A day in Little Rock leaves you with a lot of options on how to spend your time. Do you bike down the river trail in the morning? Do you spend your morning strolling through the River Market? Should you take a walk across the Junction Bridge to see the Clinton Presidential Library? Your options are endless, but we’ve compiled a list of what should be your top three destinations when spending a beautiful day outdoors.
Arkansas River Trail
The Arkansas River Trail System is a tribute to outdoor recreation and wellness in Central Arkansas that creates an expansive 88-mile loop through the Natural State. A loop from the Clinton Presidential Bridge via North Little Rock to the Big Dam Bridge and back to the Clinton Bridge via Little Rock is 15.6 miles. Sounds like the perfect place for your next bicycle outing or a relaxing ride by the river.
Thousands of hikers, cyclists, skaters, joggers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts flock to the trail to explore its diversity of landscapes and activities. Expansive and of primarily flat-terrain, the trail offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages, fitness levels, interests and health conditions.
The River Market
The River Market district is the livelihood of Little Rock’s downtown scene. It’s a place to do business, a place to grab a great meal, meet up with friends, or take a stroll through the park to see the art.
With easy access to bike trails, the River Market provides the perfect starting point for an all-day adventure. Don’t have a bicycle? No problem! The River Market is home to Bobby’s Bike Hike, the perfect place to rent a bicycle for your afternoon ride by the river.
The River Market is also home to Little Rock’s Farmers Market, a unique shopping experience in central Arkansas since 1974. The Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting May 2, 2015, which makes it the perfect place for you and your family to explore, find bargains on fresh crops, and support local businesses that offer all kinds of goodies from handmade art and music to jams and honey.
The River Market is also host to one of Arkansas’s entertainment venues, the First Security Amphitheater. Whether you’re attending the ever-popular Riverfest music festival in May or just catching other events that come to town, the River Market is the place to be.
No matter who you are, the River Market is a good time and provides lots of areas for a nice family outing.
The Big Dam Bridge
The Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world, built specifically for that use. Named the Big Dam Bridge because of its massive 4,226 foot span built atop Murray Lock and Dam, the scenic views provided from all areas of the bridge are unbeatable in the central Arkansas area. On any given day, you’ll find the bridge populated with families taking an afternoon walk or cyclists enjoying the scenic route that the bridge offers.
Central Arkansas offers many attractions and opportunities for an afternoon out of the home and with your loved ones. So pack up the family or grab a friend and go see what central Arkansas has to offer.