The Firehouse Hostel is temporarily closed for overnight lodging due to repairs. However, we remain open for tours and welcome visitors during our regular tour hours.
“The Firehouse Museum & Hostel of Arkansas showcases exhibits, provides tours, and promotes fire safety education & fire prevention programs, fostering a welcoming environment where diverse cultures unite.”
We have restored this 1917 Craftsman-style, old Firehouse #2 into a museum and hostel for travelers. Located in Little Rock’s first neighborhood, now the MacArthur Park Historic District, we offer you an affordable place to stay right in the heart of Little Rock with bunks starting at $35!
John Rison Fordyce III
Long time founding board member John Fordyce passed away this last year.
John was a great friend and our gentle giant in all his endeavors including his passion for the outdoor trails, traveling far and wide and as a member of our Board of Directors.
Their family is celebrating his life at this time to bring family and friends together.
We have collected lots of cool old firefighting artifacts and equipment from the early 20th century. They are lovingly displayed for all to see. Tours can be arranged. Call (501) 476-0294 or email: info@firehousehostel.org.
Burning Questions?
We have answers! We have compiled a list of common questions about hostels in general, our hostel in particular, and more. Click here to view, and if we were not the mind-readers that we intended to be, please contact us.
a little about..
Our History
Built in 1917, old Fire Station 2 is a beautiful Craftsman-style building located at 1201 Commerce, within present day MacArthur Park, Little Rock’s oldest city park. The glory days of the fire station came to an end in 1957 when modern fire trucks became too large to fit inside and a new Fire Station 2 came into service across from MacArthur Park on 9th Street. The building was converted and used as a storage facility for the Arkansas Military Museum and as offices for Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department. After a fire on the first floor, rooms were added to first floor where fire trucks had previously entered the building, the inside staircase was removed and access to the 2nd floor was achieved by a new staircase from the outside. Little Rock Parks ran various programs from the site and allowed it usage for various community functions. Since 2006, members of Hostelling Arkansas, Inc. have worked with the city and community to raise funds to gut and renovate the fire station. Firehouse Museum & Hostel will house guests and hostelers from around the world and has a fire fighting museum to share within its walls.
Firehouse Museum & Hostel now joins the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and MacArthur Military Museum within MacArthur Park, which also hosts a community playground, bike polo courts, dog park, jogging trails and a pond. The park is highly utilized by the community and is located near Little Rock’s buzzing River Market and SOMA areas which have experienced a renaissance in recent years, making this a great location for both locals and visitors. There is a bus stop right outside the Hostel, and many other local attractions are located within a mile.
The parks history in itself has a colorful past, including having a lively horse racing track in the 1830’s, a Federal Arsenal until after the Civil War, campground, amphitheater, baseball field and as the birthplace to General Douglas MacArthur.
What’s up in Little Rock?
You can find a comprehensive calendar of events in Little Rock here.
Interested in supporting Firehouse Museum & Hostel of Arkansas?