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 RecreationRiverfront 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 ParksNorth Shore Riverwalk
Located on the north side of the Arkansas River, this park offers picturesque views, lighted walkways and a jogging/fitness trail. New North River Landing off I-30
North Little Rock, AR ParksPinnacle Mountain State Park
Environmental education park with picnic sites, pavilion, launch ramps, hiking trails, Arkansas Arboretum. The visitor center overlooking the Arkansas River includes exhibits, audio visual programs, meeting room, gift shop.
Little Rock, AR ParksAMTRAK
Cities served in Arkansas by AMTRAK include Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana.
Little Rock, AR ExcursionsLorance 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 AttractionsHistoric 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 MuseumsWildwood Park
Directions: 1.6 miles off Kanis Road Opera, jazz, cabaret, chamber performances and festivals, including Wildwood Music Festival each June. Six spectacular gardens and an eight acre lake provide scenic background for outdoor musical performances;
Little Rock, AR ParksLee Brady Visitor Center
Directions: Located on the grounds of Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery Displays including aquariums and mounted species native to the area
Lonoke, AR Visitors CentersJ&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 Ranches