Veterans Day in Little Rock: Places to Explore and Stories to Discover
Veterans Day is our chance to honor the stories and celebrate the service of America’s heroes. Across Little Rock, memorials, museums, and events offer powerful ways to reflect and connect. Here’s your guide to making the day meaningful and memorable.
Military history is part of Little Rock’s story, and you don’t have to look far to find it. Memorials at the State Capitol, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, and the Little Rock National Cemetery each offer a different look at Arkansas’ military past. For Veterans Day, we’re taking a closer look at some of the places around the city that tell that story.
HONOR THE HISTORY
Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial sits on the State Capitol grounds, honoring the Arkansans who served during the Vietnam War. Dedicated in 1987, the memorial lists the names of 662 Arkansas service members who were killed or remain missing in action. Seeing those names together puts a personal face on a conflict that reached far beyond the battlefield and into communities across Arkansas.
Arkansas Medal of Honor Memorial
The State Capitol grounds are also home to the Arkansas Medal of Honor Memorial, which recognizes Arkansans who received the Medal of Honor for acts of extraordinary bravery. The memorial spans more than a century, with recipients dating back to the Civil War and representing generations of Arkansas service.
Arkansas Gold Star Families Memorial
The Arkansas Gold Star Families Memorial turns the focus from those who served to the families who lost a loved one in military service. Dedicated in 2019, the memorial recognizes those families and the lasting impact of that loss.
Arkansas Korean War Veterans Memorial
At MacArthur Park, the Arkansas Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the 461 Arkansans who died during the Korean War. The memorial includes granite markers, a memorial gateway, and statues, and its location beside the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History makes it easy to visit both in one stop.
Little Rock National Cemetery
Little Rock National Cemetery has been part of the city since the years following the Civil War. Today, its grounds hold the graves of veterans from generations of American conflicts, offering a glimpse into the many eras of service represented in one place. The cemetery is also the resting place of notable Arkansans, including Medal of Honor recipient Maurice L. Britt.
EXPLORE THE STORIES
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Housed in the historic Arsenal Building at MacArthur Park, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is celebrating 25 years in 2026. Since opening in 2001, the museum has welcomed visitors into Arkansas’ military history through exhibits and programs that share the experiences and contributions of those who served.
The milestone adds another chapter to a building with a remarkable history of its own. Built in 1840, the Arsenal is one of Little Rock’s oldest structures and later became the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Just across the river in North Little Rock, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum brings a different side of Arkansas’ military story to the water. The museum is home to the USS Razorback, a World War II submarine, along with the USS Hoga, a tugboat that helped fight fires and rescue sailors during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
It’s a chance to step aboard and experience what life was like aboard a WWII-era submarine. It is the only intercontinental museum to house both bookends of the war.
TAKE THE TOUR
The Little Rock Military History Tour links memorials, museums, historic landmarks, and other sites throughout the city. Explore the tour at your own pace, choosing a few stops that catch your interest. It’s an easy way to connect several of these sites and build your own route through Little Rock.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Veterans Day Concert
November 11, 2026 | 6 p.m.
The Clinton Presidential Center will host the Brass Quintet of the United States Air Force Band for a Veterans Day concert. Join the audience for this one-of-a-kind celebration of our servicemen and women, featuring inspirational and entertaining performances.
This show brings together the incredible performers who are part of our United States Air Force and have performed for everyone from the heads of state to local audiences. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the audience; reserve your tickets on the Clinton Presidential Center website.
Veterans Day Food Deals
Below are the 2026 offerings for Veterans Day. Please have your military ID ready for review to receive these deals and discounts at each location.
Location | Discount | Restrictions |
| Applebee's | Free, full-size meal | At participating locations only, and must order off the Veterans Day menu to receive offer. |
| Chili's | Free, full-size meal | At participating locations only, and must order off the Veterans Day menu to receive offer. |
| Chipotle | Your choice of free chips and dip or $5 in-store purchase | Must be an in-store order at participating locations. |
| Starbucks | Free tall coffee (hot or iced) | Drive-thru only at participating locations (cold brew, nitro coffee, and customizations are disqualified). |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free full-sized meal and a food voucher | At participating locations only; must order off the Veterans Day menu to receive the offer. Only available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. |
| IHOP | Free red, white, and blue pancakes | Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at participating locations only. |
| Olive Garden | Free, full-size meal | At participating locations only, and must order off the Veterans Day menu to receive offer. |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Blooming Onion with your choice of a free 16 oz Coca-Cola product or draft beer | At participating locations. |
| Wendy's | Free Dave's single | At participating locations. |
Veterans Day Activity Deals
Please have your military ID ready to show businesses for qualification of discounts and deals.
| Location | Discount | Restrictions |
| Little Rock Zoo | Free admission | With military ID |
| Great Clips | Free haircut | At participating locations. |
| Main Event | Free 30 minutes of gameplay with a free cheeseburger and fries | At participating locations. |
| Dave & Buster's | Free all-day unlimited gameplay and a free dessert | At participating locations. |
Find Support
There are plenty of resources within the Little Rock area that support veterans and their families year-round. If you need support or are looking for a local community of fellow servicemen and women, these resources are a great way to reconnect.
- Little Rock Vet Center | 10800 Financial Centre Parkway
- Arkansas Workforce Center- Little Rock Veterans | 5401 S. University Avenue
- Little Rock Veterans Home | 2401 John Ashley Drive
- John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital | 4300 West Seventh Street
- VA Little Rock Women Veterans Health Center | 4300 W 7th Street
For more veterans' resources in the Little Rock area, visit the Warriors Fund website.
There's plenty to explore in Little Rock beyond its military history. Make some time for a good meal, a place to stay, and whatever else catches your attention while you’re here.
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