What are the 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

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

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Little Rock, AR
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.

08/28/2026

We are open, join nature center staff at 2pm today for the reptile feeding! The newest education gator is enjoying the new space.

08/25/2026

The Nature Center is back open today! We would love for you all to join us. Be mindful of the barriers in front of the aquarium, it is still solidifying and it will be several weeks before water is added to the aquarium. We look forward to the fish rejoining us in Sept.

08/10/2026

Alright ladies: Mark your calendar and get ready to learn some new outdoor skills or hone some outdoor skills with like-minded women in Oct.

Get the latest information on Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW). Plus, explore all of AGFC.com for all things hunting, fishing, and wildlife in Arkansas.

08/08/2026

The Central Arkansas Nature Center will be closed from August 11-August 24 to make a much needed repair to the 9000 gallon aquarium system. The fish will be on vacation at the hatchery in Lonoke and will return once the aquarium can hold water again.
We encourage you to take advantage of the great natural areas around us. If you are looking for a nature center experience- make the time to see the Delta River's Nature Center which is the closest AGFC Nature Center to this site.

07/30/2026

National Shooting Sports Month starts this upcoming Saturday.
Join AGFC staff at these great locations for some amazing deals!
See you in the field- or in this case the range!

07/24/2026

If you have ever caught a Black Bass or have interest in Black Bass, please take a moment to check out this survey.

07/23/2026

https://www.agfc.com/education/outdoor-gear-community-yard-sale/

Looking for some gently used items for a reasonable cost? Looking to clear out your closets and maybe your garage to make space for the newest model?

We are looking for vendors for the Fall Outdoor Gear Swap/Community Yardsale! If you are interested, please contact Lauren Marshall at 501-251-1083 or email at [email protected]

Get the latest information on Outdoor Gear Community Yard Sale. Plus, explore all of AGFC.com for all things hunting, fishing, and wildlife in Arkansas.

07/18/2026

The Daisy inflatable BB Gun range will be set up in the theater from 1-3pm. Join us for this FREE, instructor lead, drop in program today!

07/07/2026

If you're interested in hunting Alligators, now is the time to apply!

07/02/2026

The Central Arkansas Nature Center will be closed:
Friday, July 3rd
Saturday, July 4th.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

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

http://www.agfc.com/centralarkansas

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