Welcome to the first installment of our New Resident Guide! 

We polled our staff and our residents to discover their favorite spots to eat, shop, and explore in Little Rock. Now, we can share them with those of you moving to Little Rock and making your new home in our luxury apartment community.

What better place to start this series than with a look at all the best photo spots around town? It’s a great way to explore the city, discover cool neighborhoods, and see amazing sights.

Murals

Little Rock has made public art a big priority in recent years, which has led to a big boom in beautiful murals popping up around every street corner. 

In fact, new murals are being commissioned and installed so often, there could be a new one in the works at this very moment!

We encourage you to spend a day visiting them all, striking a pose, and snapping your best photos. 

These are a few of our favorite murals in Little Rock:

• “Playtime” pictured above on the corner of Capitol Street & Main Street
• “Beneath the Surface” on the corner of West 6th Street and Main Street
• “Wonders and Signs” on the corner of Broadway and West 9th Street
• “Baker’s Alley” behind the Arkansas Repertory Theater
• “SOMA” on South Main Street between 12th Street and 13th Street
• “Yes We Can” on South Main Street between 15th Street and 16th Street

If you would rather stay on this side of the river to snap photos with fun murals, check out the North Little Rock public art scavenger hunt! They even include a map on their website to help you find them all.

Sculptures

Would you love to see even more public art in Little Rock? Two cool places to spot sculptures and snap photos would be in the River Market or Argenta.

Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden 

The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden in the Little Rock Riverfront Park next to the River Market displays over 90 pieces of art! 

Surrounded by lush landscaping and connected by inviting walkways, the sculptures there include everything from larger-than-life animals to intriguing abstract shapes. It’s like going to an art gallery in the middle of Downtown Little Rock!

Argenta Plaza

Talk about a work of art – the brand-new Argenta Plaza off Main Street in North Little Rock is seriously stunning. There, you can find a huge water wall, fountains, swings, and a video projection wall illuminated by electrifying digital lights. 

If you want an opportunity to go there and take a photo, it’s free and open to the public 7 days a week. Or you can check out their lineup of events and snap photos while you’re taking a yoga class, shopping at the farmer’s market, or enjoying a live concert. 

Architecture

A beautiful building with intricate architectural details always makes for a great photo. If you are into architecture, pay a visit to these structural wonders for a photo-worthy trip through the centuries!

Old Mill

At the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park in Lakewood (just a four-minute drive from our community) is a hidden gem that’s infamous around the world. It’s the Old Mill!

Modeled after a 19th century grist mill, this monumental stone building was completed in 1933 and featured in the opening scenes of Gone With the Wind in 1939. 

Beyond its historical significance, the Old Mill is also surrounded by picturesque trees, bridges, pathways, and ponds. So many perfect photo spots!

Arkansas State Capitol

What screams “Little Rock” more than the Arkansas State Capitol?

Built as a replica of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Arkansas State Capitol building was erected at the turn of the 20th century using Arkansas granite. 

You can snap a photo in front of the bronze doors, on the steps leading up to the building, or on the sidewalk looking up at the great white dome topped with a 24-karat gold cupola! 

Fun Fact: The building that now houses the Old State House Museum on West Markham Street was used as our state capitol from 1842 to 1912. Another great photo opportunity!

Capital Hotel

After being closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Capital Hotel recently reopened, making now the perfect time to visit and get the perfect shot for your social media. 

Opened in 1870, the building has been recognized as a member of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historical Preservation since 2009, so you know it’s legit.

The lobby is especially impressive with its white marble columns and gilded tray ceilings. You can’t miss it on your way to a dinner reservation at One Eleven (re-opening later this year) or Capital Bar & Grill inside the hotel!

Views

If a scenic view is what you’re after, we know two great spots where you can capture the perfect photo.

Junction Bridge

After you walk through the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden in the River Market, you cannot miss the entrance to the Junction Bridge overlooking the Arkansas River.

Visitable now as a pedestrian bridge, the Junction Bridge used to be known as the “Junction Railroad Bridge” when it connected the northern and southern Union Pacific railway lines from 1884 to 1985.

Today, you can climb the stairs or take an elevator straight up to get a beautiful view of Downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock from above!

42

Another beautiful bridge view you can enjoy Downtown—this time while drinking wine with two feet firmly planted on the ground—is from 42 Bar & Table at the Clinton Presidential Center.

The peaceful outdoor dining area overlooks the Clinton Presidential Park bridge, less than a mile from the Junction Bridge via the Arkansas River Trail!

Would you like to take in more views of Little Rock from the great outdoors? 

Stay tuned for the next installment of our New Resident Guide highlighting the best parks, trails, and other outdoor destinations around Little Rock!

Photo Credit: Downtown Little Rock Partnership