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 RecreationPinnacle 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 ParksArkansas 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 TheatresCadron Settlement Park
Directions: Five miles west of Conway on U.S. 64; two miles south on Ark. 319
Conway, AR ParksLake Maumelle
Directions: Located west of Little Rock off Ark. 10 Popular for fishing, sailing regattas, and boating; no swimming allowed.
Little Rock, AR RecreationArkansas Governor's Mansion
Home of all Arkansas Governors since its completion in 1950. Has private and public rooms, historical grounds. A bust of former President Clinton is displayed just inside the grounds.
Little Rock, AR Historic BuildingsLee 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 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 MuseumsWoolly 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 ParksAMTRAK
Cities served in Arkansas by AMTRAK include Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana.
Little Rock, AR ExcursionsMacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Directions: This historic museum is situated on the grounds of MacArthur Park located at I-30 and 9th Street in downtown Little Rock. Located in the historic tower building of the Old Arsenal, a National Historic Landmark. Birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur in 1880
Little Rock, AR Military History