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Burns Park: A Natural Oasis in North Little Rock

Explore nature, history, and recreation at Burns Park, North Little Rock's expansive urban oasis.

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Burns Park, a sprawling 1,700-acre municipal park in North Little Rock, Arkansas, offers a diverse range of recreational activities and natural beauty. From sports complexes and golf courses to wooded trails and historical remnants, the park provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

A brief summary to Burns Park

Local tips

  • Check the North Little Rock Parks and Recreation website for event schedules and facility closures.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the park's extensive trail system.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's many scenic picnic areas.
  • Consider bringing your dog to enjoy the off-leash dog parks.
  • Be aware that some areas of the park may have limited accessibility due to ongoing recovery efforts from the 2023 tornado.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Burns Park is accessible from Interstate 40. Take Exit 150 and follow the signs for Burns Park. Parking is available throughout the park, with more than 1,000 spaces at the Softball Complex alone. Parking is free. Be aware that some roads within the park may be closed due to ongoing recovery efforts.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to Burns Park may be limited, Rock Region METRO operates several routes in North Little Rock. From downtown Little Rock, you can take the 17 Blue Line bus towards North Little Rock and get off at the Burns Park stop. From the bus stop, you may need to walk or take a short ride-share to reach specific destinations within the park. A single ride on Rock Region METRO costs $1.25.

Unlock the Best of Burns Park

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Discover more about Burns Park

Burns Park, one of the largest city-owned parks in the United States, is a true gem in North Little Rock. Spanning 1,700 acres, the park's land has a rich history, having served as farmland, a timber source, and even a military training ground. Originally, about 6,000 acres in North Little Rock were purchased by the U.S. government between 1900 and 1915 and were used as Camp Pike, a training camp for soldiers during World War I. Remnants of Camp Pike, such as old foxholes, can still be found throughout the park. In 1937, it was renamed Camp Robinson and expanded to over 48,000 acres during World War II, used for basic training and housing prisoners of war. After the war, the land was declared surplus. In 1949, the City of North Little Rock acquired 871 acres of the surplus property, thanks to the efforts of Dr. William M. Burns, a former North Little Rock mayor and parks advocate. The park was named in his honor in 1950. With the help of Congressman Brooks Hays, an additional 656 acres of surplus government property were given to the city in 1955. Today, Burns Park boasts an impressive array of amenities, including 17 soccer fields, 22 tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses, and multiple disc golf courses. Visitors can also enjoy Funland Amusement Park, a softball complex, baseball complex, archery range, and a BMX track. The park also features a fishing lake, dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and RV camping sites. History buffs will appreciate the park's historical attractions, such as a pre-Civil War log cabin, a covered bridge reminiscent of those found in New England, a Union Pacific Caboose, and a World War II tank. Nature lovers can explore the park's 15 miles of natural surface multi-use trails and 6 miles of paved multi-use trails. While a tornado in March 2023 caused significant damage, the park has made great strides in recovery, with most areas now open to the public.

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