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 RecreationRiddle'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 AreasCadron Settlement Park
Directions: Five miles west of Conway on U.S. 64; two miles south on Ark. 319
Conway, AR ParksLake Beaverfork
Lake Beaverfork lies along the east side of Ark. 25, north of the Conway city limits. There is a boat ramp available for boating, fishing and skiing. The park also has picnic, sports and swimming areas.
Conway, AR RecreationWild River Country
Unique water theme park; The Cyclone, Vertigo, the Pipeline, Vortex, the Accelerator and Black Lightning and White Lightning provide water fun. Other attractions include the Lazy River, River Rapids, Wave Pool, Tidal Wave, Lily Pad Walk; Tad Pool has 11 children'
North Little Rock, AR Water ParksJoe 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 HatcheriesGann 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 MuseumsCurran 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 CentersRiverfront Park
The original "little rock" where settlers first came to this area is located here; park contains a history pavilion, amphitheater, playground, plazas, promenades and picnic areas
Little Rock, AR ParksLittle Rock National Cemetery
Grounds were used as a Union campground and later as both a Union and Confederate graveyard. A wall erected between the Union and Confederate sections was taken down in 1913. Includes the Minnesota Monument and the Little Rock Confederate Memorial. Contains over 22,000
Little Rock, AR Cemeteries