6 Central Arkansas Highlights to visit
Central Arkansas has no shortage of standout places to visit. Whether you are into history, the outdoors, or enjoy culinary ventures, you can find an experience that is tailored to your tastes here. Below is a quick roundup of seven super spots to visit, but as you might imagine, this is only a glimpse into the wealth of highlights that can be found in the region.
1. Natural areas are specifically set aside to preserve species and habitat types that have become rare in the state. In Little Rock, a natural area that is a beautiful example of this important role in action is Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area. This natural area is home to multi-use trails to hike and bike, a neat rock climbing area, and truly epic views. A trip there is not only a venture into the wonderful beauty of The Natural State, but an important reminder to help protect this beauty as much as we can. Learn more about this natural area here.
2. The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock is a true historic gem. This is the only spot in the world where you can see two floating Naval vessels that bookend World War II. You can read more about this fascinating museum here.
3. Also located in the city of North Little Rock is another interesting piece of history that also has an agritourism angle: the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas. This spot has roots on land that has been farmed for more than a century.
Today, the St. Joseph Center is a 63-acre property and farm where you can volunteer or visit ( or both) to learn about sustainable farming. Onsite is a working farm where you can find organic produce and everything grown there can be bought from the St. Joseph Farm Stand, a seasonal stand on site. You can learn more about this interesting agritourism destination here.
4. Central Arkansas is also where you can find the largest urban park in the state: Burns Park. The park, which can be accessed off Interstate 40, at Exit 150 in North Little Rock, is 1,700 acres and here you can find an outlet for active activities like cycling, hiking, mountain biking, bmx riding, fishing, golf, ( and disc golf), tennis, baseball, softball, archery, horseback riding, tent and RV camping and more! Whew! You can read more about the park here.
5. The Natural State has many wonderful trails to visit and among these is a landmark urban one: the Arkansas River Trail. You can learn more about this truly wonderful asset here.
6. Arkansas has 52 state parks, and visiting them is a true highlight of any visit to the state. With 52, there are a lot of options to choose from and each has its own reason to visit. Central Arkansas is home to a landmark one though, Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, which was Arkansas’s first state park. You can learn more about the park here and more about the father of the Arkansas state park system here. Visit arkansasstateparks.com for a rundown of all the parks you can find across the state.
