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 RecreationOld 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 MuseumsMount 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 CemeteriesJoe 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 HatcheriesPlayworld Family Fun Center
Offers miniature golf, video game arcade, large-scale maze
Conway, AR Fun CentersCenter on the Square Dinner Theatre
Center on the Square is a regional, non-profit performing arts center that presents dinner theater shows, children's theater, musicals, and a variety of other presentations.
Searcy, AR TheatresCarrie's Antiques & Flea Market
Furniture, glassware, collectibles, flea market items
Little Rock, AR Flea MarketsLittle Rock Tours
Daily sightseeing tours of Pulaski County; four DVD monitors with surround sound show video and movie clips about the area;
Little Rock, AR ToursLake Maumelle
Directions: Located west of Little Rock off Ark. 10 Popular for fishing, sailing regattas, and boating; no swimming allowed.
Little Rock, 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 CentersWildwood 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 Parks