National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

South

Plan a Little Rock Central High School trip

About Little Rock Central High School

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.

Region: South
State: Arkansas
Designation: National Historic Site
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Little Rock Central High School.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Little Rock Central High School NHS

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.

Weather and when to go

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°

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).

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: Little Rock Central High School NHS, 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202-5212
Phone: (501) 374-1957
Email: chsc_info@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/chsc

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Little Rock Central High School

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

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Things to do in Little Rock Central High School

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Walk the Footsteps of History

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 30 min

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…
Explore the Park's Visitor Center

Museum Exhibits · about 1 hour

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 thos…
Stamp Your Park Passport

Hands-On · about 15 min

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 y…