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 RecreationArkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Includes the historic submarine USS Razorback (tours available), the World War II tugboat USS Hoga, a 1939 towboat M/V Patriot, a casual evening Party Barge, and Arkansas Queen Sternwheeler Excursion Boat.
North 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 SchoolhousesLittle Rock National Cemetery
Grounds were used as a Union campground and later as both a Union and Confederate graveyard. A wall erected between the Union and Confederate sections was taken down in 1913. Includes the Minnesota Monument and the Little Rock Confederate Memorial. Contains over 22,000
Little Rock, AR CemeteriesCadron Settlement Park
Directions: Five miles west of Conway on U.S. 64; two miles south on Ark. 319
Conway, AR ParksLake Conway
The largest Game and Fish Commission lake in the country at 6,700 acres; popular for catfish, bream and bass fishing.
Conway, AR RecreationOld Ferry Landing Park/Toad Suck Park
West of Conway along the Arkansas River at Toad Suck Lock and Dam; includes boat ramp, picnic areas, pavilions, playground, campsites; a restored metal towboat once used by the ferry.
Conway, AR ParksArkansas National Guard Museum
Directions: Take Exit 150 Off I-40 And Follow Signs To Camp Robinson. Located Off 6Th And Missouri (Bldg #6400) Devoted to the history of the Arkansas National Guard and that of Camp Robinson
North Little Rock, AR MuseumsCentral Arkansas Library -- Main Branch
State-of-the-art library occupies a former furniture warehouse in the River Market district. GROUPS: Meeting rooms free during library hours; multi-purpose facility with formal garden and catering kitchen can accommodate up to 250 during or after hours.
Little Rock, AR LibrariesGann Museum of Saline County
This museum is in the only known structure in the world to use bauxite aluminum ore as a building material. It was built in 1896 for Dr. Dewel Gann, Sr.; now houses memorabilia, photographs, original office furniture and artifacts.
Benton, AR Museums