Central Arkansas, Arkansas
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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 RecreationGann Museum of Saline County
This museum is in the only known structure in the world to use bauxite aluminum ore as a building material. It was built in 1896 for Dr. Dewel Gann, Sr.; now houses memorabilia, photographs, original office furniture and artifacts.
Benton, AR MuseumsJoe 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 HatcheriesArkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Includes the historic submarine USS Razorback (tours available), the World War II tugboat USS Hoga, a 1939 towboat M/V Patriot, a casual evening Party Barge, and Arkansas Queen Sternwheeler Excursion Boat.
North Little Rock, AR MuseumsArkansas 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 CapitolsOld Ferry Landing Park/Toad Suck Park
West of Conway along the Arkansas River at Toad Suck Lock and Dam; includes boat ramp, picnic areas, pavilions, playground, campsites; a restored metal towboat once used by the ferry.
Conway, AR ParksQuapaw Quarter Historic District
Historic neighborhoods in the downtown area -- MacArthur Park and Governor'
Little Rock, AR Historic DistrictsArkansas 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 TheatresLee 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 CentersBattle of Reed's Bridge Marker
Directions: Ark. 161 at Bayou Meto Creek The Batttle of Reed's Bridge was fought during the 1863
Jacksonville, AR Markers