Old State House Museum: Arkansas's Historic Heart
Explore Arkansas's rich history at the Old State House Museum, the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi, in downtown Little Rock.
The Old State House Museum in Little Rock is the original state capitol of Arkansas and the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Built in 1833, it witnessed pivotal moments in Arkansas history and now houses exhibits showcasing the state's past, from its first families to political milestones.
A brief summary to Old State House Museum
- 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, Downtown, Arkansas, 72201, US
- +1501-324-9685
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience and more time to explore the exhibits.
- Check the museum's schedule for special events, temporary exhibits, and guided tours.
- Take advantage of the free admission to fully explore the museum's collections and exhibits.
- Don't miss the First Ladies' Gowns exhibit, showcasing the elegant attire of Arkansas's former first ladies.
- Wander the museum grounds to see the memorial to Confederate spy David O. Dodd.
Getting There
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Walking
From the River Market District, head south on President Clinton Avenue towards the Arkansas River. Turn left onto Main Street and walk south for two blocks. Turn right onto W Markham Street; the Old State House Museum will be on your left. This is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
Take any Rock Region Metro bus route that stops near the intersection of Markham and Main Streets. From the bus stop, walk west on W Markham Street to the Old State House Museum. A single bus fare is typically around $1.00.
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Taxi/Ride Share
From any downtown Little Rock location, use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft and provide the address: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201. The cost will vary depending on your starting point, but expect to pay between $8 and $15 for a short trip within downtown.
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Driving
Approaching from I-30, take the Markham/Cantrell Street exit. Veer right onto the 2nd Street exit and stay on 2nd Street until you reach Center Street, then turn right. Center Street dead ends directly in front of the Old State House Museum. Parking is available in the garage underneath the DoubleTree Hotel or at metered spots on the surrounding streets. Metered parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend. Nearby parking garages charge hourly rates, typically $2-$3 per hour.
Discover more about Old State House Museum
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