North Little Rock, Arkansas is home to over 30 beautiful parks that offer something for everyone. From scenic riverfront views to challenging hiking trails, North Little Rock’s parks are perfect for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
This article highlights 12 of the top parks spanning over 1,600 acres of land. Whether you’re a family looking for playgrounds, an individual seeking solitude, or an adventurer yearning for new heights, these 12 parks have it all!
Burns Park
Covering over 548 acres on the Arkansas River, Burns Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in North Little Rock. The park contains numerous amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, a golf course, and a scenic trail system for walking and biking. Burns Park also offers gorgeous unobstructed views of downtown Little Rock across the river. Some of the highlights of Burns Park include:
- The Burns Park Soccer Complex with 6 full size fields, concession stand, and restrooms
- 18-hole Burns Park Disc Golf Course set overlooking the river
- 1.5 mile Arkansas River Trail for cyclists and pedestrians
- Scenic Overlook Pavilion with panoramic river views and a bronze statue of William H. “Coin” Harvey
With so much to see and do, Burns Park provides fun for all ages while appreciating the natural landscape along the Arkansas River.
Murray Park
Boasting nearly 200 acres just off Interstate 30, Murray Park contains numerous sports fields, walking trails, and recreation facilities. As one of the most centrally located parks in North Little Rock, Murray Park buzzes with energy from little league baseball games, adult softball leagues, and families flying kites in the open fields. Some features of Murray Park include:
- 8 lit baseball/softball fields, 4 multipurpose fields, batting cages, and concessions
- 1 mile paved walking trail encircling the park
- Arkansas Senior Olympics complex with track, tennis courts, and field space
- 18-hole disc golf course winding through the park
- Two large playgrounds, one of which is fully accessible
- Picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, and a dog park
With flat topography, broad open spaces, and many family-friendly amenities, Murray Park meets a variety of recreational needs for all ages and abilities in a welcoming environment.
McCain Mall Park
Built on a former 19 acre shopping mall site, McCain Mall Park transformed an eyesore into a vibrant community space in the heart of North Little Rock. This innovative park includes an outdoor amphitheater, interactive water features, community garden, playground, and urban agriculture center. Some unique aspects of McCain Mall Park consist of:
- Ottenheimer Plaza amphitheater hosting concerts and events
- Splash pads and ‘sprayground’ to cool off in summer
- Demonstration gardens focused on strawberries, grapes, herbs and flowers
- The Greenhouse growing seasonal plants with an apiary and chickens
Blending recreation, arts, and environmentally conscious demonstrations, McCain Mall Park promotes community engagement through innovative design.
North Shore Riverwalk Park
Flanked between the Arkansas River and North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts District, the North Shore Riverwalk contains scenic pedestrian and cycling paths with views of the epic Arkansas River bridges. As a narrow 20 acre park stretching nearly one mile, the Riverwalk packs great scenery into a small footprint with:
- 1 mile paved trail following the rivershore
- Interpretive panels describing the river ecosystem
- Benches, swings, and art sculptures along the trail
- Views of the Main Street Bridge, Clinton Bridge, and railroad bridge
- Nature area with native wildflowers and butterfly gardens
Whether you seek a relaxing stroll or heart-pumping cycle, the North Shore Riverwalk provides an urban escape alongside the river to soak in the views.
Burns Park Wilderness Area
Covering over 250 acres adjacent to Burns Park, the Burns Park Wilderness Area caters to mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, and nature enthusiasts seeking backcountry adventure minutes from downtown. With over 7 miles of multi-use singletrack trails spanning steep ridges and creek-carved hollows, the wilderness area challenges outdoor thrill-seekers with routes such as:
- Ouachita Trail – Nearly 2 miles of rolling ridgeline traversal
- Old Railroad Grade – A sustained intermediate climb on an abandoned rail bed
- The Bowl – Advanced downhill run with jumps and wooden features
- Hemmed In Hollow – Expert level rock gardens and switchbacks
While encompassing backcountry terrain, this wilderness area still offers creature comforts like a parking area, central trail kiosk, and emergency call boxes for safety. Whether training for an ultra-marathon or excitement-seeking with the family, the Burns Park Wilderness Area packs beautiful rugged adventure close to town.
Regional Park
Spanning over 140 acres in western North Little Rock, Regional Park contains diverse facilities supporting field sports, equestrian activities, BMX racing, model airplane flying, and community special events. Signature aspects include:
- 8 multipurpose fields with lighting and bleacher seating
- Casey horse stables and riding arena available for public use
- BMX track bring regional qualifying races
- Model airplane runway and 27 acre open flying area
- Walking trail encircling ponds and open fields
With flat terrain and ample space, Regional Park hosts horse shows, model jet rallies, rugby tournaments, church gatherings, and much more benefitting North Little Rock residents and visitors alike.
Meriweather Park
Sandwiched between Lakewood and Indian Hills, the 44 acre Meriweather Park provides playgrounds, ballfields, basketball courts, and walking trails conveniently close to neighborhoods on the west side of the city. The park contains:
- Lighted baseball, softball, football field, and basketball court
- .6 mile asphalt walking trail around park ponds
- Fully accessible playground with nearby bathrooms
- Picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pavilion rentals
Offering pleasant views across small ponds and recreation facilities close to subdivisions, Meriweather Park blends convenience, beauty, and city amenities valued by families and locals.
Globe Park
Built on the former site of Globe Shoe Factory about one mile west of downtown North Little Rock, Globe Park honors the rich manufacturing history while providing modern recreation outlets like skateboarding. Key aspects include:
- The 17,000 square foot Globe Skate Plaza – Arkansas’ premier public skate park
- Splash pad, playground, and picnic area catering to families
- Open green space available for field sports
- Walking trail with exercise stations and equipment
- Outdoor amphitheater hosting events and concerts
With close proximity to the Argenta Arts District, Globe Park blends rich history, modern recreation, engagement across ages, and room to grow as downtown expands west.
Dickinson Park & Community Center
Spanning 10 acres in the Rose City neighborhood, Dickinson Park provides recreation facilities, walking trails, and the Dickinson Community Center offering year-round indoor activities from educational camps to pickleball. Key amenities include:
- Lighted tennis courts, basketball court, and batting cages
- Stocked fishing pond with pier and open fields beyond
- Community center with multiple activity rooms and indoor walking track
- Equipment for pickleball, foosball, air hockey, and table tennis
Providing recreation variety amid Rose City homes, Dickinson Park balances convenience, wellness opportunities, and multi-generational engagement important for community bonding.
Emerald Park
Overlooking the Arkansas River from the eastern edge of North Little Rock, Emerald Park contains pavilions, memorials, open fields, and direct views of Pinnacle Mountain State Park across the water. As a scenic community gathering place, Emerald Park features:
- Picnic areas with views across sandy Arkansas River beaches
- Veteran and first responder memorials with interpretive panels
- Confluence outlook where the Arkansas River meets Fourche Creek
- Boat ramp offering river access to fish and explore
- Linkage to River Trail System spanning both sides of the river
With interpretive elements and scenic vantage points, Emerald Park immerses visitors into the living history where river, cultures, and community intersect.
Rose City Park & Community Center
Sandwiched between neighborhoods in Rose City, this 10 acre park provides a playground, ball field, basketball court, and the L.T. Jordan Community Center offering city-run programs and indoor recreation. Special elements include:
- Adaptive playground for children of all abilities
- Outdoor adult fitness equipment clusters
- Community center with classrooms, cooking classes, senior meals
- Centrally located near Rose City Library and Baseball Museum
Highly accessible and family-oriented, Rose City Park promotes community health, relationships, and educational enrichment close to home.
College Station Park
Tucked into the College Station community south of River Road, this compact 6 acre park packs a variety of recreation options close to neighborhoods. Offering something for all ages, the park contains:
- Lighted baseball and softball fields
- Shaded playground with nearby restrooms
- Paved walking trail circling a stocked fishing lake
- Open field, 2 picnic pavilions, and BBQ grills
Providing outdoor recreation nestled in central neighborhoods, College Station Park brings valued convenience for family bonding and wellness right out the backdoor.
Conclusion
North Little Rock boasts magnificent outdoor recreation variety across over 30 parks spanning more than 1,600 acres. The 12 parks highlighted in this article showcase signature offerings making North Little Rock an ideal Arkansas community integrating quality of life, wellness, environmental appreciation, arts, culture, and history.
Whether hiking forested ridges with river views, competing across ball fields, expressing yourself at skate parks, enjoying community centers, or relaxing streamside, North Little Rock parks enhance life experience. These accessible natural gems connect people and wild places fostering a deeper appreciation of the very environment supporting our vibrant communities.