Explore Diverse Attractions In Little Rock, Arkansas, By Melody Schubert

Arkansas is a diverse landscape with beautiful valleys and rivers and lakes for outdoor recreation. It also has plenty of options for entertainment and activities to enjoy. Let's start in the state capital of Little Rock that has a interesting mix of attractions and history to enjoy. With historic treasures and nature beauty, a visit any time of the year is certain to be memorable in Little Rock!

Arkansas State Capitol - A great place to start you trip is the Arkansas State Capitol Visitors Center. The first floor rotunda has been remodeled into a state-of-the-art visitor services center. An area in the northwest corner of the first floor is set aside for tourists to gather information on Arkansas and the capitol through the use of an interactive computer touch screen and educational videos.

With improvements and technology updates that include a new wi-fi connection, the Arkansas State Capitol Visitors Center is a nice spot to take a break and check your email as well. There is also the Capitol Gift Shop, Tour Desk that has updated information of tours and events, plus a U.S. Post Office and Capitol Police are located onsite just in case there is a need for assistance.

 The Arkansas Queen - After a visit to the Capital, enjoy a cruise aboard The Arkansas Queen Riverboat that departs from the North Shore Maritime Center, located next to the USS Razorback, on the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. This is a fun away to view the city and The Arkansas Queen not only has sightseeing cruises, it also offers lunch cruises, dinner and dance cruises, and is a fun way to celebrate special occasion. Visit The Arkansas Queen website to make reservations for lunch and dinner cruises, and learn more about cruise options or call 501-372-5777.

Did You Know? - The Mosaic Templars of America organization was founded in Little Rock in 1882 as a fraternal organization by John E. Bush and Chester W. Keatts. Dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and celebrating Arkansas's African American culture and community from 1870 to present, this reconstructed museum also informs and educates the public about Black achievement. From accomplishment in business, politics and the arts, the Mosaic Templars of America is a tribute to Arkansas's African Americans. Be sure to check out one of the exciting performing arts productions, conferences and public symposiums in the 3rd floor auditorium. The center, located at 9th & Broadway in Little Rock, also offers more than 8,000 square feet of interactive exhibit and education space.

H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden -  A beautiful place to visit while in the River Market District in downtown Little Rock is the H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden. Here you'll find a amazing 80-ton gate, made of Douglas fir that was handcrafted by artisans in South Korea. Enter the gate and you'll discover a landscaped garden, a nine-foot tall fountain and reflective pool, a bust of Eternal Grand Master Lee, a nine-foot-tall wall of vision, and numerous statues and educational artifacts explaining martial arts.

The South Korean gate and garden salutes the martial arts, and serves as a symbol of friendship between South Korea and America and honors the founder of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). H.U. Lee is the founder of the American Taekwondo Association whose international headquarters have been in Little Rock since 1977. The structure is located on the grounds of the Statehouse Convention Center on the west end of the River Market District in downtown Little Rock. The project is a gift to Arkansas by the family of the late H.U. Lee and members and friends of ATA, a worldwide organization with more than 1,200 schools in 17 countries.

Plan Your Trip

To learn more about events and attractions throughout Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism for packages and to order a Free Vacation Guide.