Central Arkansas Attractions

Alltel Arena -- A state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility located on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. The arena seats 18,000 for basketball and is home to the Arkansas Twisters Arena II football team and has hosted such special events as the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Champions on Ice Figure Skating exhibition, the Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament and concerts by such major entertainers as Alan Jackson, Neil Diamond, Janet Jackson, The Gaithers, Cher, N' Sync and Hannah Montana. 501-340-5660 or 501-975-9000; www.alltelarena.com/

Arkansas Arts Center -- Located in Little Rock's historic MacArthur Park, the Arts Center is a first-class facility with an internationally recognized collection of drawings with works dating from the Renaissance to the present. It is also the home of top-notch art exhibitions spread throughout seven galleries. A casually elegant restaurant -- Best Impressions -- and a museum gift shop are on site. A multimillion-dollar renovation several years ago expanded the center to includes the Arkansas Museum of Art (the galleries); the Museum School; State Services (traveling exhibitions); and the popular Children’s Theatre. MacArthur Park, 9th & Commerce. 501-372-4000; www.arkarts.com

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum -– Features the historic USS Razorback submarine (tours available), with the World War II tugboat USS Hoga to be added soon; also includes the USS Snook Memorial, and will be the site of the Beacon of Peace and Hope sculpture. North Little Rock. 120 Riverfront Park Drive. 501-371-8320. http://aimm.museum/

Arkansas Museum of Discovery (AMOD) -– This is a fun-filled indoor playground for kids and adults alike. Over 25,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive exhibits focused on science, history and technology. Find out why Little Rock's oldest museum is a "world of discovery for all ages." Located in the heart of the River Market District, 500 President Clinton Blvd. 501-396-7050, 800-880-6475. www.amod.org

The Arkansas Queen -– Riverboat cruises that sail from the North Shore Maritime Center, located next to the USS Razorback, on the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. It offers sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, dinner/dance cruises and special occasion cruises. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner cruises. 501-372-5777; www.arkansasqueen.com

Arkansas Repertory Theatre -- The Rep, as it is affectionately called, has gained a national reputation as one of the finest repertory theaters in the country. Contemporary comedies, cutting-edge dramas, musical theater and literary classics are presented by the group. Since its creation in 1976, The Rep has produced more than 230 productions including 30 world premieres. Located in downtown Little Rock, the company mounts productions in its 354-seat MainStage Theater, a venue for the Rep's more stylistically traditional work. The company's SecondStage, a 100-seat black box space, reflects The Rep's interest in the works of emerging playwrights and offers newer and lesser-known works in a more developmental context. 601 Main Street. 501-378-0445; www.therep.org

Arkansas River -- Flowing between two of Arkansas's largest cities is one of the best fisheries in the state. The Arkansas is loaded with game fish, including largemouth bass and catfish. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there are numerous public use areas including campgrounds, boat ramps and fishing areas along its length through the state. Maumelle Park, the only public campground in Little Rock, is a Corps of Engineers facility on the river that features a fishing pier, playground, showers, flush toilets, 129 camping spaces with water and electricity, a boat ramp and a day-use picnic area. Three miles off Ark. 10 on Pinnacle Valley Road. 501-329-3986.

Arkansas River Trail -- When completed, the 24-mile trail system, which already spans more than 12 miles on the shores of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock, will allow walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters to enjoy a looping trail with a five-mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, where it will connect with the 224-mile Ouachita Trail. Currently, Little Rock has more than five miles of completed trail, which extend from Rebsamen Park and Golf Course to Murray Lock and Dam and Interstate 430. The Big Dam Bridge completes a 14-mile loop across Murray Lock and Dam. North Little Rock has seven miles of completed trail, which extend from the downtown area to Murray Lock and Dam and I-430 on the north side of the Arkansas River. In North Little Rock, existing portions of the North Shore River Walk pass underneath tall bluffs and through Burns Park.

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame & Museum -– Displays memorabilia chronicling sports legends from Arkansas. Exhibits highlight the three major sports – football, baseball and basketball – plus golf, tennis, the Olympics and more. The highly interactive exhibits are designed to appeal to youth. One unique area is the Alltel-Pat Summerall Broadcast Booth, which allows museum-goers to view a tape, then pop on a headset, record their own play-by-play calls and then take the tape home. Past inductees include such notables as Pat Summerall, Steve Atwater and Cliff Harris (football); Brooks Robinson, George Kell and Bill Dickey (baseball); Pat Day and Larry Snyder (horseracing); Mike Conley and Clyde Scott (track and field); Mark Martin (NASCAR) and Joe Kleine and Reece ‘Goose’ Tatum (basketball). The $3.5-million showplace is located inside North Little Rock’s Alltel Arena, bordered with displays and anchored by a 100-seat theater where a film of the history of sports in Arkansas will be shown. 501-663-4328. www.arksportshalloffame.org/

Arkansas State Capitol -- A striking Neoclassical building in downtown Little Rock, the capitol was completed in 1915 and modeled after the United States Capitol. It has two long wings extending from a center rotunda and a classical portico across the long façade. The exterior is constructed of limestone from a quarry in Batesville, Arkansas, and the interior features Vermont, Alabama and Colorado marble. The six solid bronze doors, purchased from Tiffany's of New York at a cost of $10,000, are now estimated to be worth more than $250,000. A recent restoration of the front walk and gardens returned the area to its original design. Guided tours are available. 501-682-5080; www.sosweb.state.ar.us

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) -- The ASO performs more than 30 concerts at Little Rock's Robinson Center Music Hall annually and at numerous special events. A variety of performers and music types are featured in the Masterworks Series, the Pops Live! Series and the Chamber Music Series. The ASO Youth Orchestras provide opportunities for young musicians of Arkansas. Nationally known guest artists that have performed with the orchestra include Itzhak Perlman, Van Cliburn, Marilyn Horne, Bernadette Peters, Maya Angelou, Doc Severinsen, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton and Olivia Newton-John. 501-666-1761; www.arkansassymphony.org/

The Big Dam Bridge -– The longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge built specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists and the second longest in the United States, the over $9 million project connects 14 miles of trails on the Little Rock and North Little Rock sides of the Arkansas River. It is 14-feet wide, rises nearly seven stories above the river and will in the future connect with 7,000 acres of city, county, state and federal park land. 501-340-6800

Burns Park -- One of the nation's larger municipal parks, North Little Rock's Burns Park covers 1,575 acres and is one of the most diverse parks in the state. It was acquired by the city of North Little Rock with two grants from the federal government. The park’s features include family picnic areas, 15 pavilions, playgrounds, an amusement park with children rides, miniature golf, batting cages, boat launching ramp, disc golf, two bocce courts, hiking and walking trails, a BMX bike track, an RV park and camping area, and a softball, baseball and soccer complex. Exit 150 off Interstate 40. 501-791-8537. www.northlittlerock.org.

Cadron Settlement Park -– One of the most historic spots on the Arkansas River. Facilities include the Blockhouse restoration, the Cherokee Trail of Tears, a boat launching ramp, hiking trails, restrooms, picnic areas, pavilion, handicapped trails and parking areas, historical mural of this pioneer settlement, markers and interpretive signs. Conway. Ark. 319. 501-329-2986

Clinton Presidential Center and Park -– America's 12th Presidential Library is situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in the River Market District of downtown Little Rock. The $160-million dollar structure contains 20,000 square feet of library and museum space and has earned great reviews from the over 500,000 who have visited so far. The library, which is located in a 28-acre city park, contains the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history and includes an authentic replica of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Café 42, which gets its name from Clinton’s place in the line of U. S, presidents, features dishes made from recipes found in the Clinton Center Cookbook and offers an eclectic menu for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday with a Sunday brunch. The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service is also located within the park in the renovated 1899 Choctaw Train Station. 501-370-8000; www.clintonpresidentialcenter.com

Curran Hall Visitor Information Center -– The historic Walters-Curran-Bell House (or Curran Hall) was built in 1842-43 and is one of the oldest residential structures in Little Rock. The restored antebellum Greek Revival home serves as the city’s visitor information center, the Mayor’s Reception Hall and headquarters of the Quapaw Quarter Association headquarters. The Historic Arkansas Gardens, a project of the Pulaski County Master Gardeners, features native and heritage plants common to the period and locale. 1206 S. Main. 501-371-0075. www.quapaw.com

Dickey-Stephens Park -– State-of-the-art home of the AA minor league Arkansas Travelers baseball team, located at the foot of the Broadway Bridge in North Little Rock. The multi-million dollar project has close and causal seating along with 24 luxury suites. The park seats 5,500 and has four concession areas in the general concourse and another in right field behind the grass berm where fans can sit on blankets to watch a game. A tradition from historic Ray Winder field, the wooden "bleacher bum" section, is now behind the first base line and consists of aluminum bleachers. It’s located next to a new draft-beer garden. The park is named for the Stephens family who donated the land for the park and Arkansas natives Bill Dickey, Baseball Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees and catcher George "Skeeter" Dickey who played for the Travelers, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. 400 W. Broadway. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com

EpiSphere Digital Dome Theatre -– Located at the Arkansas Aerospace Education Center in Little Rock, this 150-seat facility was the first single-projector full dome video system installed in the world. Visitors can study systems within the human body, tour the universe, or whirl into the center of a tornado, from their seats. The facility, where cutting-edge technology and impressive immersive virtual reality are combined to offer this one-of-a-kind experience in a multi-use theater, includes the latest full-motion, 360-full dome video with unparalleled digital sound. 501-376-4232; www.aerospaced.org

First Tee of Little Rock -- The Jack Stephens Youth Golf Academy offers those who would normally not have the opportunity to be introduced to golf a chance to learn the game. Open to the public and staffed with PGA professionals, the facility features a nine-hole par 36, 3,400-yard course, a 16-acre driving range, a putting course, a short game area, and a nine hole pitch and putt; for both youth and adults. Also located on the grounds is the Learning Center, a 7,000-square-foot multi-purpose community center with a state-of-the-art golf library for member children, full-service golf shop and three multi-use rooms with indoor hitting areas. This center is designed to accommodate other non-golf corporate or association meetings or banquets. #1 The First Tee Way. 501-562-GOLF; www.thefirstteear.org/

Heifer International Global Headquarters & Village -- Four-story world headquarters building, semicircular and ecologically friendly in design, features recycled energy and rainwater made suitable for drinking. Huts and houses from all corners of the world will compose a global village where visitors learn about living conditions and solutions to world hunger and poverty. Fundraising for the global village is underway. Heifer International is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to alleviate hunger and poverty by teaching people to be self-sustaining. 800-422-0474; www.heifer.org

Historic Arkansas Museum -- A historic site museum of Arkansas's frontier days, the enclave includes five pre-Civil War houses that have been restored to antebellum appearances: the Hinderliter Grog Shop, the oldest standing building in Little Rock (c. 1827); the Brownlee House (c. 1848); the Woodruff Print Shop (c. 1824); the McVicar House (c. 1848); and the Plum Bayou Log House (c. 1830s). During guided tours of the historic houses, visitors will encounter actors portraying original residents. The center’s museum is the largest such history facility in the state and features an outstanding collection of Arkansas-made decorative, mechanical and fine arts objects, plus a living history theater and educational areas.

The compound has been honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the most significant museum villages in the nation and has been called a "little Williamsburg" by travel writers. Recent additions include the several replicas of buildings added to the Plum Bayou Log House, re-creating a pioneer homestead. A smokehouse, slave quarters, a barn, and a privy supplement the cabin, which is an authentic 1830s structure. Native Arkansas plants and period landscaping are also a part of the project. Improvements to other museum historic structures include the addition of a kitchen building and appropriate landscaping at the Brownlee House to better interpret a 19th century yard. 200 East Third Street. 501-324-9351; www.historicarkansas.org/

Jacksonville Military History Museum -– Highlights the important contributions made by local men and women, civilians and military from the Civil War era to the present day conflicts; exhibits include the Battle of Reed’s Bridge, a Civil War skirmish that took place here; the WWII era Arkansas Ordinance Plant; Vietnam and the 308th Titan II Missile Wing. Also featured is a collection of over 350 original WWII posters and the Mighty-Mite Jeep from Vietnam, the smallest one ever produced. 100 Veterans Circle Jacksonville Arkansas. 501-241-1943.

Lake Maumelle -- Little Rock's main water supply (no swimming allowed), Maumelle is also a popular boating and fishing lake. Sailing is a top sport here with regattas held on a regular basis. Several marinas call the lake home as does the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club. The lake, dammed in 1957, covers an area of 14 square miles and has a 70- mile shoreline. Bass is the main fishing lure here with white, black and hybrid striped being popular catches. Kentucky bass, crappie, bream and catfish are other species found in the lake. Ark. 10 west of Little Rock. 501-329-2986.

Little Rock Central High Museum and Visitors Center -– The new center opened Sept. 24, 2007 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1957 desegregation crisis. Features 3,000-sqare-feet of permanent exhibits covering the 1957 events that took place at Central High School and its role in the greater civil rights movements in the U. S; audio/visual and interactive programs; bookstore. The former visitor center, a restored Mobil Service Station, is now used for special programs. 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. 501-374-1957. www.nps.gov/chsc

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site -– A major U.S. civil rights landmark, this National Historic Site is still a working school. Arkansas’s first African-American students -- “the Little Rock Nine” -- were admitted here in 1957 following a confrontation between Governor Orval Faubus, who used the state's National Guard to block desegregation, and President Eisenhower, who sent federal troops to enforce it. Commemorative Garden (sculpture surrounded by a landscaped garden) also on site. Guided tours of the school (by reservation only) during the school year Mon., Wed., Fri. 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. www.nps.gov/chsc/index.htm. 501-374-1957.

Little Rock Nine Memorial -- Nine life-sized bronze statues pays homage to the nine Little Rock students -- Melba Pattillo, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Gloria Ray, Carlotta Walls, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Minnijean Brown and Thelma Mothershed -- who overcame major obstacles to integrate Little Rock Central High School (now a national historic site) in 1957. Located on the State Capitol grounds. Woodlane and Capitol Avenue. 501-682-5080; www.sosweb.state.ar.us

Little Rock Zoo -– The restored historic Spillman Engineering Over the Jumps Carousel, an expanded gift shop, new Lorikeet Landing interactive exhibit where guests can feed the birds a cup of nectar, comprise the new entry complex. Historic Works Projects Administration “big cat” house has been converted to Café Africa, a full-service restaurant. Over 750 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians housed in nationally accredited facility; petting zoo; miniature train rides. One Jonesboro Dr., War Memorial Park. 501-666-2406. www.littlerockzoo.com.

Lorance Creek Natural Area -- Developed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, this natural area is primarily a deep swamp spreading along both sides of Lorance Creek. The entire system is a diverse mosaic of open water, bald cypress-water tupelo, beaver ponds and sandy washes overlain with groves of swamp blackgum. All of these features are interconnected by a complex network of small streams and seeps which support a rich aquatic flora. A new handicapped accessible trail and boardwalk provide visitors with an opportunity to explore and learn more about this special area. The paved trail winds through a mixed pine and hardwood forest into a bald cypress-water tupelo swamp. Interpretive panels line the trail and boardwalk, illustrating the value and functions of wetlands, natural divisions of Arkansas, and plant and animal life of forested wetlands. Located on Bingham Road off Interstate 530 (Exit 9) in southern Pulaski County. 501-324-9619; www.naturalheritage.org

Lower White River Museum State Park -- State-of-the-art exhibits telling the story of the lower White River region explain the importance of this area of the state. Life-sized figures of Captain James C. McManus, Miss Sallie Davis, a schoolteacher from Memphis, surveyor John Garrison and Henry, a slave, are highlights. They introduce themselves to visitors via audio using dialog taken from oral history records and slave narratives. The rest of the exhibit space depicts eight areas of importance to the territory during its frontier days: agriculture, Civil War, pearling and button-making, timber, education, fishing and hunting, medicine and riverboats. Exhibits and text explain how each of these topics helped mold the Des Arc and lower White River region. 2009 West Main Street, Des Arc. (870) 256-3711. www.historystateparks.com/

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History -- The museum is located in the historic tower building of Little Rock's Old Arsenal, a National Historic Landmark and the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur (1880). The building now houses a museum of Arkansas's military heritage from territorial days to present. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that portray Arkansas's military history. 503 East 9th. 501-376-4602; www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

Morris Antiques -- One of the largest antique showrooms in the mid-South can be found in the tiny community of Keo in central Arkansas. Morris features more than 60,000-square-feet of quality pieces from America and Europe. Eight massive buildings house everything from fountains, paintings and bronzes to a French prayer bench and numerous dining room and bedroom sets. French and English wardrobes, etageres, mantels, hall trees, sideboards and light fixtures dating from the 1750s to the 1940s are just some of the treasures here. 306 Ark. 232 West. 501-842-3531; www.morrisantiques.com

The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park -- An authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill, this striking structure appears in the opening scene of the classic 1933 film "Gone with the Wind" and is believed to be the only building remaining from the film. Also known as Pugh's Mill, it was built in 1933 by North Little Rock developer Justin Matthews. He had the structure designed to look old so it would appear as if it was built the 1800s. The park is decorated with sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps, and a tree branch-entwined bridge that connects the mill to the rest of the park. Senor Dionico Rodriguez, a sculptor and artist of Mexico City, was responsible for all the details of each piece of concrete work made to represent wood, iron or stone, as well as the designing of the foot bridges and rustic seats. In 1991, Rodriguez's work at the Old Mill was renovated by his grandson, Carlos Cortes. The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and tour guides are available by appointment for groups. McCain Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive. 501-758-1424. www.northlittlerock.travel

Old State House Museum -- Set in the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House Museum has been designated a National Historic Landmark, though it is probably best known throughout the country as the scene of President Clinton's 1992 and 1996 election night celebrations. This magnificent Greek Revival structure houses a multimedia museum of Arkansas history, with a special emphasis on women's history, political history, and historical programming for school children. The Little Rock museum also boasts nationally recognized collections of Civil War battle flags, the inaugural gowns of governors' wives, Arkansas art pottery, and African-American quilts. 300 West Markham. 501-324-9685, www.oldstatehouse.com

Over The Jumps Carousel -- The restored historic Spillman Engineering "Over the Jumps Carousel” is the focal point of the Little Rock Zoo’s new entry complex. Unlike most carousels where the horses move up and down, Over the Jumps features an undulating track, the only one remaining of the original four produced during the 1920s. The 40 prancing ponies have been meticulously restored as have the four chariots. The turn-of-the-19th century architectural design center also has a gift shop and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, One Jonesboro Drive. 501-666-2406; www.littlerockzoo.com

Pinnacle Mountain State Park -- Diverse park that equally address recreation, environmental education and conservation; activities include interpretive/audio visual programs, festivals, exhibits, picnic sites, pavilions, launching ramps, hiking trails, the Arkansas Arboretum, canoe rentals and floats, barge tours, paddle boats, technical rock climbing, fishing, hayrides, star parties, themed birthday parties and numerous volunteer groups/activities. The visitor center overlooking the Arkansas River includes a meeting room and a gift shop. 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road. 501-868-5806; www.ArkansasStateParks.com

Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park –- Interprets cotton agriculture in Arkansas from statehood in 1836 through World War II, when agricultural practices quickly became mechanized; restored 1920s cotton gin depicts how cotton was grown, picked and processed; new exhibit is a cotton wagon with harnessed mules (full size), located under the weigh scale shed in front of the cotton gin building. The one-of-a-kind structure includes equipment from the original owner’s early 1900s cotton gin and is built where visitors can view the full sized gin from every angle. The gin includes two Munger gin stands, a rotating two bale press, a Fairbanks engine and line shaft pulley system. U.S. 165 & Ark. 161. 501-961-1409; www.historystateparks.com

Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary -- The sanctuary, located near Greenbrier, is a non-profit home for any elephant that needs one regardless of species, gender or disposition. Established by Scott and Heidi Riddle, it is the only internationally recognized sanctuary and it currently houses Asian and African elephants. Elephant care and management are taught at this haven in the peaceful Arkansas countryside. Programs include Elephant Experience Weekends and an annual International School for Elephant Management. Visitors Day, held the first Saturday of each month, provides an opportunity for the public to visit the elephants between 11a.m. and 3 p.m. There is a $5 admission donation per person with children under two admitted free. Donations help support the care of the elephants at the sanctuary. Major goals of the sanctuary include the care of the resident elephant herd, but also elephant conservation in general, helping ensure the long-term survival of these endangered species. Ark. 25 off U.S. 65 North. 501-589-3291; www.elephantsanctuary.org

River Market District/Riverfront Park -- This area of downtown Little Rock is filled with restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, the main library, bars and seasonal farmers market. Loft apartments, a luxury hotel top the list of continuing development in the area, with more planned. The Ottenheimer Market Hall has more than 17 permanent merchants who offer a growing list of market specialties year-round. From right-from-the-oven pastries, hand-roasted coffee, succulent barbecue to fresh cut flowers and gourmet foods, there is a wide selection of groceries at the River Market. President Clinton Ave. Little Rock. 501-375-2552; www.rivermarket.info.

The River Market District is bordered by Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River to the north. The park stretches 11 blocks and provides large areas for outdoor events, leisure activities and a glimpse of the state’s history. Riverfront Park is home to many exciting concerts at the Riverfest Amphitheatre, which has 1,375 reserved seats and 9,125 lawn seats, permanent restrooms, dressing rooms for entertainers, and enhanced walkways. Five additional blocks to the east encompass the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Total acreage has been expanded to over 35 acres. LaHarpe Boulevard. 501-371-4510.

River Rail Project -- Downtown areas of Little Rock and North Little Rock are now linked by replicas of vintage trolleys. Two-and-a-half miles of track and three operating streetcars comprise the system. Attractions being serviced include Alltel Arena, the Statehouse Convention Center, the River Market, hotels, restaurants, the Historic Arkansas and Discovery Museums, Robinson Center Music Hall and Riverfront Park and Amphitheater. Phase two connects the route to the Clinton Presidential Center and Heifer International Global Headquarters. 501-375-6717.

Scott Plantation Settlement -- Depicts a typical Arkansas plantation; includes a hand-hewn cypress corncrib, an 1840s log cabin, a wash house, several tenant houses and a blacksmith shop. Call for hours of operation. Toward the front of the settlement is a Civil War Marker explaining the Battle of Ashley's Mills, part of the campaign conducted by Union General Frederick Steele that led to the fall of Little Rock in 1863. Alexander Road off U.S. 165, Scott. 501-351-5737

Shoppach House Historic Park -– Centerpiece is the Shoppach House, the oldest standing structure in town, built in 1853; also on the grounds are Pilgrims Rest Church which has its origins in the 1860s-1880s, the DeTonti Post Office, built in 1940, which serves as an excellent example of a small rural post office in mid-twentieth century Arkansas; and the covered well. Benton. 503 N. Main Street. 501-315-3801.

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park -- One of the Arkansas state parks system’s two National Historic Landmark Sites that preserve and interpret prehistoric Native American mound sites, Toltec now sports a new 2,240-square-foot educational pavilion adjacent to the park visitor information center. A multi-use facility, it provides a place for park staff to conduct programs indoors. Accessible from the park visitor center or from the archeological site where the mounds are located, the barrier-free facility has large windows that face the mounds. Open year-round, the facility provides restrooms, heated for cold weather use, and fans to cool the building during warm weather months. Scott, 501-961-9442. www.arkansasstateparks.com/toltecmounds

USS Razorback -– The 311-foot submarine was present in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the Peace Treaty ending World War II. Named after the whale, not the U of A sports mascot, it is the only vessel to have earned battle ribbons in World War II and Vietnam. After being decommissioned, the sub was sold to Turkey where it served for 30 years at the Murat Rels. Obtained by North Little Rock, the sub complements the city’s military history found at Camp Robinson and Camp Pike. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. 501-758-1424.

Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts -- Largest park dedicated to performing arts in the Southeastern United States, Wildwood is located on 105 acres of virgin-forested land in west Little Rock. This acclaimed performing arts park grew out of the Arkansas Opera Theatre and now serves as home for the company. Seven spectacular gardens and an eight-acre lake provide a beautiful background for outdoor musical performances. The renowned Wildwood Music Festival is held each June and highlights the performing and visual arts, plus up-and-coming young artists. Past guest performers include Peter Duchin, Crystal Gayle, Judy Collins, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Riders in the Sky and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. 20919 Denny Road. 501-821-7275. www.wildwoodpark.org.

Windsong Performing Arts Center -– Sits on over 13 acres with a 316-seat concert hall featuring a wide array of musical performances such as jazz, blues, cabaret, chamber ensemble, children/family events, and entertainment from around the world. Studios for private music and art lessons; state-of-the-art audio and video recording studio; reception/banquet hall for special events, luncheons, meetings, receptions; full service commercial kitchen with wine cellar. International Piano Gallery showroom; park-like grounds has a lake, gazebo, hiking trails, patio. 7318 Windsong Drive. 501-753-8694; www.windsongcenter.com/

--Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism.

 

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