The Little Rock Guest Guide Directory to Arkansas Military History
Greater Little Rock is steeped in military history. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was born here. The USS Razorback is docked on the North Little Rock shore of the Arkansas River. And Little Rock Air Force Base continues to be one of the area’s top employers. Here is a quick guide to some of the area’s top military attractions:
Arkansas National Guard Museum
Camp Robinson
North Little Rock/212-5215
The ARNG museum tells the story of the Arkansas National Guard, from its militia roots to its participation in the current global war on terror. Displays include large scale models of the post in the WWI and WWII eras, weapons, vehicles, airplane models, uniforms and photographs. In addition, the museum chronicles the story of Archibald Yell, a former governor and the first Arkansas representatiive in the U.S. House of Representatives. Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
503 E. Ninth St.
Little Rock/376-4602
Housed in the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History commemorates the state’s military history from the territorial period to the present. Permanent exhibits depict the Jeep’s impact on World War II, the history of the Little Rock Arsenal and the arsenal’s role during the Civil War. Admission is free. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
120 Riverfront Park Drive
North Little Rock/371-8320
Opened in 2005, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum focuses on the submarine USS Raxorback but also houses a research library, theater and large museum area. The museum features displays and programs on the impact of martime trade, the inland waterways system, the Arkansas River and Arkansas aquaculture. Group tours during the week can be arranged and school rates are available. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Winter hours are Friday-Sunday only.
U.S. Highway 67/167
Jacksonville/987-3601
This is the largest training and maintenance facility in the world for C-130 aircraft. Call for a tour or attend an open house. An air show is held each spring.
120 Riverfront Park Drive
North Little Rock/ 371-8320
Located at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, the USS Razorback was commissioned on April 3, 1944. A tour of USS Razorback takes visitors through the seven watertight compartments, where they learn about Razorback’s wartime service, her activities during the Cold War and Vietnam and her service in the Turkish Navy as TCG Muratreis. Visitors can see firsthand how submariners lived, where they slept next to their torpedoes, where they ate and where they worked. The tour is not recommended for children younger than 5.
