Introduction

Welcome to Little Rock Air Force Base, located smack dab in the middle of Arkansas! Little Rock is not only the state’s capital but the most populous city. And while this city of just under 200,000 isn’t the largest city compared to some in other states, it’s bustling with things to do. The historic area near the Arkansas River offers amazing views, warm summers and mild winters to enjoy. Spend your weekends exploring the many parks and waterways or learn all about the history of the South and the country’s 42nd president, Arkansas native Bill Clinton. Enjoy this list of 23 of the best things to do while living on or near Little Rock Air Force Base.

Suggested Read:

Little Rock Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.

23 Things to Do Near Little Rock Air Force Base

Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to what you go: (1-6) Parks, Rivers, and Lakes (7-9) Golfing (10) Fishing and Hunting (11) Sports (12-15) Gyms (15) Bowling (16-22) Attractions (23) Museums

Parks, Rivers, and Lakes

1. Little Rock FamCamp

75057 CMSGT. Williams Drive Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-3365 The Air Force maintains 36 recreational lodging camps with over 500 cabins and about 100 fixed RV trailers across the globe and those stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base are lucky to have a FamCamp location in their backyard. There are 24 full hookup sites and two overflow sites at the camp. Enjoy a couple of nights of primitive or RV camping with your family or friends on your next free weekend.

North Little Rock

2. Burns Park

Interstate 40, Exit 150 North Little Rock, AR 72119

Phone

: 1 (501) 791-8543 One of the largest municipal parks in the country, Burns Park’s 1,700 acres includes amusement park rides, traditional and disc golf courses, a tennis complex, soccer fields, an archery range and miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails lead to the entrance of the Big Dam Bridge. The park also features an RV campground, a dog park, pavilions and a fishing pond.

3. Old Mill at T. R. Pugh Memorial Park

3800 Lakeshore Drive North Little Rock, AR 72116

Phone

: 1 (501) 758-1424 A historic recreation of an 1880s water-powered grist mill, the Old Mill is most famous for its part in the opening scenes of “Gone With the Wind.” Built in 1933, the mill is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park itself is decorated with sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps and a tree branch-entwined bridge designed by Dionicio Rodriguez. Enjoy a picnic, take advantage of the Instagram-worthy photo opportunity or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Sherwood

4. Fairway Park

800 Fairway Ave. Sherwood, AR 72120

Phone

: 1 (501) 835-6893 A green gem in old town Sherwood, Fairway Park’s seasonal outdoor swimming pool has a changing area, restroom facilities and a concession stand. The rest of the park has a gazebo, playground, a picnic area with a grill and an 11,000-square-foot dog park.

5. Lake Cherrywood Park

300 Summit St. Sherwood, AR 72120

Phone

: 1 (501) 835-6893 Drop a line off the fishing pier at Lake Cherrywood Park, where the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission keeps the lake stocked. Or enjoy the gazebo, picnic area with a grill, swings, a big playground and a basketball court.

6. Thornhill Park

2201 Thornhill Drive Sherwood, AR 72120

Phone

: 1 (501) 835-6893 A vintage Union Pacific caboose is among the features of Thornhill Park, one of more than a dozen parks in town, along with a half-mile asphalt walking trail, a gazebo and picnic area with a grill, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a place to change, restrooms and a concession stand to grab a treat.

Little Rock AFB Golf Course

7. Championship at Rebsamen Park Golf Course

3400 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock, AR 72202

Phone

: 1 (501) 666-7965 Open all week (including most holidays), this 18-hole public/municipal golf course is highly rated on Golf Advisor. With more than 7,000 yards of bunkers, mounding and multi-level greens, it can challenge the best players when set up for tournament play. Enjoy the views along the Arkansas River with beautiful foliage and an abundance of wildlife. Golfers can take a break and enjoy a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, drinks and a wide variety of snacks at Mulligan’s Grill.

Maumelle

8. The Country Club of Arkansas

2 Country Club Lane Maumelle, AR 72113

Phone

: 1 (501) 851-0095 The Country Club of Arkansas is an 18-hole semi-private golf course situated right along the Arkansas River. Water is a theme on the course, with 11 holes having water hazards. The greens are fast and fairways are firm, ensuring you have a challenging round of golf, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player. And if you need a little help with your game, a PGA pro is on staff to provide private instruction. Take advantage of the practice facilities or purchase some new equipment at the fully stocked pro shop.

Sherwood

9. The Greens at North Hills

7400 Highway 107 Sherwood, AR 72120

Phone

: 1 (501) 833-3790 The Greens at North Hills is a player friendly 18-hole course that is great for beginners. It's an old school golf course that was built in 1926. In addition to the course, The Greens at North Hills has a driving range where you can work on your long game. Or relax in the bar and grill after an enjoyable round of golf.

Fishing and Hunting

10. Little Rock Air Force Base Sportsman

Building 481 Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-6800 The base offers both hunting and fishing opportunities. Little Rock Air Force Base has nearly 3,000 acres of forest and grassland spread over 30 separate deer hunting areas. Hunting opportunities also include rabbit, squirrel, quail, wild turkey and coyotes. Base lakes support a fishery of largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill sunfish. You’ll find information, maps and policies for both off-post hunting and fishing at the 19th Security Forces Squadron Front Desk in Building 481.

Sports

11. Intramural and Varsity Sports

Building 827, Sixth Street Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-7716 The Fitness and Sports Center offers a full sporting program with intramural and extramural-level programs. There are four intramural sports and one extramural sport offered throughout the year: softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball and a base softball team. There are special events throughout the year as well, like Sport’s Day, 5K runs and a soccer tournament.

Little Rock AFB Gyms

12. Fitness and Sports Center

Building 827, Sixth Street Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-7716 The Fitness and Sports Center offers an indoor running track, fitness on demand, weight room, cardio room with top-of-the-line equipment, functional fitness room, indoor parent/child room, racquetball and basketball courts, rotating treadwell/rock wall, group exercise classes and a cafe. See the front desk to sign up for 24-hour access to use the Fitness Center during unstaffed hours.

13. Outdoor Fitness Areas

Building 792 Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-7716 Don’t want to limit your exercise to the inside of a building? Don’t worry, there are outside fitness areas around Little Rock Air Force Base. These areas include a quarter-mile track, half-mile trail, football and soccer field, three softball fields, two tennis courts and fit-to-fight equipment (located at the WarFit Pavilion). Visit Buildings 792 or 827, or call with any questions about hours and availability.

14. Health and Wellness Center

Building 827, Sixth Street Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-7288 The Health and Wellness Center is where you want to go to become the best version of yourself. There are nutrition education services, massage therapy, yoga and stretching programs designed for you and more. All services are by appointment only. Call or email here for more information.

Little Rock AFB Bowling

15. Strike Zone Bowling Center

Building 956, Cannon Circle Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-3338 Strike up some family fun at the Strike Zone Bowling Center. Shoe rental, bowling leagues, professional instruction, and a sports bar and grill are available. Regular game pricing, shoe rental and event information can be found on their website here.

Attractions Near Little Rock Air Force Base

Little Rock Air Force Base

16. Information, Tickets & Travel

Hangar 1080 Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-5105 Information, Tickets & Travel is a great resource for information on the local areas and surrounding region, and tickets and travel options for weekend getaways or day trips. Some great local options include the River Market shopping and dining in downtown Little Rock, the Clinton Presidential Center and Magic Springs. Staff can arrange airlines, hotels, rental cars and even cruises for everything from weekend trips to an all-inclusive island getaway. ITT will even handle your airline bookings, making travel convenient for you.

17. Base Library

940 Arnold Drive Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 72099

Phone

: 1 (501) 987-6979 The Base Library has more to offer than just books. There’s everything from online services, movies, music and video games to magazine and newspaper subscriptions. There are Internet-connected computers for use and Wi-Fi access throughout the library. All of that and thousands of titles to choose from to borrow or stream instantly.

Jacksonville

18. Splash Zone

201 W. Martin St. Jacksonville, AR 72076

Phone

: 1 (501) 982-4171/7946 Located at Pleasure Park, Splash Zone is Jacksonville’s largest aquatics center. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Splash Zone has three pools, water slides, a water tunnel, new play structure and the umbrella-shaped Rain Drop and Dew Drop water showers. The Splash Zone is handicap-accessible and also features a concession stand and lockers.

Little Rock

19. River Market District

Downtown Little Rock, AR

Phone

: 1 (501) 375-2552 The River Market district is considered the lifeblood of Little Rock’s downtown scene. It offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, museums and a farmers market. The River Market’s Ottenheimer Market Hall houses a number of merchants that offer authentic Mexican, Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a large seating area, beer garden and free Wi-Fi. The unofficial cultural center of Little Rock, the district is a great place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy live music, shop and more, all against the backdrop of the Arkansas River.

20. Clinton Presidential Center

1200 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone

: 1 (501) 374-4242 The William J. Clinton Presidential Center provides an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Featuring 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Clinton Library chronicles American history at the turn of the 21st century. Interactive exhibits, including replicas of the White House Cabinet Room and the Oval Office, give visitors a first-hand look into the life and work of the 42nd president. Another section of the museum is designed to present exhibits about life in the White House, showing the splendor of state events, the spirit of holiday celebrations and how the Clintons made the White House their home.

21. Little Rock Zoo

1 Zoo Drive Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone

: 1 (501) 661-7200 The Little Rock Zoo is a living natural classroom, featuring over 500 animals across 33 acres. The zoo was founded nearly 100 years ago and is Arkansas’ largest family attraction. It only takes a couple of hours to see everything from lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) at this historic zoo. A gift shop, cafe and educational programs on-site as well.

Hot Springs

22. Magic Springs

1701 E. Grand Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone

: 1 (501) 624-0100 Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is the place to go during the summer months to enjoy concerts, water slides and the wave pool, thrill rides, special events like Halloweekends when the park is open for Halloween activities. The park is open weekends from April through October and daily late-May through mid-August.

Museums

23. Jacksonville Museum of Military History

100 Veterans Circle Jacksonville, AR 72076

Phone

: 1 (501) 241-1943 The Jacksonville Museum of Military History explores the significant war and home-front activities from the Civil War through the Iraq War as well as current and ongoing military engagements, highlighting the rich military history of the surrounding area. In addition to permanent and special exhibits, there is a museum store, media presentation and projection room, and a research library.

Conclusion

The area around Little Rock Air Force Base is full of fun things to do. It’s perfect for avid fishermen and hunters, outdoor enthusiasts or history junkies. Whatever your mood or hobby, there’s something for you to enjoy near your new home. Big things await while stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base.   <p style="font-size: 10px;">The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.</p>