Central Arkansas Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
The heart of Arkansas is found in the region around Little Rock, where you can explore art galleries, learn about American history and find serene pockets of nature.

Uncover layers of American history in the cities of Central Arkansas, a region crammed with fascinating heritage sights and museums. Outside of busy capital city Little Rock, the central region offers forested mountain peaks and riverside walks that show how Arkansas earned its “Natural State” nickname.

Central Arkansas’s rich history begins with Native American communities. The Sequoyah National Research Center features a vast collection of American Indian artifacts, including newspapers, artworks and writings. Pause in Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park, where interpretive panels help to explain the story of these ancient ceremonial grounds.

Stroll around capital city Little Rock to learn about more recent history in the state. Marvel at the architectural achievements of the State Capitol and the Old State House. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site charts the progress of the civil rights movement in Arkansas and commemorates the first steps towards desegregation in schools. Don’t miss the acclaimed drawings in the Arkansas Arts Center.

Little Rock is a family-friendly city, with attractions that will engage all ages. The Historic Arkansas Museum features interactive exhibits, while the Arkansas Museum of Discovery will help kids engage with science.

Leave the city behind and join the Arkansas River Trail. Cycle or walk along the paths, which form an 88-mile (142-kilometer) loop around the region.

Central Arkansas also contains several picturesque historic buildings. The 19th-century Gann Museum is hosted in the only known structure in the world built from bauxite. Browse displays of American Indian artwork and Civil War history. The Old Mill, outside North Little Rock, is famed for its appearance in Gone with the Wind and today sits in a pretty park with a fairy-tale appearance.

For the best views of the region, hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. The state park here also offers mountain biking, horse riding and kayak rentals.

Fly into Clinton National Airport in Little Rock to land in the middle of Central Arkansas. The numerous historical attractions of Little Rock make the region a year-round destination.

Where to stay in Central Arkansas

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Lake Hamilton

Lake views, hot springs and shopping are some highlights of Lake Hamilton. You might stop by Hot Springs Mall or Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf while you're in the area.

Lake Hamilton
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Lake District

If you're spending some time in Lake District, Hot Springs Mall and Hot Springs National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Lake District
William J. Clinton Presidential Library showing night scenes

Downtown Little Rock

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Museums, live music and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Downtown Little Rock. Check out Historic Arkansas Museum or William J. Clinton Presidential Library while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Little Rock
Hot Springs which includes rides and a sunset

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like T-Rex Fun Spot and Bank of the Ozarks Arena.

Downtown
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Oaklawn District

While visiting Oaklawn District, you might make a stop by sights like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and NPS Visitor Center.

Oaklawn District
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Midtown

While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Family Fun Park and Central Bowling Lanes.

Midtown
The Hotel Hot Springs
The Hotel Hot Springs
3 out of 5
305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
The price is AU$224 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$224
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,699 reviews)
"very nice staff"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

The Hotel Hot Springs
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
2.5 out of 5
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is AU$265 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$265
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,794 reviews)
"This hotel can be summed up in two ways: 1) Old historic hotel and all the pros/cons that goes with that; and 2) Gracious service. The Pros: This is a very old hotel that had recently undergone significant renovation on the outside and common areas like the lobby. The lobby is a fun spot to enjoy ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
Courtyard by Marriott Little Rock West
Courtyard by Marriott Little Rock West
3 out of 5
10900 Financial Centre Pkwy, Little Rock, AR
The price is AU$146 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$146
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Little Rock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (99 reviews)
"Wonderful experience"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Little Rock West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village a Ramada by Wyndham
Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village a Ramada by Wyndham
3 out of 5
1 Los Lagos Way, Hot Springs Village, AR
Stay at this 3-star condo in Hot Springs Village. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,501 reviews)
"A beautiful property with all the basic amenities you will need for a quiet romantic getaway."

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2025

Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village a Ramada by Wyndham
“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Hot Springs
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Bathhouse ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (315 reviews)
Peace by the lake
"R&R we needed"

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2025

“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Echo Canyon Resort & Marina
Echo Canyon Resort & Marina
2 out of 5
2645 Blakely Dam Rd, Royal, AR
Stay at this cabin in Royal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Spillway Public Use Area and Brady Mountain Public ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"I loved it there. It was nice and quiet."

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Echo Canyon Resort & Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Central Arkansas