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 RecreationRialto Theater
Opened in 1923 and remodeled with splashy neon lighting in the 1940s, it is one of only a few historic theaters that maintains a daily schedule, with matinees on weekends.
Searcy, AR TheatresAMTRAK
Cities served in Arkansas by AMTRAK include Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana.
Little Rock, AR ExcursionsCarrie's Antiques & Flea Market
Furniture, glassware, collectibles, flea market items
Little Rock, AR Flea MarketsArkansas State Capitol
A scaled-down replica of the nation's Capitol in Washington, DC. Construction started in 1899 and the Arkansas legislature continues to meet in the historical building. Located on the grounds are several monuments: Vietnam Veterans; Arkansas Police Officer Killed in Action;
Little Rock, AR State CapitolsLorance 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 AttractionsBeebe 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 RacingCurran 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 CentersEMOBA (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 MuseumsMount 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 CemeteriesHistoric 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 Museums