Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

North Little Rock, Arkansas · Museum · Accessibility score 1.1/5

Address: 120 Riverfront Park Drive North Little Rock, AR 72114

Phone: (501) 371-8320

About

The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (AIMM) sits along the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock's Riverfront Park, offering a rare inland glimpse into American naval history. It's one of those unexpected treasures - a full-sized World War II submarine docked hundreds of miles from the ocean.

The star attraction is the USS Razorback (SS-394), the longest-serving submarine in the world. Commissioned in 1944, this Balao-class sub saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II and later served in the Turkish Navy before returning to American waters. Walking its decks (or climbing through its hatches), you'll get a vivid sense of what life was like for the crews who called these tight quarters home.

Alongside the Razorback sits the USS Hoga (YT-146), a harbor tugboat that was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Hoga helped fight fires and push damaged battleships away from danger that morning, earning her place in history. She's one of only a handful of surviving Pearl Harbor vessels.

Inside the museum building, exhibits cover World War II-era naval operations, Arkansas River maritime heritage, and the personal stories of the sailors who served. You'll find uniforms, photographs, scale models, and artifacts that bring these stories to life in a way that's both educational and deeply human.

The museum is located in Riverfront Park, which offers pleasant walking paths along the river. North Little Rock's downtown area has dining options nearby, and the Big Dam Bridge - one of the longest pedestrian and cycling bridges in North America - is a short drive away.

AIMM is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Guided tours of the submarine are available and recommended, as the docents often include veterans who can share firsthand military knowledge. Plan about 60 to 90 minutes for a full visit. Admission fees are modest, and group rates are available for schools and organizations.

Accessibility

Visitors should be aware of significant physical barriers when planning a trip to the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, particularly regarding the USS Razorback submarine. The only way to enter or exit the submarine is through narrow hatches approximately 2 feet wide, accessed by vertical ladders of about 12 steps. Once inside, passageways require moving through narrow doors that are roughly 2 feet wide and 3.5 feet tall. The submarine is not wheelchair accessible and presents challenges for visitors with limited mobility, claustrophobia, or certain physical disabilities.

The adjacent museum building and outdoor exhibit areas along the Riverfront Park are on relatively flat ground, which may be easier to access. The USS Hoga tugboat's accessibility conditions are less documented - contact the museum directly to ask about current boarding options.

Riverfront Park itself features paved pathways along the river that are generally suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Parking is available near the museum entrance.

For visitors who cannot board the submarine, the indoor museum exhibits provide a meaningful alternative, with displays, photographs, and artifacts covering much of the same naval history. Staff members are known to be welcoming and knowledgeable.

Contact the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum at (501) 371-8320 for current details on restroom accessibility, sensory accommodations, and any recent improvements to physical access. If you have specific mobility needs, calling ahead will help the staff prepare for your visit and suggest the best way to experience the museum's offerings.

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