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 RecreationGann 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 MuseumsJoe 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 HatcheriesCurran Hall Visitor Information Center
The city of Little Rock's new visitor information center is housed in this restored historic structure which dates to 1842-43.
Little Rock, AR Information 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 ArtsArkansas Governor's Mansion
Home of all Arkansas Governors since its completion in 1950. Has private and public rooms, historical grounds. A bust of former President Clinton is displayed just inside the grounds.
Little Rock, AR Historic BuildingsClinton 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 ParksMacArthur 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 HistoryPinnacle Mountain State Park
Environmental education park with picnic sites, pavilion, launch ramps, hiking trails, Arkansas Arboretum. The visitor center overlooking the Arkansas River includes exhibits, audio visual programs, meeting room, gift shop.
Little Rock, AR ParksAerospace Education Center
Directions: I-440 Airport Exit The Aerospace Education Center is home to Arkansas's 300-seat IMAX Theater. The IMAX delivers a true "you are there"
Little Rock, AR ArtsBeebe Speedway
Racing modifieds, street and hobby stocks, mini-stocks and special racing series on a one-fourth mile dirt oval Fridays at 8 p.m. from mid-March until mid-September.
Bebee, AR Racing