthLittleRock.org
• Give us a call: 1 [phone]
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can find the sign-up form Resources
on our website: www.NorthLittleRock.org or shoot us an email at
[email protected] and we’ll get you added. 54-55
• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Our username is
@ExploreNLR on all three. Be sure to use the hashtag #ExploreNLR
to share your North Little Rock memories with us!
www.Facebook.com/ExploreNLR
CONNECT
www.Twitter.com/ExploreNLR
WITH US!
www.Instagram.com/ExploreNLR
On cover: North Little Rock is home to the Old Mill, which is the last standing structure from the epic film,
Gone with the Wind.
2 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 3
Fun for All Ages
Fun for All Ages
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Central Arkansas Escape Rooms
120 Riverfront Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114 108 W. F Ave., North Little Rock, AR 72116
[phone] • www.AIMMuseum.org [phone] • www.CentralAREscapes.com
Go inside a real World War II submarine, USS The escape room is a fun and thrilling group activity
Razorback, and see the tugboat Hoga, a National where you get “locked” (not really) in a room and have
Historic Landmark recognized for her heroic actions 60 minutes to work together to solve puzzles necessary
during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1942. These two to escape the room. It is not claustrophobic or scary,
play
vessels make North Little Rock the only place other but it is a nerve-tingling, exhilarating race against
than Honolulu, Hawaii, to have two Navy vessels the clock! Great for friends, families and colleagues.
that bookend World War II. Because the submarine Participants must be ages 10 and older.
is completely authentic, it can only be accessed by
climbing down a 12-foot hatch. Guests are welcome
Chuck E. Cheese’s
to tour the accessible museum topside, which houses [phone] • www.ChuckECheese.com
exhibits on various Naval vessels and a collection from Chuck E. Cheese’s offers families with kids a one-of-a-
the Arkansas River Historical Society. kind total entertainment experience that includes the
coolest games and rides, chances to win tickets for fun
Arkansas Travelers Baseball at prizes, entertainment and great food for the family.
Dickey-Stephens Park
400 W. Broadway St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 Faulkner Lake Orchard
[phone] • www.Travs.com 503 Morris Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72117
A can’t-miss summer outing for the whole family is a [phone] • www.FaulknerLakeOrchard.com
game at Dickey-Stephens Park. The Arkansas Travelers When in season, pick your own ripe strawberries
are the minor league AA-affiliate of the Seattle and sun-kissed peaches! Shop the Farm Market for
Mariners, and they know how to entertain - between honey, jams and jellies made in the Faulkner Lake
innings, the park has fun games and giveaways. Orchard kitchen. A large variety of seasonal fruits and
Take advantage of the bouncy houses and other fun vegetables are grown right on the farm, picked daily
activities during the game. Hot dogs, funnel cakes, a and are available for purchase. Check their online
bacon station (yes, bacon!) and ice cold beer for the schedule for canning classes, Date Nights in the
adults complete the evening. Orchard and farm-to-table dinners.
ny time you’re traveling with a variety of ages and interests,
A
the struggle always becomes, “What can we do that we will all
enjoy?” While these aren’t guaranteed, these are our top win-
win-win options that families enjoy in North Little Rock. If your family
likes to spend time outdoors together, flip to the Outdoors section
on page 16 for even more options. If your family enjoys the theater or
visual arts, turn to our Arts & Culture section on page 4.
Imagine living and working on a submarine with 100 men at the
METRO Streetcars are a fun way to get around the city for all ages and abilities.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.
4 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 5
Fun for All Ages
Funland Amusement Park Old Mill (The)
25 Funland Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118 3800 Lakeshore Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72116
[phone] [phone] • www.Facebook.com/TheOldMillNLR
The little park’s tagline is, “Spend a day, not a fortune!” An authentic reproduction of an old water-powered
Kids will enjoy the little ferris wheel, bungee jump, grist mill, this striking structure appears in the opening
helicopters, carousel, mini coaster, train, climbing wall scene of the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind and
and more. is believed to be the only building remaining from
the film. It was built in 1933 and designed to look
Jump Zone as if it were built the 1800s. The park is decorated
9250 Commerce Cv., North Little Rock, AR 72113 with sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps, and a tree
[phone] • www.JumpZoneParty.com branch-entwined bridge that connects the mill to the
Jump Zone has seven massive, unique inflatables in an rest of the park. The Old Mill is listed on the National
indoor play center. They have the largest indoor arena Register of Historic Places and is free and open to the
available in the area. public.
Lakewood Village Shopping Center One Heart Playground
2851 Lakewood Village Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72116 15 Funland Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
The shopping center offers an amphitheater with [phone] • www.NLRPR.org/OneHeart
playground and local entertainment. Shops and Opened in 2017, One Heart Playground was inspired
restaurants include Panera Bread, TGIFriday’s, Stein by Emma Wasson, who was born with a congenital
Mart, Kirkland’s, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant, Shoe heart defect and Turner Syndrome. Her parents and
Carnival, Five Guys, Saddlecreek Woodfired Grill, the North Little Rock Parks & Recreation staff opened
Olive Garden, TCBY and Crazy Hibachi. this fully-inclusive playground for children with varying
degrees of physical and sensory impairments and allow Spend a day, not a fortune, at Funland Amusement Park in Burns Park.
McCain Mall guardians with physical impairments to be able to
3929 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116 interact with them.
[phone] • www.Simon.com/Mall/McCain-Mall
The largest indoor shopping mall in Central Arkansas!
Regal McCain Mall Stadium
McCain Mall is anchored by Dillard’s, JC Penney, Sears
3929 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116
and Regal Cinema and features more than 80 specialty
[phone] • https://www.RegMovies.com
stores from apparel, shoes and accessories to sporting
Located inside McCain Mall, the movie theater has
good and electronics. The mall features several dining
multiple screens featuring new release films, plush
options like Bar Louie, BJ’s Brewhouse and Taziki’s
seating and concession stands.
Mediterranean Cafe. The mall is located near several
other restaurants and is conveniently located just off
Wild River Country
Interstate 40.
6820 Crystal Hill Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72118
[phone] • www.WildRiverCountry.com
METRO Streetcars
Arkansas’s largest waterpark! Enjoy a variety of
www.RRMETRO.org
activities for the whole family including water slides,
The METRO streetcars run on a 3.4-mile track
wave pool, lazy river, children’s area, picnic area and
connecting the cities of Little Rock and North Little
snack bar.
Rock. Attractions along the route include Verizon
Arena, the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock,
Little Rock’s River Market District, the Historic Arkansas William F. Laman Public Library System
Main Branch:
Museum and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center.
2801 Orange St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
The streetcars are fashioned after vintage trolleys and
[phone] • www.lamanlibrary.org
are a popular, affordable mode of transportation when
Argenta Branch:
visiting the downtown area.
420 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
[phone] • www.lamanlibrary.org
Millennium Bowl
7200 Counts Massie Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72113
Check the library website for an updated calendar of
[phone] • www.millenniumbowl.net
events. The library offers free, kid-friendly activities
Take the family bowling at Millennium Bowl, which
year-round.
features 32 lanes, full-service snack bar and a full-
service bar. Pick your own peaches at Faulkner Lake Orchard, as owner Karen Martin demonstrates.
6 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 7
Fun for All Ages Fun for All Ages
North Little Rock – Your Family Wings Over the Rock:
Getaway to Central Arkansas North Little Rock Annual Air Show & Car Show
This annual event has top airshow pilots, warbirds,
Michelle Hancock
formation flights, skydivers, helicopters, classic cars, hot
www.ModernMomLife.com
rods, custom cars and most importantly a kiddie-barrel
Our family recently visited North Little train that Reese could not get enough of.
Rock, Arkansas, compliments of the
North Little Rock Convention and Visitors
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Bureau.
provides guided tours of the historic submarine USS
I have a confession to make: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Razorback and tugboat USS Hoga. Since the USS
never crossed my mind as a family travel destination.
Razorback is a real submarine, children under 5 years
That was, until now. With so many snapshots from our
old are not permitted on the tours for safety reasons.
trip, I can not squeeze them all into one post. However,
Reese and I fed the nearby turtles that have never missed
a simple search for #ExploreNLR will provide you more
a meal from the looks of it. There are other exhibits that
insight on what a trip to North Little Rock, Arkansas can
families with young children can view.
look like for your family.

The Old Mill
Rock Region Metro Streetcar
Presumably last standing structure from the film, Gone
A ride on a yellow streetcar gave our family a wonderful
with the Wind, The Old Mill is an historic recreation of
overview tour of Downtown North Little Rock and Little
an 1880’s water-powered grist mill. Listed on the National
Rock. Tip: The best place to get on in North Little Rock
Register of Historic Places and is surrounded by beautiful
is in front of the Argenta Branch of the Laman Library on
landscaping and sculptures by artist Senor Dionicio
Main Street (420 Main Street). On this tour, we got to see
Rodriguez.
the beauty of Downtown from the bridge and learn the
history of how North Little Rock came to be. Our tour
guide was friendly and very knowledgable. North Little Rock Trip Eats & Treats
Taziki’s
Museum of Discovery Taziki’s was a family favorite given that it impressed
This by far was my daughter and I’s favorite place to
even our pickiest eaters. They shall not be named, but
visit during our trip. While the guys explored Pinnacle
know that this Mediterranean restaurant offers a variety of
Mountain, Reese and I had a morning filled with over 90
delicious menu items.
hands-on interactive science and technology activities.
Nothing bores kids more than having to read information
The Original Scoop Dog
on wall exhibit-after-exhibit without any type of play. No
A hidden gem amongst a beautiful landscape, this family-
matter your kids age, there is no shortage of fun. We also
owned business serves tasty treats and one-of-kind hot
bumped into Kevin Delaney who has been featured on
dogs. Most of all, the customer service is superb!
Jimmy Fallon Late Night Show.
Where We Stayed
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
The Pinnacle Mountain State Park is 2,356 acres of
Candlewood Suites
natural beauty. Per my husband and stepson, the views
Candlewood Suites is an extended stay hotel with a fully
at the top of the 1,000-foot mountain were incredible in
equipped kitchen in each room. As a result, we were
all directions. Word of advice, bring a lot of water and
able to eat in for some of our meal options which saved
energy. The hard work will pay off with spectacular
us money in the long run. This location offers an indoor
views.
pool, hot tub, and a 1,000 sq ft gazebo grilling area with
grills and a T.V. However, they do not offer a large-scale
Wild River Country Waterpark complimentary breakfast.
This 26-acre theme park is what you can expect from

a typical water park. We went there at the end of our
In a world full of numerous distractions and stressors,
busy day to relax in the wave pool. Nestled among the
North Little Rock gave our family of four a chance to
tall trees and scenic hills, this is a must-visit destination.
reconnect, recharge, and explore. Most of all, it gave
While Wild River Country was fun, on the day we visited
us new memories. I hope that it came do the same for
the lazy river was a disappointment. Seems like the water
you and your family. Thank you North Little Rock for a
flow was being extra lazy. Maybe it was having an off
wonderful time.
day, but after a day of hiking my husband could have
used some time floating instead of walking the lazy river.
8 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 9
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture

galleries
House of Art (The)
108 E. 4th St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
[phone] • www.TheRootsArtConnection.com
The House of Art sells art by Arkansas artists and hosts
open mic night every Friday. The gallery is part of
The Roots Art Connection, a nonprofit that advocates
the integration of arts in education and community to
support the transformation and development of under-
served communities.
In 2017, Thea Foundation underwent major
renovations of its office and gallery spaces. Red Door Gallery
3715 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116
[phone] • www.RedDoorGalleryOnline.com
Argenta Gallery
The gallery features antique prints and map and
413 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
original watercolors. Prints by contemporary artists are
[phone] • www.ArgentaGallery.com
also available. Traditional and contemporary art lovers
Argenta Gallery is located in the Argenta Arts District
will discover one-of-a-kind accessories from over-sized
of North Little Rock. A long-time dream of Argenta
canvases to original glass-blown chandeliers. Check the
resident and businessman John Gaudin, the gallery
website for upcoming shows.
features shows with a social impact and highlights
artists not affiliated with other galleries.
Southern Women Artisans Guild (SWAG)
606 N. Olive St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
Good Weather Gallery [phone]
4400 Edgemere St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
www.Facebook.com/SouthernWomenArtisansGuild/
[phone] • www.GoodWeatherGallery.com
SWAG is a gathering place for women artisans who are
Good Weather is a contemporary art gallery that has
tired of creating at the kitchen table or in the garage.
transformed a single-car garage into a participant-
SWAG has workplaces as well as a retail area.
guided gallery. The gallery has reciprocal objectives.
Because it is located in a residence, the gallery is open
Thea Foundation Center
during exhibition openings and by appointment. Send
401 Main St., Ste. 100, North Little Rock, AR 72114
an email to [email protected] to schedule
[phone] • www.TheaFoundation.org
raditional and contemporary. Undiscovered a visit when you are in town. Newly renovated in 2017! The Thea Center is the
T
talent and famous icons. State-of-the-art foremost facilitator of student art exhibitions in
gallery space and a garage in suburbia. Greg Thompson Fine Art Arkansas. The Thea Foundation is a nonprofit
Painted murals and spoken word. Art in North Little 429 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 organization that gives art scholarships, collects art
Rock is as varied as the people who call themselves [phone] • www.GregThompsonFineArt.com supplies for teachers, assists with art programming
artists, but underneath it all is a creative current Established in 1995 as a private art consulting and in local schools, participates in Argenta Art Walk and
contagious even to the inexperienced. So step back art dealership, Greg Thompson Fine Art opened its hosts exhibits throughout the year. It was founded
for the bigger picture, step closer to appreciate public gallery space in 2009 on the second floor of the in 2001 by Paul and Linda Leopoulos in memory
the details, pick up the brush yourself and take a historic Faucette Building, which was built in 1895. of their daughter, Thea Kay, whose involvement in
masterpiece home. The full-service art dealership focuses on important visual art, dance, drama and creative writing made all
Modern and Contemporary artists from the Southern the difference in her academic performance, attitude,
region of the United States. confidence and school involvement.
Red Door Gallery is a custom frame shop and art gallery that has been serving the community for almost thirty years.
10 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 11
Arts & Culture Arts & Culture
Laman Library - Main Branch
interact 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
[phone] • www.LamanLibrary.org
Laman Library offers classes, lectures, book clubs,
internet access, genealogical section, children’s
explore library with activities, Teen Center, meeting rooms
and more. Adjacent to the library is Laman Plaza,
Argenta Art Walk designed by the late architect E. Fay Jones of
Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Fayetteville and featuring a gazebo and pond.
www.ArgentaArtsDistrict.org
Every third Friday from spring to fall, businesses and
Painting with a Twist
galleries in the Argenta Arts District participate in
4178 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72117
and host the Argenta ArtWalk. Check out the local
[phone]
art galleries, have dinner downtown, shop and enjoy c
drinks at one of the local bars. www.PaintingwithaTwist.com/NorthLittleRock u b l i
Uncork your inner artist! Bring a friend or two, a p
snack and your favorite wine, beer or soda. Painting r t
Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub with a Twist supplies everything else needed to a
201 E Broadway St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
complete a masterpiece, including instruction from
[phone] • www.ArHub.org
a talented local artist. At the end of the class, take
A nonprofit organization dedicated to talent and
home your masterpiece. No experience required.
enterprise development, the Innovation Hub is the IN
Due to the “twist,” evening classes are for ages 15 As you’re driving around North Little Rock, you may notice
place where Arkansas entrepreneurs and innovators
and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by art murals on walls, boulders and even utility boxes. Here
find support for success. All programs have been
an adult. Guests 21 years and older are allowed to are some that you might see:
developed with local, regional and state partners.
consume alcoholic beverages in the studio. • “The Gathering/Flying Free” by Angela Davis is on the
The Innovation Hub’s work can be categorized
Students participate in an educational program at the east wall of House of Art, 108 E. 4th St. (pictured above)
into three broad areas: make, design and co-work.
• Progress of Arkansas” consists of 13 panels showing
Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Rock Region METRO Streetcars
The makerspace includes cutting-edge equipment
Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114 the Arkansas history inside the sea wall at Riverfront
from a full wood and metal shop to 3D printers and
[phone] • www.RRMETRO.org Park Drive.
advanced computer technology. The arts and design Get the girls together for a fun night of painting. Three-and-a-half miles of track link downtown areas • The Balstovich character created by Roland Burnham
studios encompass multiple mediums, including
of North Little Rock and Little Rock. Vintage style, can be found next to Pike Avenue below the I-40
pottery, painting, graphic design and screen printing.
yellow streetcars give riders a tour that includes bridge.
Workspaces are available for entrepreneurs looking for
Verizon Arena, restaurant, lodging and art galleries • Utility boxes, downtown, were painted by local artists
a collaborative environment.
in the Argenta Historic District and Little Rock’s River Emily Wood and Theresa Cates.
Market District, the Clinton Presidential Center and • The “Coca-Cola” wall on the north side of Argenta
Barry Thomas Fine Art & Studio the Heifer International Village. Drug Store is a local icon. (pictured below)
711 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
[phone]
Barry Thomas is an Impressionist artist known for
canvases filled with light, energy and vivid color.
Whether you are a true beginner or have stepped away
from your easel for a bit and need a refresher, you are
invited to classes with Barry Thomas as your instructor.
Laman Library - Argenta Branch
506 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
[phone] • www.LamanLibrary.org
The library occupies a former U.S. Post Office located
in the Argenta Arts District. After a grand opening
in 2014, the Argenta Branch features a children’s
department, computer lab, exhibit hall and gallery,
140-seat auditorium, meeting room and more than
12,000 books.
12 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 13
Annual Events
Arts & Culture Arts & Culture
For a complete list of events and to A Taste for Business
June
sign up for monthly updates, visit Verizon Arena
Arkansas Family Fun Days
theaters www.NorthLittleRock.org
Various locations
Little Rocktoberfest
Dickey-Stephens Park
March Arkansas Travelers Baseball
Dickey-Stephens Park
Rock to North Little Rock
St. Patrick’s Day Parade October
Argenta Community Theater
CARTI’s Tour de Rock
405 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 Argenta Arts District Arkansas Times Craft Beer Festival
Riverfront Park
[phone] • [phone] (Box Office) Argenta Arts District
www.ArgentaCommunityTheater.com Feast of St. Joseph
Boats, Bikes and Brews
The Argenta Community Theater (ACT) is a nonprofit St. Joseph Center of Arkansas Arkansas Times Whole Hog Roast
Local talent takes to the stage Rockwater Marina
organization committed to serving the community Argenta Arts District
at Argenta Community Theater.
through education and advancement of the performing
arts. The black box theater allows flexible staging April July Big Dam Bridge 100
techniques for smaller theater companies. ACT Arkansas Travelers Baseball Big Dam Bridge,
Arkansas Travelers Baseball
features local, regional and national productions, book Dickey-Stephens Park Argenta Arts District
Dickey-Stephens Park
readings, and private and business events.
B Street Rib Off Big Boo!-seum Bash
Concert by the River
Argenta Arts District Various locations
Joint Theater & Coffeehouse (The) Burns Park
301 Main St., Ste. 102, North Little Rock, AR 72114
House of Art Poetry Festival Catfish Road Festival
[phone] • www.TheJointArgenta.com
Pops on the River
Argenta Arts District Burns Park
The Joint is a coffee shop and bar, with ample indoor
Downtown Little Rock
and patio seating, free WiFi, live music and free
Poetry Gala Festival of Wines
programming on the big screen. At night, the stage
Argenta Arts District Dickey-Stephens Park
features hilarious comedy and improv and showcases August
top regional bands. The Joint is home to The Main
Arkansas Travelers Baseball
Community Production Six Bridges Regatta
Thing, an award-winning, world-class comedy team
Dickey-Stephens Park
Argenta Community Theater North Shore Landing
starring veteran performers whose work has been
featured on Saturday Night Live, off-Broadway and
Kaleidoscope Film Festival
MTV. The Main Thing comedy trio often play up to twenty Central Arkansas Heart Walk Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Argenta Arts District
characters during a show. Photo by Casey Crocker, North Shore Riverwalk Downtown North Little Rock
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism & Little Rock
UA-Pulaski Tech - Community Performance
The Center for Humanities and Arts May Argenta Community Theater
3000 W. Scenic Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72118
Arkansas Travelers Baseball November
[phone] • www.UAPTC.edu/CHARTS Enjoy dinner in the Argenta Arts District before Dickey-Stephens Park Date Night in the Orchard Veterans Day Ceremony
Opened in 2016! The Center for Humanities and Arts Faulkner Lake Orchard
a concert at Verizon Arena. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
(CHARTS) hosts musicians and performers in its 500-
Brews and Barks
seat theater, black box theater and large reception Community Production
Diamond Bear Brewing Co.
area. The center features both student-led productions Argenta Community Theater December
and professional performers. The Windgate Gallery, an
North Little Rock Mini Maker Faire Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
exhibition space just off the lobby, is free and open to
Northshore Riverwalk Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
the public. September
ACANSA Arts Festival
Legends in Argenta Community Production
Verizon Arena Various locations
Argenta Arts District Argenta Community Theater
#1 Verizon Arena Way, North Little Rock, AR 72114
[phone] • www.VerizonArena.com JointStock
Buzz B-Q New Year’s Eve with The Main Thing
With 28,500 square feet of space and 18,000 seats, The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse
Downtown Riverside RV Park The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse
Verizon Arena has hosts concerts, sporting events and
ice shows. Major acts have included Bruce Springsteen, Legends of Arkansas
Patio on Park Hill North Little Rock Sertoma
Bruno Mars, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Rolling Stones, Northshore Riverwalk
Lakehill Shopping Center Christmas Parade
Eagles, Paul McCartney and Jimmy Buffet.
Argenta Arts District
Wings Over the Rock
Airshow & Car Show
North Little Rock Municipal Airport
14 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 15
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
re you the kind of person to sit back and drink in sunset views or grab a paddle cycling
A
and kayak into the sunset? Maybe you’re both, depending on the kind of day. &
Whether you’re here as an avid cyclist looking forward to a serene solo loop on
the 15-mile Arkansas River Trail or one in a large family that wants to try something

new together (like fishing!), everyone can enjoy the beautiful city of North Little Rock.
The unique location of being right next to the Arkansas River with hundreds of acres of
expansive spaces offers limitless, year-round opportunities for spending time outdoors.
pedestrian trails
Every year, hundreds of cyclists flock to North Little Rock for cycling races.
Arkansas River Trail
Standing on the Big Dam Bridge, you can watch barges and
North Little Rock & Little Rock
other river traffic go through the lock.
www.ArkansasRiverTrail.org
A tribute to outdoor recreation, conservation, wellness
and the diverse geographies of Central Arkansas, the
Arkansas River Trail is an expansive 88-mile loop
including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle and
Conway. The most popular loop is 15.6 miles and
includes the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, Burns
Park in North Little Rock and the Big Dam Bridge.
“Big Dam Bridge” -
Pulaski County Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge
Exit #148 off I-40
Cooks Landing, North Little Rock, AR 72118
www.BigDamBridge.org
Located over the Murray Lock and Dam, the “Big
Dam Bridge” is the longest bridge in the U.S. built for
pedestrians and cyclists. Spanning 4,226 feet across and
90 feet above the Arkansas River, the bridge connects
the two cities of North Little Rock and Little Rock.
Directions: Take I-40 to Exit #148 and head south on
Kayak the Arkansas River under the expert guidance of Rock Town River Outfitters. Photo by Lori Sparkman
Crystal Hill Road. Turn left at the light onto Northshore
Drive. Turn right at Cook’s Landing Road.
16 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 17
Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation
Burns Park Emerald Park QUICK ARKANSAS RIVER TRAIL TIPS BIRD WATCHING & WILDLIFE
I-40 Exit #150, south of interstate, Marge Gardner Ln., North Little Rock, AR 72118 More than 200 species of land and water birds can
North Little Rock, AR 72118 • www.NLRPR.org [phone] • www.NLRPR.org • Bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothes. be seen on the trail and in the parks along the
Burns Park is a 1,700 acre city park with 4.6 miles of This 135-acre park is located in North Little Rock along Wear a helmet if you are cycling or roller blading. river, including long-tailed flycatchers, great blue
five paved trails and 12.5 miles of seven unpaved trails. the bank of the Arkansas River. Its bluffs offer some of • Have an Arkansas River Trail map handy or a herons, quail, ducks, egrets, cardinals, geese and the
the best scenic views of the Arkansas River. smartphone to access www.ArkansasRiverTrail.org. occasional bald eagle. You may see groundhogs,
Camp Robinson Trails • Keep pets on a short leash and under control. raccoons, possums, turtles, skunks and deer. Never
Camp Robinson Military Drive and Junction Bridge • Most parks, including Two Rivers Park, close at approach, feed, pick up or follow wildlife. Human
Donovan Briley Drive • North Little Rock, AR 72118 Exit #141B off I-30, North Little Rock, AR dark, but cyclists can ride through. Burns Park food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them
[phone] • www.CentralARTrail.com www.PulaskiCounty.net/Junction-Bridge/ closes at midnight and Riverview Park closes at 10 pm. starts bad habits. Do not remove wildlife from their
The mountain bike trails at Camp Robinson are known A pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River, the • Pay attention to all trail markings, signs and other habitat.
as the crown jewel of the region for containing some of Junction Bridge is located adjacent to the North Shore alerts or warnings.
the best and most varied rides in Central Arkansas. With Riverwalk in North Little Rock and crosses to the River • Do not smoke while on the trails. SHARE THE TRAIL
over 40 miles to explore from beginner to advanced Market Park on the Little Rock side. • Motorized vehicles are not allowed except for We all enjoy the Arkansas River Trail in different ways,
sections, every ride is a new experience. Purchase of a motorized wheelchairs and emergency vehicles. so be respectful of others.
Sportman’s Pass at the Visitors Center is required. North Shore Riverwalk • Paved pathways are for cyclists, skaters, runners • Cyclists: Slow in congested areas and stay alert.
Exit #141B off I-30 and walkers. Many trail users are inexperienced and don’t know
Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114 trail etiquette. Give them a chance to learn. Politely
Clinton Presidential Park Bridge
North Little Rock, AR 72114 [phone] (Rentals & Reservations) LEAVE NO TRACE announce your presence when passing others.
The Clinton Presidential Park Bridge is a pedestrian Connected to a portion of the Arkansas River Trail, Through its series of pathways, various habitats and • Pedestrians: Only walk two abreast and stay to the
pathway renovated from an old railroad bridge. The the Riverwalk offers a wide variety of adaptable uses opportunities for exploration, the Arkansas River Trail right of the trail. Be aware of cyclists passing on
bridge starts next to the Downtown Riverside RV for special events and can accommodate up to 6,000. allows visitors to experience the incredible diversity of your left. Take breaks off the trail to allow others to
Park in North Little Rock and leads to the Clinton It includes a picturesque promenade featuring the Arkansas’s natural environment. However, to ensure the pass comfortably. Keep children in sight and close by.
Presidential Center. Arkansas River and Little Rock skyline. trail remains a pristine destination for future generations, • Horse riders may be encountered on parts of the
it’s important that all visitors show respect for their Arkansas River Trail. To avoid endangering the
surroundings. rider and yourself, step off the trail and quietly talk
• Put litter – even small crumbs, peels and cores – in to the rider. Bikers should stop and allow the rider
garbage cans or carry it out of the parks. to pass.
• Bring plastic bags to pick up after your pets.
• Keep waterways clean. Do not put soap, food or pet BIKE REPAIR AND FIX-IT STATIONS
waste in lakes or streams. The Arkansas River Trail System offers four bike
• Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find repair and fix-it stations for cyclists who experience
them. equipment trouble. They are located:
1. Under a pavilion at the base of the Big Dam Bridge
on the North Little Rock side;
2. Under the Main Street Bridge in downtown North
Little Rock;
3. Near the restrooms at the portion of the trail by
Bobby’s Bike Hike
County Farm Road in Two Rivers Park, and
e 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201
k 4. Near the base of the Two Rivers Park Bridge in
b i [phone]
n t a l www.LittleRock.BobbysBikeHike.com Little Rock.
e
r City, park, and river trail bike tours and bike
TRAIL INFORMATION STOPS AND RESTROOMS
rentals for all ages and experience levels. Rentals
The Arkansas River Trail System offers plenty of easily
come with free maps, helmets, locks, and
accessible restrooms. Two information stops are
personalized service to safely navigate the city
located:
and parks.
1. At the base of the Big Dam Bridge on the North
Little Rock side, and
2. At the base of River Mountain Road near the Two
Rivers Park Bridge in Little Rock.
For trail maps and other information about the Arkansas River Trail System,
The Arkansas River Trail is an easy, mostly flat route perfect for novice cyclists. please visit www.ArkansasRiverTrail.org.
18 www.northlittlerock.org www.northlittlerock.org 19