Known for the Little Rock Nine and the crucial role it played in the Civil Rights Movement, the city of Little Rock, AR not only features plenty of local landmarks that attract tourists from all over the country but also several idyllic spots and nature reserves where you relax, take a break, and have a picnic with your family. Here are three of the best picnic spots within driving distance of the downtown area.
Drive on Over: 3 Favorite Picnic Spots Near Little Rock, AR
1. Little Rock Reservoir Park
A small community park located right off Cantrell Road and about seven miles west of the city center, Little Rock Reservoir Park is a fantastic spot to have a picnic with your friends or family. Covering nearly 60 acres of thick woods and rolling hills, this park sits around the shores of Jackson Reservoir, which attracts anglers from all over the city throughout the year.
Getting from downtown Little Rock to Little Rock Reservoir Park takes less than 15 minutes via route I-630 and Mississippi Street. Some of the amenities available in this public recreation area include a tennis court, a large playground, open fields, a baseball court, a pavilion, several hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, and clean restrooms.
2. Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground
Located on the banks of the Arkansas River and about 15 miles east of downtown Little Rock, Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground is one of the prime destinations among nature lovers from the region. A popular spot for wildlife watching, boating, and picnicking, this place is a true oasis of calm that can be reached in less than 20 minutes by car via route I-440.
Besides excellent picnic facilities, Willow Beach Recreation Area & Campground offers modern amenities for a plethora of recreational activities and outdoor sports. Some of the facilities you can find here include a public boat ramp, fishing piers, and an expansive campground with electric sites, hot showers, and access to drinking water.
3. Emerald Park
A linear park sitting on a bluff and offering great views of the Arkansas River and the Little Rock skyline, Emerald Park is another top-rated destination for picnicking, wildlife watching, and other outdoor activities. Encompassing about 135 acres, this park is located just five miles northwest of the downtown area, making it possible to reach it in less than 10 minutes by car via Pike Avenue.
With premium leather seating surfaces, a spacious cabin, and four-wheel drive, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST is the perfect vehicle to explore the best parks and nature reserves in Arkansas with your friends and family. Stop by Crain Chevrolet today, check out this and other vehicles in our inventory, and talk to the friendly and knowledgeable team members of our family-owned dealership.
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