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 RecreationBattle 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 MarkersHarding University Stevens Art Center
Two galleries featuring works of students and faculty; visiting exhibitions.
Searcy, AR ArtsBear Creek Lake
The 625-acre Bear Creek Lake was constructed atop Crowley's Ridge in east central Arkansas in 1938. It lies within the north end of the St. Francis National Forest, and two national scenic byways - the Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway, pass nearby.
Bald Knob, AR RecreationCamp Nelson Confederate Cemetery
While camped near Old Austin in 1862, a large group of Texas Confederate soldiers were overcome by a measles epidemic, causing the deaths of several hundred. In 1907, the remains were moved to this historic cemetery.
Cabot, AR CemeteriesI-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 SpeedwaysAMTRAK
Cities served in Arkansas by AMTRAK include Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Texarkana.
Little Rock, AR ExcursionsLittle Rock Central High School
The site of a major test in 1957 of the Civil Rights act where nine (the Little Rock Nine)
Little Rock, AR Historic SchoolhousesNorth 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 Sites