Central Arkansas, Arkansas
Little Rock and North Little Rock form the vibrant heart of Arkansas. The two cities and their neighboring towns comprise a metropolitan area of some 500,000 people in central Arkansas. This metropolis, as well as Conway, Searcy and Cabot, and nearby cities in the central region, offer a cosmopolitan mix of historic attractions, imaginative shopping opportunities, fine dining, nightlife and creative arts and fine hotels.
A grand collection of museums offers something for every taste - from art to history to aerospace. And the Quapaw Quarter of restored 19th-century homes is one of the country's finest examples of bringing an older neighborhood back to life through adaptive reuse. Be sure to visit the new River Market in Little Rock for tastes of exotic cuisines and the freshest of produce from nearby farms in season.
Extensive park systems in both cities provide the chance to play golf or tennis, fish for lunkers in the Arkansas River or on area lakes, hike leafy trails, talk to the animals in the park-like Little Rock zoo or picnic in beautiful natural settings.
Central Arkansas is an ideal staging area for your Natural State vacation. Its big city tempo exists side by side with small-town charm. Discover Central Arkansas's winning ways for yourself.
Explore Central Arkansas
Bald Knob Lake
Bald Knob Lake was built in 1960 as a 217-acre reservoir for the city waterworks. Bass, crappie, bream and catfish are popular catches. The lake is restricted to 10
Bald Knob, AR RecreationLorance Creek Natural Area
Directions: From Little Rock, take I-530 (U.S. 65) south towards Pine Bluff, approximately 10 miles; take Exit 9 (Bingham Road exit); turn left (east) on Bingham Road, cross over the Interstate, past a gas station, and into a residential area. At the first "Y"
Little Rock, AR Natural AttractionsHistoric Arkansas Museum
Directions: Located in the heart of downtown Little Rock two blocks southeast of the Peabody Hotel and within short walking distance of the River Market district. Visit the state'
Little Rock, AR MuseumsLittle Rock Central High School
The site of a major test in 1957 of the Civil Rights act where nine (the Little Rock Nine)
Little Rock, AR Historic SchoolhousesBattle of Reed's Bridge Marker
Directions: Ark. 161 at Bayou Meto Creek The Batttle of Reed's Bridge was fought during the 1863
Jacksonville, AR MarkersArkansas State Capitol
A scaled-down replica of the nation's Capitol in Washington, DC. Construction started in 1899 and the Arkansas legislature continues to meet in the historical building. Located on the grounds are several monuments: Vietnam Veterans; Arkansas Police Officer Killed in Action;
Little Rock, AR State CapitolsClinton Presidential Center & Park
Directions: From Little Rock National Airport, take Interstate 30 off I-440 to Exit 140-A and 140-B. From downtown Little Rock's River Market District, use exit 141-A off Interstate 30. The Clinton Presidential Center is easily visible from the highway when crossing the Arkansas River.
Little Rock, AR ParksRiverfront Park
The original "little rock" where settlers first came to this area is located here; park contains a history pavilion, amphitheater, playground, plazas, promenades and picnic areas
Little Rock, AR ParksAMTRAK
Cities served in Arkansas by AMTRAK include Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana.
Little Rock, AR Excursions