The Little-Known, One-Of-A-Kind Hostel You’ll Only Find In Arkansas
Arkansas has plenty of interesting places to stay from train cabooses to Harry Potter cottages. Unfortunately, themed B&B’s can run up quite the bill but no need to fret! We’ve found the best place that combines uniqueness with frugality. HI Little Rock Firehouse Hostel & Museum is the perfect choice for anyone looking to get out of the stale motel room and into an experience.
This beautiful building used to be Fire Station #2 in Little Rock.
It was built in 1917 right around MacArthur Park. It was used as a fire station until 1957 until the newer model firetrucks became too big to fit in the building. After that it was just used as a storage facility and offices until it was renovated by Hostelling Arkansas, Inc in 2006.
Here it is now after renovations. The HI Little Rock Firehouse Hostel & Museum is open for business.
Part of the building is used as a museum. The collection includes firefighting artifacts and equipment from the early 20th century. They also have a 9/11 exhibit.
The hostel has fully embraced its firehouse history and has included repurposed and upcycled items for furniture and decorations. You can spot an 11 ft. ladder with hose, a fire pole table, and other various firefighting equipment.
Staying in a hostel is a fantastic way to learn about other cultures from fellow travelers and to build a sense of community. Over half of the hostel's guests are international.
The biggest theme of any hostel is to promote shared experiences through shared space. The hostel has a community kitchen, common room, and dormitories.
There are 3 rooming options: the Captain's Room for 4 with an ensuite bathroom, the Family Room with wheelchair accessibility, and the men and women's dorms.
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
