Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Arkansas.

In the park service’s words

In 1957, Little Rock Central High School was the epicenter of confrontation and a catalyst for change as the fundamental test for the United States to enforce African American civil rights following Brown v. Board of Education. Learn how the sacrifice and struggle endured by the Little Rock Nine have provided opportunities and opened doors for those seeking education around the world.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Walk the Footsteps of History (30 Minutes): The Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench, the grounds of Little Rock Central High School, and the Commemorative Garden are integral parts of the park experience and provide places to learn about and reflect on the story of the Little Rock Nine.
• Explore the Park's Visitor Center (60 Minutes): Start your visit to Little Rock Central High School NHS at the park visitor center - featuring a detailed exhibit with interviews, news footage, and audio/video recordings of those directly involved plus a new park interpretive film, accessible restrooms and a Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA) bookstore.
• Stamp Your Park Passport (2 to 5 Minutes): Little Rock Central High School NHS has several stamps related to the Passport to Your National Parks program. These stamps help you record your visit and preserve memories from your unique experience at this National Historic Site.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun Closed. The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center is currently open Tuesday through Saturday (10 am CST/CDT to 4 pm CST/CDT). The Magnolia Mobil Service Station & Little Rock Central High School are closed to the public and not available for public use. The commemorative garden is open daily for public visitation and use from 7 am CST/CDT until sunset. Guests may visit the NHS daily; we recommend the NPS App for digital content on days when the visitor center is closed.

Getting there

From I-630, take Exit 2B (Dr. Martin Luther King Drive). Go south (away from the Arkansas State Capitol) to W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Turn right (head west) and continue 0.5 miles. The Visitor Center is on the right at the corner of W. Daisy Bates Drive and Little Rock Nine Way. Parking lot entrance is located just before the intersection with Park Street, directly across from the historic Magnolia/Mobil Gas Station and diagonally across from Central High School (still a functioning high school).

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun Closed. Visitors should always park in the free Visitor Center parking lot. Central High School is an operating public high school with over 2,500 students, grades 9 through 12. Visitors may walk around the reflection pool and front steps of Central High School on their own. Museum exhibits and bookstore are all located in the National Park Visitor Center. Traffic/parking can be congested on school days between 8:30-9 am and 3:30-4 pm.

Weather

Arkansas weather can change quickly. While the state is in a moderate temperate zone, it does experience strong thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods. In winter, "snow" events tend to quickly turn to thin ice which can be difficult to see and to clear. Summer temperatures and humidity can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Visitors are advised to dress in layers and be prepared for precipitation. Average seasonal temperatures (°F): Spring: 62° Summer: 80° Fall: 63° Winter: 43°

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Hot Springs, about 45 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.