Old State House Museum: A Glimpse into Arkansas History
Explore Arkansas's past at the Old State House Museum, the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi River, in downtown Little Rock.
The Old State House Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas, is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Built in 1836, it served as the state's capitol until 1911 and now chronicles Arkansas's history through exhibits and restored legislative chambers.
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 in-depth tours.
- Check the museum's schedule for special events and temporary exhibits.
- Take advantage of the free admission to explore the museum's offerings.
- Don't miss the beautifully restored legislative chambers for a glimpse into the state's political history.
Getting There
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Walking
The Old State House Museum is located in downtown Little Rock at 300 W Markham Street, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby hotels and attractions. From the River Market District, walk west on Markham Street for a few blocks. The museum will be on your left, a large, white building with prominent columns. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Rock Region Metro buses serve the downtown area. Check the schedule for the route that serves your location and connects to Little Rock. Disembark at the Central Arkansas Library System or the nearest stop to W Markham St. From there, it's a short walk to the museum. A single bus fare typically costs around $1 - $2.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. Simply enter 'Old State House Museum, 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201' as your destination. Depending on your starting point, a ride from various locations within Arkansas Valley typically ranges from $25 to $50.
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Driving
If driving, head towards downtown Little Rock. From I-630, take the Broadway exit and drive north towards the Arkansas River. Turn right on Markham Street. The museum is located at the intersection of Markham and Center streets. Parking is available in the garage underneath the DoubleTree Hotel or at metered spots on the surrounding streets. Several parking garages are also available nearby, such as the Robinson Center Parking Garage and the Convention District Parking Deck. Metered street parking is generally not checked after 5 PM on weekdays or on weekends. Parking rates in nearby garages typically range from $10-$20 per day.
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