Things to Do in Little Rock

Things to Do in Little Rock, AR - Little Rock Attractions

Things to Do in Little Rock


Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Little Rock

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Speciality Museums
Dedicated purse museums in the world are rare jewels of history: Amsterdam, Seoul and Little Rock claim the distinction of being home to the three brick-and-mortar galleries in existence. ESSE Purse Museum at 1510 Main in the SoMa district of Little Rock opened its doors in late June 2013 to share what's inside the fabulous exhibit featuring over 500 artifacts. More than a fashion history, the museum showcases a compelling narrative of the 20th-century American woman - decade by decade - through the bags she carried and the contents within. The delightful displays of purses are complemented by carefully selected items women from each era carried - true history held in a handbag. Small photos in the displays and enormous backlit photos on the north wall show real women with their personal bags. Three cozy dioramas - "Nothing's More Natural Than Skin," "By Land, Sea or Air" and "A Night on the Town" - feature specialty purses, and a large, whimsical art installation addresses the essence of a woman, her handbag and the contents within. ESSE, which grew out of a traveling exhibit selected from owner Anita Davis' extensive collection of bags, is a privately-owned museum housed in a historic building in an up-and-coming, hip neighborhood, close to other world famous attractions like Central High School (the only school that is a national park) and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. More than just a trip down memory lane or history lesson, ESSE Purse Museum is a don't-miss experience. Museum hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10, $8 for students (6-18), seniors (60 and up) and military. Children 5 and younger are free. Call for group rates and special tours.
See full details

What travelers are saying

  • Natasha G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We arrived at the Windgate by Wyndham on a Friday evening. Brady greeeted us at the front desk and made our check in process a breeze. He shows knowledge and excellence in his job duties. The room service was excellent as well. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend the Windgate.
    Written February 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pwilliamson18
    Houston, TX3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exhibits were well laid out. Beverly in the Oval Office was knowledgeable and friendly. Andrew in the Giftshop was so helpful and friendly - a real pleasure to talk with him.
    Written February 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DannyWasserman
    Virginia Beach, VA4,242 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Check out the riverfront area of Little Rock, you will have lots of trails to traverse along the Arkansas river that actually crosses over some bridges and back around. There is an auditorium for live concerts, places to eat lunch, and bridges to cross.
    Written November 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nofrillstraveler
    54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was able to make it to the top and back down in right at an hour. Everyone that I talked to was having a great time. I was a bit surprised with the amount of people with children and dogs that had made it to the top. I will definitely be back.
    Written April 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carrie s
    Ardmore, OK42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    we loved thhe museum exspecially the kids they had so much to do and so much fun they really learned alot heck us adults did too lol
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DMenace
    Franklin, PA82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went on a rainy Monday morning. It was about 1/2 hour before a schedule tour but Jenny took us right then. Everyone should have a knowledgeable and enthusiastic employee as Jenny. She was bubbly as she showed us around her capitol building. She left us in the capable and entertaining hands of Terry at the treasury department. A little corny maybe but to hold $600,000 is a photo opt. We thought it was surprising there was no real mention of Bill Clinton. We asked and was told his portrait was down the hall. Nice way to spend a hour or two. Free parking. Don't miss Testament, the sculpture of the Little rock Nine.
    Written February 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carrie s
    Ardmore, OK42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    it was very interesting i was traveling with my family and seen this and we were all glad we went we had a great time going there
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sheilaoc
    Indianapolis, IN474 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice walk across the Arkansas River. Bathrooms available in the parking lot and also at the park that is a mile away. Interesting - wouldn't go out of my way for it, but if in the area for a day or two, it's a good thing to do.
    Written March 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BigMerk
    Glasgow, UK2,303 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited here as part of a longer road trip. We had luckily got a free parking space almost immediately outside the market. It was a Saturday and there was lots of traffic circling to get one of these spaces. The market is on one floor and has a number of fast food options under cover (it was very warm when we visited). There also seemed to be an outside eating area overlooking the river. Good eating choices.
    Written October 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SBottoms23
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I’m a local and have Never had a bad experience at Rocktown. I take friends and family on the tours. The bartenders are wonderful…. The best in the city.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Denise N
    Sarasota, FL5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was so excited to go to this purse museum while we were in Little Rock and I was not disappointed.
    Written June 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tbdiaz36fd
    Trumbull, Connecticut11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This attraction is well worth the visit. There are two parts to this attraction, one inside and the other is restored buildings. We took a guided tour of the several of the restored buildings that was about $3.00 for two senior citizens. It was particularly informative and included several restored structures. Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable. We only spent a small amount of time at the gallery exhibits because of our time constraints but the ones that I saw were wonderful and this part of the museum is free. This museum is a gem.
    Written October 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Little Rock