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 RecreationJoe Hogan Fish Hatchery
One of the world's largest working fish hatcheries annually produces catfish, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Aquariums, bird watching, fish farming methods; tours available
Lonoke, AR Fish HatcheriesLittle 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 SchoolhousesLorance 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 AttractionsEMOBA (The Museum of Black Arkansans)
The Museum of Black Arkansans and Performing Arts has exhibits on prominent Black Arkansans and the African-American experience. Guided tours available; gift shop; open February-September;
Little Rock, AR MuseumsMacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Directions: This historic museum is situated on the grounds of MacArthur Park located at I-30 and 9th Street in downtown Little Rock. Located in the historic tower building of the Old Arsenal, a National Historic Landmark. Birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur in 1880
Little Rock, AR Military HistoryQuapaw Quarter Historic District
Historic neighborhoods in the downtown area -- MacArthur Park and Governor'
Little Rock, AR Historic DistrictsRiddle's Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary
Directions: The sanctuary is located in a rural area between the towns of Guy and Quitman. Follow the elephant signs to the sanctuary north off Highway 25. Established by Scott and Heidi Riddle in 1990 on 330 acres in the Ozark Mountain foothills in Arkansas as a non-profit [IRS 501(C)(3)]
Greenbrier, AR Wildlife AreasWoolly Hollow State Park
Woolly Cabin, the home of the area's first settlers, offers a historic perspective to the hollow; Lake Bennett offers swimming, fishing and boating; park includes campsites, picnic area, pavilion, gift shop, trail; boat, canoe and bike rentals
Greenbrier, AR State ParksEpiSphere Digital Dome Aerospace Education Center
The Aerospace Education Center's newest attraction -- a 55 foot dome screen which hangs suspended inside the 75-feet-by-75-feet room. The show happens all around you. Sound and air conditioning "breathe" through the perforated dome "skin." 150
Little Rock, AR Learning CentersArkansas Arts Center
World class art exhibitions; seven galleries; internationally recognized drawing collection; "Best Impressions" restaurant offers soups, salads, entrees, desserts; museum shop; Children's Theatre; over 10
Little Rock, AR Arts