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 RecreationJoe 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 HatcheriesEMOBA (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 MuseumsQuapaw Quarter Historic District
Historic neighborhoods in the downtown area -- MacArthur Park and Governor'
Little Rock, AR Historic DistrictsNorth 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 SitesRiddle'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 AreasGreathouse Home
Located on the grounds of the Faulkner County Courthouse, this home was built in 1830 east of Conway and was restored in 1966 by the Faulkner County Historical Society. An excellent example of the dog-trot style of architecture, it is open for tours spring through fall.
Conway, AR Historic HomesBeebe Speedway
Racing modifieds, street and hobby stocks, mini-stocks and special racing series on a one-fourth mile dirt oval Fridays at 8 p.m. from mid-March until mid-September.
Bebee, AR RacingI-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 Speedways