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 RecreationI-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 SpeedwaysBurns Park
Directions: Exit 150 off I-40 1,600-acre park featuring a pre-Civil War log cabin; covered bridge; 36-hole golf course; indoor, outdoor tennis courts; camping, picnic area, horse trail, ball fields; amusement park; disk and miniature golf;
North Little Rock, AR ParksBattle 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 MarkersRiddle's Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary
Directions: The sanctuary is located in a rural area between the towns of Guy and Quitman. Follow the elephant signs to the sanctuary north off Highway 25. Established by Scott and Heidi Riddle in 1990 on 330 acres in the Ozark Mountain foothills in Arkansas as a non-profit [IRS 501(C)(3)]
Greenbrier, AR Wildlife AreasLake Maumelle
Directions: Located west of Little Rock off Ark. 10 Popular for fishing, sailing regattas, and boating; no swimming allowed.
Little Rock, AR RecreationLake Beaverfork
Lake Beaverfork lies along the east side of Ark. 25, north of the Conway city limits. There is a boat ramp available for boating, fishing and skiing. The park also has picnic, sports and swimming areas.
Conway, AR RecreationCarrie's Antiques & Flea Market
Furniture, glassware, collectibles, flea market items
Little Rock, AR Flea MarketsNorth Little Rock Historic Sites
Tour includes the Baker House Bed and Breakfast, the Old Mill, City Hall and other historic structures.
North Little Rock, AR Historic SitesLee 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 CentersHarding University Stevens Art Center
Two galleries featuring works of students and faculty; visiting exhibitions.
Searcy, AR Arts