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.
