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 RecreationCarrie's Antiques & Flea Market
Furniture, glassware, collectibles, flea market items
Little Rock, AR Flea MarketsMacArthur 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 HistoryMount Holly Cemetery
Final resting place for prominent Arkansans, this National Register cemetery, established in 1843, has been called "The Westminster of Arkansas." Includes the grave of 17-year-old David O. Dodd, who is sometimes referred to as "The Boy Martyr of the Confederacy"
Little Rock, AR CemeteriesOld 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 ParksGann 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 MuseumsArkansas Repertory Theatre
Professional repertory theatre running September-July. Well-known plays and original productions. Theatre seating 350; exhibit space; art galleries. GROUPS:
Little Rock, AR TheatresOld State House Museum
Built in 1836, the Old State House was the state's original capitol until 1911 and served as the seat of both the Confederate and Unionists governments in Arkansas during the Civil War. It was also the site of the 1861
Little Rock, AR MuseumsJ&P Ranch
Directions: Take I-40 East to the Kerr Road Exit. Go right onto Kerr Road and go about 2 blocks to McCoy Lane. Make a right on McCoy Lane and go to the end of the road to the J & P Ranch gate. Small children'
Lonoke, AR RanchesArkansas 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 Museums