Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center FREE - Featuring aquariums, wildlife exhibits, native gardens, gift shop and more. Wild Tales Story The Witt Stephens Jr.
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Central Arkansas Nature Center, whose mission is introducing the public to the importance of conservation education in Arkansas, is the fourth nature center established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The center opened on December 17, 2008, and is funded by the Amendment 75 Conservation Sales Tax, allowing the center to provide free admission. Highlights of the center include:

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Large indoor aquariums filled with native fish from several of Arkansas’s natural divisions.
• An exhibit timeline sharing the natural resource history of Arkansas and the role of the Arkansas Game and Fish commission in 100 years of conservation success.
• An extensive collection of fishing lures and tackle showcasing many early Arkansas lure and tackle manufacturers.
• A theater presentation provides information on many areas of research and education with which the AGFC is involved.
• The center features sculptures, photography, and other pieces of art inside and outside the building.
• More than 100 bird species have been seen along the riverfront nearby. A wildlife area provides excellent viewing from a glass wall within the building.
• The center is surrounded by native plant beds featuring many plants that are beneficial to wildlife.
• Education staff provides specialized school field trips, teacher workshops, and public programs throughout the year. A classroom and administrative offices are located across a breezeway from the exhibit hall.
• Visitors may also purchase nature-themed items in the gift shop. Arkansas authors are featured, with subjects ranging from hiking trails to fishing.
• The center is one level, providing easy access for strollers or those with limited mobility. A shaded breezeway with picnic tables and benches offers a place for viewing the river.

06/12/2026

The Nature Center's elevator is out of commission. Please call the nature center at 501-251-1083 for handicap accessibility, stroller accessibility or any other accessibility need. This issue should be resolved early next week.

There is still time to sign up for a great event this weekend which will be hosted during the Free Fishing Weekend!June ...
06/12/2026

There is still time to sign up for a great event this weekend which will be hosted during the Free Fishing Weekend!
June is a great time to be on or near the water. Fishing derbies, fish camps and a host of fishing places are just a click away on the AGFC website.

The Central Arkansas Nature Center will be closed May 23-May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. Please join the site on Tu...
05/23/2026

The Central Arkansas Nature Center will be closed May 23-May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. Please join the site on Tuesday during normal visiting hours.

Mother's Day just happened- some of you are confident in your gift giving abilities, some of you might need something sp...
05/14/2026

Mother's Day just happened- some of you are confident in your gift giving abilities, some of you might need something special to make up for what you did or didn't do! Father's Day is around the corner. You may be thinking, but he has everything!!! You know what he wants? The latest, greatest AGFC Wildlife calendar. Regardless of the person or the occasion- order today! It is always a great gift at a fantastic value.

Listen Up! It’s Calendar Time
The Arkansas Wildlife calendar has featured an array of critters and information since it was introduced in 1984, but the 2026-27 edition includes a new way to enjoy the outdoors, indoors.
Full details ➫ https://bit.ly/4nnXN0A

Spring has sprung!
05/01/2026

Spring has sprung!

Visitors often ask if the young alligator blinks. Alligators can be tough competition in a non-blinking contest- enjoy t...
04/08/2026

Visitors often ask if the young alligator blinks. Alligators can be tough competition in a non-blinking contest- enjoy this photo of the alligator snoozing!

Don't let this deadline pass you by! These conservation education opportunities are a great way to share your passion fo...
04/07/2026

Don't let this deadline pass you by! These conservation education opportunities are a great way to share your passion for the outdoors, learn from others and inspire those around you.

Arkansas students, teachers and administrators are invited to apply for AGFC's conservation leadership opportunities! Applications for the Teacher Leader Council, Student Leader Council and Administrators of Conservation Education are open now through April 24. Don’t miss your opportunity to work directly with AGFC education specialists and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

➤ Learn More and Apply Now:
Teacher Leader Council: https://bit.ly/41WWiwk
Student Leader Council: https://bit.ly/41Rdt2n
Administrators of Conservation Education: https://bit.ly/4mbxKsQ

The Central Arkansas Nature Center may be in the heart of downtown Little Rock but there is still a variety of wildlife ...
04/02/2026

The Central Arkansas Nature Center may be in the heart of downtown Little Rock but there is still a variety of wildlife which calls this area home. Check out this Opossum who is excited about a bird seed snack!

The Central Arkansas Nature Center wants to thank everyone who came down to participate in our programs! Thank you for t...
03/27/2026

The Central Arkansas Nature Center wants to thank everyone who came down to participate in our programs! Thank you for taking the time to connect with Nature.
Saturday, Mar 28 from 9:30-11am there will be a leaf art station in the exhibit hall.

Address

602 President Clinton Avenue
Little Rock, AR
72201

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15012511083

Website

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