The geographical, political and financial center of Arkansas,
LITTLE ROCK
is at the meeting point of its two major regions, the northwestern hills and the eastern Delta. The town today has a relaxed, open feel, a far cry from the dramatic events of 1957. In the rapidly expanding
River Market District
, 500 E Markham St, the
Museum of Discovery
, geared largely toward kids (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1-4.30pm; $5.95, free first Fri each month 5pm-9pm; tel 501/396-7050), is a welcome and fun addition. This area contains the majority of Little Rock's activity, with a series of restaurants, bars and the actual farmers' market on the river. Behind the museum is
Riverfront Park
, a thin strip of greenery and fountains that runs for several blocks - here, a commemorative sign marks the "little rock" for which the city is named, which is not particularly striking.
In MacArthur Park the
Arkansas Art Center
features work by local and international artists (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, first Fri of every month 10am-8.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm; free). Also in the park is a
Military Museum
that has exhibits from the Civil War on forward.
The white
Old State House Museum
, 300 W Markham St, surrounded by smooth lawns and shaded by evergreens, backs onto the Arkansas River. Inside, displays cover all periods of Arkansas history, but the most impressive rooms are the two senate chambers, restored to their original grandeur (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm; free). This was where Clinton announced his bid for the presidency on October 3, 1991, and made his acceptance speech thirteen months later. There's now a special exhibit in the museum on his path to the presidency.
