Little Rock

Find more than 700 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians representing 170 species on the tree-shaded grounds of Little Rock’s zoo. Historic Works Progress Administration structures built of local stone come together with more modern facilities, including a new habitat for penguins with underwater and above-water viewing areas. Also noteworthy is the zoo’s ape exhibit, one of a few in the world with all three species of great apes: orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas. What once was the lion house has been converted into Café Africa, where burgers, hot dogs and ice cream are perfect for the zoo’s younger visitors. Also popular with kids: rides on the historic Arkansas Carousel—a one-of-a-kind “Over-the-Jumps” carousel that made its first appearance at the 1924 Arkansas State Fair and took 16 years to restore.