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 RecreationRialto Theater
Opened in 1923 and remodeled with splashy neon lighting in the 1940s, it is one of only a few historic theaters that maintains a daily schedule, with matinees on weekends.
Searcy, AR TheatresMacArthur 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 HistoryNorth 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 SitesWillow Springs Water Park
Little Rock's original water park; 400-foot water slide, new larger kiddie pool, log roller, water volleyball and basketball, snack bar, picnic tables, other water activities;
Little Rock, AR Water ParksJ&P Ranch
Directions: Take I-40 East to the Kerr Road Exit. Go right onto Kerr Road and go about 2 blocks to McCoy Lane. Make a right on McCoy Lane and go to the end of the road to the J & P Ranch gate. Small children'
Lonoke, AR RanchesGreathouse 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 HomesOld 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 ParksMuseum of Discovery
Directions: Historic River Market District Fully interactive science and history museum in the River Market District; hands-on, high energy interactive exhibits
Little Rock, AR MuseumsBurns 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 Parks