Central, Arkansas

Aerial view of lush green hills and a distant mountain.

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The Heart of The Natural State

With the state capital at its core, Central Arkansas blends civil rights history and presidential legacy with natural beauty, renowned food culture and year-round outdoor recreation.

Ask any local, and they’ll be happy to tell you (and perhaps even show you) that Central Arkansas has it all. From the capital city of Little Rock, where you’ll find arts, dining, craft breweries, distilleries and entertainment to the natural beauty that unfolds in every direction beyond the city limits, this region showcases everything Arkansas is known for. And probably a few things you’d never have expected.

Nature lovers will delight in the peace and quiet of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge and Lake Maumelle, where trails beckon and mountain summits await.

Along the Arkansas River, water enthusiasts find exceptional boating, fishing and waterfront recreation, while paddlers glide across the gentle waters of Lake Conway or cast for bass from the shaded banks.

Explore the southern charm of Conway, home to several colleges and a downtown district full of boutiques, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. Nearby towns like Scott surprise with an archeological park, agricultural museum, plantation settlement and the opulent Marlsgate Plantation on the shores of Bearskin Lake.

Come for what you know. Stay for what you didn’t see coming.

Cities and Towns

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City skyline with a bridge over a river at sunset, greenery in the foreground.

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What’s Nearby

Places to Stay

From luxury hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts to campsites under the stars, and everything in between, the heart of Arkansas has exactly the lodging you’re looking for.

Places to Eat

Taste the flavor of Central Arkansas at craft breweries and distilleries, popular steakhouses, award-winning pizza and barbecue joints, and hearty ethnic favorites.

Things to Do

Listen to live performances from the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Conway Symphony Orchestra or catch world-class performers at The Rep and Simmons Bank Arena.

Get Outdoors

Winding trails, cool waters and nature are only steps away from urban experiences. There’s a good reason Arkansas is known as The Natural State.

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Experiences

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Central Arkansas Two-Day Tour

Spend your days wandering downtown Little Rock, popping into art galleries, browsing eclectic shops and soaking up the buzz of the River Market. Museums, river views and lively neighborhoods come together here, creating an easygoing urban adventure with plenty of flavor, creativity and outdoor fun mixed in.

Kids happily eating ice cream cones outside a shop.

6 Must-Visit Spots in Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas is packed with unforgettable places to explore, where river views, rugged trails and creative energy come together in one easygoing region.