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 RecreationEpiSphere Digital Dome Aerospace Education Center
The Aerospace Education Center's newest attraction -- a 55 foot dome screen which hangs suspended inside the 75-feet-by-75-feet room. The show happens all around you. Sound and air conditioning "breathe" through the perforated dome "skin." 150
Little Rock, AR Learning CentersLittle Rock Central High Museum
Located in a renovated Mobil Service Station across from Central High School National Historic Site, the permanent exhibit, "All the World is Watching Us: Little Rock and the 1957 Crisis" details the events of the 1957
Little Rock, AR MuseumsGann 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 MuseumsBattle of Reed's Bridge Marker
Directions: Ark. 161 at Bayou Meto Creek The Batttle of Reed's Bridge was fought during the 1863
Jacksonville, AR MarkersLittle Rock Central High School
The site of a major test in 1957 of the Civil Rights act where nine (the Little Rock Nine)
Little Rock, AR Historic SchoolhousesHistoric 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 MuseumsClinton 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 ParksCarrie's Antiques & Flea Market
Furniture, glassware, collectibles, flea market items
Little Rock, AR Flea MarketsLorance 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 AttractionsLake 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 Recreation