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 RecreationNorth Shore Riverwalk
Located on the north side of the Arkansas River, this park offers picturesque views, lighted walkways and a jogging/fitness trail. New North River Landing off I-30
North Little Rock, AR ParksWillow 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 ParksOld 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 ParksRiverfront Park
The original "little rock" where settlers first came to this area is located here; park contains a history pavilion, amphitheater, playground, plazas, promenades and picnic areas
Little Rock, AR ParksRialto 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 TheatresCadron Settlement Park
Directions: Five miles west of Conway on U.S. 64; two miles south on Ark. 319
Conway, AR ParksArkansas Arts Center
World class art exhibitions; seven galleries; internationally recognized drawing collection; "Best Impressions" restaurant offers soups, salads, entrees, desserts; museum shop; Children's Theatre; over 10
Little Rock, AR ArtsLittle Rock Zoo
Nationally-accredited 40-acre zoological garden, housing over 725 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in a natural tree-shaded atmosphere; petting zoo, gift shop, food; miniature train rides.
Little Rock, AR ZoosCarrie's Antiques & Flea Market
Furniture, glassware, collectibles, flea market items
Little Rock, AR Flea MarketsHarding University Stevens Art Center
Two galleries featuring works of students and faculty; visiting exhibitions.
Searcy, AR Arts