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 RecreationJ&P Ranch
Directions: Take I-40 East to the Kerr Road Exit. Go right onto Kerr Road and go about 2 blocks to McCoy Lane. Make a right on McCoy Lane and go to the end of the road to the J & P Ranch gate. Small children'
Lonoke, AR RanchesJacksonville Military History Museum
Spans military history from the Civil War to Vietnam. Housed in the old Arkansas Ordinance Plant administration building. Collections include such items as a Christmas card signed by Adolph Hitler and over 100 propaganda posters from both World Wars.
Jacksonville, AR MuseumsPlayworld Family Fun Center
Offers miniature golf, video game arcade, large-scale maze
Conway, AR Fun 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 MuseumsArkansas 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 ArtsMount 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 CemeteriesCurran 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 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 CapitolsArkansas National Guard Museum
Directions: Take Exit 150 Off I-40 And Follow Signs To Camp Robinson. Located Off 6Th And Missouri (Bldg #6400) Devoted to the history of the Arkansas National Guard and that of Camp Robinson
North Little Rock, AR Museums