Best Museums in Arkansas

"The Museum of Discovery is now located within the River Market District, but when it first opened in 1927, it was located on Main Street. The museum then moved to City Hall and then MacArthur Park, before finding its home at the River Market in 1998. Visitors can enter the Tesla Theater and Tornado Alley Theater to experience science as well as interact with the four permanent exhibits."

"Altogether there are 35,000 square feet of space inside its doors. Includes all types of techno, top 40, trance and bands for dancing. Discovery was once regarded as a gay bar, but has since turned more mainstream."

"The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is an ideal stop in Little Rock if you want to know more about the military heritage of this town. This is also the birthplace of Douglas MacArthur after who the museum is named, and there are both permanent and temporary exhibits that will tell you all about the history of this area. To that end, there are period photographs, documents such as letters, antiques, and military uniforms."

"Explore and understand the history of America’s armed forces at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas. It features artifacts from WWII, like uniforms, weapons, vehicles, other military items, and a vast amount of information to go along. If you’re interested in this particular part of history or wish to teach the younger generations about what happened, this is a gem of a place to do it."

"The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is housed in the historic Tower Building, part of the Little Rock Arsenal. The museum explores the military history of the state through artifacts, photographs, documents, uniforms, weapons, and other military items. The building is one of the oldest in the region and was the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur."

"Central Arkansas Nature Center is a nature center located on President Clinton Avenue in Julius Breckling Riverfront Park along the Arkansas River. Housed in a 16,232 square foot building that sits on a 3.4-acre site, the center contains exhibits that display examples of fish and wildlife typically found in the state of Arkansas. Because of its location along the river, visitors can see live examples of wildlife in the urban park."

"Central Arkansas Nature Center is at the crossroads of downtown Little Rock. From here you have quick access to the Museum of Discovery, Clinton Presidential Library, Clinton Foundation House and the State House Convention Center. The Nature Center focuses on recreational opportunities and wildlife."

"The nature center is something else to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for free things to do. There are a number of exhibits there as well as walking trails where you may see wildlife."

"The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum can be found alongside the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. The main attractions at this naval museum include two floating vessels involved in World War II - a tugboat recognized as a Historic National Landmark, and a USS Razorback submarine that was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan formally surrendered the war. Visitors can take a guided tour on and into the operational submarine, getting a good sense of the inner workings of the ship."

"The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is the only place where visitors can see 2 floating Naval vessels used in World War II. Visitors can see the tugboat Hoga and the submarine USS Razorback. The USS Razorback is 90% operational and maintained as authentically as possible."

"One of Arkansas’s hidden gems, Heifer International teaches visitors of all ages about the global issues of hunger and poverty. The Heifer Village offers educational programs and activities. Guests are invited to explore exhibits and learn about the lush wetlands created from a former industrial waste site."

"The home of Daisy Bates, who was president of the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP and liaison for the Little Rock Nine, was vandalized and bombed by those against integration. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; tours are available but must be scheduled in advance."

"Located on I-630 & Rodney Parham, this park has a softball field, playgrounds, bike trails, jogging trails, basketball, tennis, picnic tables, and pavilions. It is a favorite with skateboarders in Little Rock."