historic arkansas museum

If you want to know all about the history of Arkansas, this museum is for you. This museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits (including old Arkansas homes). The museum is new-looking and has several small-ish galleries, including one that features quilts and another that features knives. There is a gallery that discusses the interactions of Native Americans and European settlers. There is a gift shop that features Arkansas crafts and items.

Small but very nice exhibits; beautiful quilt display and native American exhibit. be aware to see the historic buildings they are tour guided only and have set tour times.

We were visiting friends in little rock and they took us here. They'd been over Christmas for some holiday festivities and enjoyed themselves. We came on the first Sunday of the month and apparently it's free on that day. Perhaps because it was winter, but not all the outside old log buildings were open to visit. They had a nice quilt exhibit which displayed a number of lovely quilts. Interesting room of Bowie knives and a large exhibit on the Indians of the area and their history. People were friendly- they have people in some of the "newer" outer buildings who describe what the buildings were used for, very interesting. Would recommend.

We were looking for something to do as a family over the holidays and discovered this museum after a google search. The museum is free, the tour of the historic buildings (still located in their original locations downtown) is only $2 for adults, the guide was knowledgeable, and the museum galleries were full of interesting exhibits. A short introductory video dramatizes the location and the historic houses featured on the tour. I never knew that the bowie knife originated in Little Rock. There was a lovely display of gorgeous quilts displayed from a recent competition, with many unusual designs in several different categories (applique, mixed, machine quilted, etc.). Exhibits included early oil paintings, local pottery, and antique modes of advertisement featuring paintings of women on tin, chairs, buttons, match boxes, posters, and almost anything else imaginable. Upstairs is a large area featuring the history of local Indian tribes (Quawpaw, Caddo, and Osage), which included interviews, the Trail of Tears, current tribal information, and many displays. We really enjoyed our visit, and there is plenty of free parking across the street. If you are in Little Rock, this attraction is well worth a visit. It is also one of the stops on the Little Rock attraction shuttle. Check their web site for current exhibits, as the displays change throughout the year.

This was a great way to get familiar with Little Rock, Arkansas' history and culture. It was very informative and interesting. The facility was homey and the people were extremely friendly. I saw interviews, short films, displays and met some intriguing people. It is located in a beautiful setting with free parking and was not overcrowded. It is good stopping point to relax and enjoy in a small amount of time. It is just a hop, jump and a skip away from shopping and we could walk to good restaurants. We stayed about one hour and a half. We met some sweet peacocks strolling around and enjoyed watching the natural habitat connected to the museum,. The museum is small, free and very accommodating. I didn't do any activities that required a fee. The stories told by the people from that area are very interesting and it was a nice quick way to get acquainted with the area.

A very informative museum, with good photo and quilt displays. Free entry and plenty of parking nearby with easy access from the Interstate.

Had a chance to fit in one more place to visit this last morning of my stay. Chose this historical museum and glad I did. There were costumed interpreters in 4 of the buildings and had an enjoyable visit with them. One tried to stay in "character" of historical figure whose role he was recreating. Did a good job of it too....since the place wasn't busy this morning at all, I had a leisurely visit and could enjoy the grounds and the old structures, some of which are actually in their original location. Nice spot downtown, worth a visit, about 1 hour will cover it nicely and parking on the street on the weekends is free and easy to find nearby. From there you can walk to the river market area and get lunch and visit other sights in the area.

The museum isn't big but it's interesting. Very nice greeters at the front. Plus free and & air-conditioned for a quick cool-down during the day! There's a current showing of quilts, knives and glass art & photos. They have a small kid's play section too. The museum is in a good location with free parking directly across the road. Easy to walk around the area once you've parked too. There's the museum of discovery nearby too. There is a $3 fee to see the old historic homes outside. There are some period actors to meet for that.

Small but well-designed building near downtown. Free parking directly across the street in a section of a larger parking lot. One room has a display on hand-made knives. Plus a lot of funny stories about the Bowie knife. Many of the knives are works of art. Another room has quilts and fabric art work. Nice but not a lot on display. Upstairs had a room for children with nice play areas. Two levels with stairs and elevator and bathrooms on both levels. We spent about 1 hour exploring. If you took kids to some of their programs you would want to spend several hours more. Free admission and free parking - not bad. We were expecting a museum about the history of Arkansas but this is not that. It's more of a small art museum with samples of historic Arkansas crafts and art. Still nice if you have an extra hour downtown.

The history of Arkansas is inspiring as presented at this site. You can browse and learn at the same time. This is a very nice location and worth your time.

My fiance', son and I visited this museum as family outing during the summer. I remember visiting his museum as a child when I was in elementary school and appreciate being able to explore these old homes. I enjoyed the short historic movie that was shown in the theatre prior to the tour of the old homes. The tour guide was very knowledgeable in being able to recall the history of different parts of the museum. My favorite house was the one that Mr. Blacksmith built by hand. He made each and every brick by hand. The home was made for his brother. I ENJOYED the Creole lady who put on a small skit for us. She was friendly, welcoming, and inviting the tourists. This attraction is very cost friendly, valuing at only $2.00 per person for the tour and its FREE to visit but a priceless attraction!!!! This is a wonderful place to visit if you are an Arkansas native and want to learn your history. And its an excellent place to visit if your visiting the Natural State. :)

we go here every time we go to little rock, they always have a new display to feature and then again its always nice to go back and see what you might have missed before, its free, cool and no one bothers you, they just let you look on your own

This is a hidden treasure and a HUGE wealth of Arkansas history, information and trivia, VERY well presented.Loved it, and will return!

Free admission. The first floor exhibit had many different Bowie knives on display. The second floor had a native American exhibit.

This is a great place to visit. They always have something new. Kids will also enjoy this place. Great location for other things to do including the river market.