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
Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo is celebrating Veterans Day with a special offer for those who have served and those currently serving. Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy free admission all weekend with a valid military ID, while family members can receive reduced admission through the Zoo’s Military Discount.
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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