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 RecreationArkansas Repertory Theatre
Professional repertory theatre running September-July. Well-known plays and original productions. Theatre seating 350; exhibit space; art galleries. GROUPS:
Little Rock, AR TheatresLittle Rock Zoo
Nationally-accredited 40-acre zoological garden, housing over 725 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in a natural tree-shaded atmosphere; petting zoo, gift shop, food; miniature train rides.
Little Rock, AR ZoosBeebe 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 RacingEMOBA (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 MuseumsAerospace Education Center
Directions: I-440 Airport Exit The Aerospace Education Center is home to Arkansas's 300-seat IMAX Theater. The IMAX delivers a true "you are there"
Little Rock, AR ArtsOld State House Museum
Built in 1836, the Old State House was the state's original capitol until 1911 and served as the seat of both the Confederate and Unionists governments in Arkansas during the Civil War. It was also the site of the 1861
Little Rock, AR MuseumsI-30 Speedway
Directions: County Line Exit 126 off I-30 Racing IMCA modifieds, hobbies, street and hobby stocks on one-fourth mile clay oval Saturdays at 8 p.m. from mid-March until late October
Little Rock, AR SpeedwaysWoolly Hollow State Park
Woolly Cabin, the home of the area's first settlers, offers a historic perspective to the hollow; Lake Bennett offers swimming, fishing and boating; park includes campsites, picnic area, pavilion, gift shop, trail; boat, canoe and bike rentals
Greenbrier, AR State ParksLake Maumelle
Directions: Located west of Little Rock off Ark. 10 Popular for fishing, sailing regattas, and boating; no swimming allowed.
Little Rock, AR Recreation