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 RecreationLake Maumelle
Directions: Located west of Little Rock off Ark. 10 Popular for fishing, sailing regattas, and boating; no swimming allowed.
Little Rock, AR RecreationArkansas 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 BuildingsEMOBA (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 MuseumsNorth Little Rock Historic Sites
Tour includes the Baker House Bed and Breakfast, the Old Mill, City Hall and other historic structures.
North Little Rock, AR Historic SitesMuseum of Discovery
Directions: Historic River Market District Fully interactive science and history museum in the River Market District; hands-on, high energy interactive exhibits
Little Rock, AR MuseumsAMTRAK
Cities served in Arkansas by AMTRAK include Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana.
Little Rock, AR ExcursionsCamp Nelson Confederate Cemetery
While camped near Old Austin in 1862, a large group of Texas Confederate soldiers were overcome by a measles epidemic, causing the deaths of several hundred. In 1907, the remains were moved to this historic cemetery.
Cabot, AR CemeteriesCentral 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 LibrariesHistoric 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 Tours
Daily sightseeing tours of Pulaski County; four DVD monitors with surround sound show video and movie clips about the area;
Little Rock, AR Tours