Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- OliviaV23Clarksville, Tennessee80 contributionsInformative TripVery informative and very well done. Staff was friendly. We went in knowing that the High School is still functioning as a HS today. We did go walk outside of the school on the sidewalk, but did not go closer as it is a public school and we didn’t want to interrupt anything. Parking was nice and easy. We also walked around the memorial garden area and read all the information signs at the facility.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 28, 2023
- Nofrillstraveler54 contributionsIncredible tourWhat an incredible tour given by Ranger Randy. The tour starts inside the visitor center. You learn the history of what lead up to the first day at Central High for the Little Rock Nine. From that point, you go outside and begin the walking portion of the tour. This is where the tour changed from a feeling of it being a history lesson of the event and school to hearing the story of what the Little Rock Nine actually went though. Ranger Randy does an incredible job of portraying the history as it should be taught. He has spent a tremendous amount of time learning from the Nine instead of what may have been written from other points of view. If you are looking for a sugar-coated feel-good story, this tour is not for you. If you are interested in learning the truth and walking away with a better sense of empathy, you will absolutely love it.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 15, 2023
- DRoadtripRNew York City, New York5 contributionsA Lesson to LearnThis is no doubt the most beautiful Hugh School we have ever seen and the most famous in the US. The Little Rock Nine those fearless students who changed history in 1957. LRCHS is part of the National Park System that has an incredible chronicle of the civil rights movement located across the street from the school, we spent a few good hours reading and walking around. It’s worth to note that the High School is still open and well attended by local students of Little Rock. There are some tours but those need to be done at least a few weeks before going.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2023
- Loretta STexas28 contributionsPlease share this with your kids!!Amazing museum full of facts and interactive experiences. Loads of videos to watch makes it easy for kids to get involved. Make sure you walk across the street to the memorial park and to the actual high school. The high school is HUGE by any standards. It’s so different to hear about history in school and then to go see it and stand in the spots where it happened. It makes it real.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 5, 2023
- Pitt-DuqPittsburgh, Pennsylvania749 contributionsInspirationalThis is a very informative and moving place to learn about the civil rights movement, and all that was accomplished by the efforts of a few young, brave people. The visitor center portrays the events that happened at the high school very well. It provides meaningful information about what happened before, during, and after the 1957 event. Definitely worth visiting. The student crafted video is a must see activity.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 15, 2023
- lesadierkingMarysville, Kansas38 contributionsKudos to National Park Service Ranger Tour GuideHaving formerly been in education, and living in Kansas, not far from Topeka where the Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education National Historic Site is located and having visited that, I knew I would find this interesting as well. I felt I knew the overall story of what had happened, but little did I really know! This is a topic that everyone should know about. Everyone deserves a quality education, and what these students had to go through in 1957 and following is just overwhelmingly tragic. So, I encourage EVERYONE to visit this site. If by chance you are fortunate enough to get the National Park Service Ranger that we had for a tour, you will indeed learn much. I wish I knew his name, but this gentleman has a storytelling gift. He was able to keep the group members' attention with his details and expressive nature. While we were not taken inside the high school, which was fine with me, he walked us down the sidewalk in front of the high school, pointing out landmarks where certain things happened, walking us back directly in front of the high school and the front steps with the statues, etc. Kudos to the National Park Service Rangers! The inside of the visitor center was nice and informative with much for school age children. The video clips were very informative and supported what was described on the tour. Extra high marks for this gentleman as my daughter, a recent high school graduate, who is about to go away to her first year of college, had questions. He patiently answered her questions in a manner which led me to believe he has worked with teenagers in the past as he knew how to engage with her in a way that not all adults have the ability. For me, personally, the tour was definitely the BEST part of this visit.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 8, 2023
- HatzlachaVirginia909 contributionsHeroic kidsWhile I think other NPS sites do a better job of covering 1960's civil rights issues, the big take home point here is the challenges those six kids had to deal with. The visitor's center does a great job explaining that aspect as well as the impact they had on the country as a whole. I was disappointed that some of the colonial historical information in their displays was biased, something not common at other NPS sites either. So while this site may be worth visiting if local, many of the sites in other states (e.g. Alabama) are more impactful when learning U.S. civil rights history.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 4, 2023
- abroadwithashleyMinneapolis, Minnesota1,444 contributionsA Moment in HistoryThis was a quick road trip stop for us. The visitor’s center is free and probably takes at most 30 mins if you read every line - less if you’re focusing on the story of the 9, but it’s good either way. If you’re not familiar with the larger context already then it’s helpful. Afterward, you can go see the (absolutely beautiful) school building and grounds across the street. Both the center and the school are highly recommended.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- Sal and Christine WLas Cruces, New Mexico52 contributionsDon’t miss the tour Ranger RandyExcellent and information-packed look at the painful process of desegregation and the courage of the Little Rock Nine. Our free tour with Ranger Randy lasted over 2 hours. Unfortunately heavy rain cut short the tour of the school, but we learned so much. We only spent about 20 min in the visitor center museum section but would definitely return a second time to tour the school grounds and spend more time in the museum section. My tip: Take the tour with Ranger Randy!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Texoma FamilySherman, Texas492 contributionsMy favorite on the Civil Rights TrailLove love love this location on the Civil Rights Trail!!! I remember being so confused trying to memorize all the hallmark legal cases, not understanding the significance behind each of them. The welcome center at Little Rock High School really does an excellent job of putting all the dots together with the facts and helping to make it stick. Such a worthwhile visit, especially with kids. We got some great books from the little gift shop to further gain insight and knowledge of the heroes in civil rights movement. It’s a must see destination…and the only reason we came to Little Rock at all. Totally worth it.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,250 reviews
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Natasha G
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We arrived at the Windgate by Wyndham on a Friday evening. Brady greeeted us at the front desk and made our check in process a breeze. He shows knowledge and excellence in his job duties. The room service was excellent as well. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend the Windgate.
Written February 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark W
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Beautiful school… put so much into perspective, would revisit for next time in Little Rock. Well managed National Monument
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K J
6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Many people have seen the countless pictures of the Little rock 9. So cool to see the actual building and grounds. The center across the street offers a free and very interesting insight into that time. Was very impressed. Im so glad we decided to stop. It really wasnt on the itinerary. Would stop again.
Written January 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Texoma Family
Sherman, TX492 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Love love love this location on the Civil Rights Trail!!! I remember being so confused trying to memorize all the hallmark legal cases, not understanding the significance behind each of them. The welcome center at Little Rock High School really does an excellent job of putting all the dots together with the facts and helping to make it stick. Such a worthwhile visit, especially with kids. We got some great books from the little gift shop to further gain insight and knowledge of the heroes in civil rights movement. It’s a must see destination…and the only reason we came to Little Rock at all. Totally worth it.
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn G
Rochester, MN109 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Excellent displays at the visitor center and a chance to see the exterior of the beautiful building with such history.
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert S
Chicago, IL27 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This is a wonderful and comprehensive exhibit of a critical time and development in America history. We had a truly passionate Park Ranger who provided a thorough background on the issue of segregation in our schools, and in Arkansas in particular. There are numerous exhibits in the museum itself, but I would highly recommend taking advantag of the ranger-led discussion and walk around the school site.
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sal and Christine W
Las Cruces, NM52 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Excellent and information-packed look at the painful process of desegregation and the courage of the Little Rock Nine. Our free tour with Ranger Randy lasted over 2 hours. Unfortunately heavy rain cut short the tour of the school, but we learned so much. We only spent about 20 min in the visitor center museum section but would definitely return a second time to tour the school grounds and spend more time in the museum section.
My tip: Take the tour with Ranger Randy!
My tip: Take the tour with Ranger Randy!
Written October 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abroadwithashley
Minneapolis, MN1,444 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This was a quick road trip stop for us. The visitor’s center is free and probably takes at most 30 mins if you read every line - less if you’re focusing on the story of the 9, but it’s good either way. If you’re not familiar with the larger context already then it’s helpful. Afterward, you can go see the (absolutely beautiful) school building and grounds across the street. Both the center and the school are highly recommended.
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hatzlacha
Virginia909 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
While I think other NPS sites do a better job of covering 1960's civil rights issues, the big take home point here is the challenges those six kids had to deal with. The visitor's center does a great job explaining that aspect as well as the impact they had on the country as a whole. I was disappointed that some of the colonial historical information in their displays was biased, something not common at other NPS sites either. So while this site may be worth visiting if local, many of the sites in other states (e.g. Alabama) are more impactful when learning U.S. civil rights history.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J S F
Etters, PA46 contributions
Aug 2023
A chance meeting with Civil Rights leader Julian Bond, now deceased, many years ago during a layover at the airport in Little Rock put this place on my radar screen. It took a while before a vacation route put my husband and me close enough to Little Rock for a side trip. If you want to get the most out of a visit, find out when Ranger Randy is giving his presentation and attend. This happens once a day and not on all days. Due to horribly hot and humid weather, we did not walk in front of the humongous high school, still being used for its original purpose. We didn't need to. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the level of Ranger Randy's offering. He's a huge African-American man, a Marine, who pulls no punches. He began his talk with a caveat. Because some previous NHS had complained about some of his language to his supervisor, he offered a caveat. In my humble opinion, he didn't have to. Yes, he uses raw words at times, as Mark Twain used them in his novels. There are period correct and are needed to effectively get the entire story out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with his script. Kids need to hear what he has to say. We all need to hear it. My husband and I were very young when The Little Rock Nine joined history. We knew of them, but definitely not as much as Ranger Randy told us. In a nutshell, the ones who survived year were the objects of horrendous bullying, cruelty, shunning. Although President Eisenhower in the troops to get them into the school, they were abandoned by all once the media left. The full story sure does make much of the Civil Rights Movement make a whole lot more sense. The NPS site itself is of the quality one would expect. Ranger Randy takes what is offered to a whole new level. Warning. Ranger Randy expects to retire in a year or so. If possible, get yourselves there before he leaves. Hopefully, Superintendent Robin White will record his presentation and Ranger Randy will train at least one more NPS Ranger to do what he is doing. If you don't have time to visit anything else in Little Rock, also home to the "little rock" and quite a bit of TheTrail of Tears, go to this NHS.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danny_7766
Washington DC, DC502 contributions
Can you enter the school building by yourself or you must join the tour? What part of the NHS can you actually visit if you don't have a reservation to the tour? Thank you.
T. Woods
El Campo, TX11 contributions
I do not believe so. The museum is an active High-school and we were not allowed to take pictures or video for safety of kids. You can go to the visitor center to read up on it all and I think u can self tour the outer grounds. However, I would HIGHLY suggest the free tour. Well... WELL worth your time!
David G
Potomac, MD135 contributions
Are reservations required or recommended? And, how much time should be allocated to the tour and museum?
606johnpr
Carlisle, UK74 contributions
We didn’t make any reservation, but we didn’t have any problem getting in on a (very) wet Sunday. I woulda allow up to 2 hours for the museum. It is that good.
John Priddle
Europelover2014
Chicago, IL3,472 contributions
Never having been to Little Rock, I am concerned about safety in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Is the surrounding area OK to drive through? The website says secure valuables in car which seems a no brainer where ever you are visiting - is the visitor parking lot at Central High School especially vulnerable to breaking and entering? Thanks.
Ranger D
Little Rock, AR
Stowing valuables out of site and locking your doors is a recommended practice for all travelers, everywhere. We strive to make all our national park sites safe places, but sometimes need to remind visitors National Parks are not immune from crime.
The Central High Neighborhood that surrounds the National Historic Site is recognized as a National Historic District for its homes, churches and businesses built between 1900 and 1941. It is a part of Little Rock referred to now as the Downtown Neighborhoods and the Quapaw Quarter. As with most inner city areas across the country, these older neighborhoods are generally more diverse architecturally, economically and demographically than contemporary planned subdivisions which are more homogenous and simply more modern. Its older ans so is its infrastructure. Visitors' impressions of the neighborhood tend to be a reflection of how alike or different it is to the neighborhood a visitor is from. Personal safety awareness / precautions should be practiced in all neighborhoods.
Ranger D
Little Rock, AR
The updates to the exhibits are being installed and we are reopening the completed areas as they are done. We already have the first third of the exhibit area reopened and are trying to minimize the impact on visitors' experiences.
rochchacha
Rochester NY36 contributions
We are planning a trip to Little Rock in April to see the Clinton library and the Central High historic site. I just found out that the visitor center is being renovated the week of April 15, which is when we are going to be there. They said parts, probably not all, of the visitor center will be closed off each day but the school tours will go on. I was so disappointed to hear it. Does anyone who has visited the site have an opinion as to how disappointed we might be if we can't see all of the visitor center but do go on the tour? Thank you!
rossf976
Fargo, ND141 contributions
The visitor center does a good job of explaining this complicated period of American history. But I think you should see the high school anyway. It's certainly worth an hour or two of your time in Little Rock.
chaboinga
Lexington, KY6 contributions
Is the tour a good fit for kids, and if so, what is the minimum age you would recommend?
Ranger D
Little Rock, AR
Rangers recommend the site for children in 4th grade and up. Younger children often do come with families and we are happy to have them visit, but the history, images and reading level of exhibits may be difficult for very young children to understand. When the Rangers reach out to Kindergarten to 3rd Grade classes, we use Dr. Seuss's "The Sneetches," to begin talking about discrimination and racial segregation. Families with young children may want to read this book together before visiting the National Historic Site. There is also a movie and several books available about Ruby Bridges, who desegregated a New Orleans elementary school as a first grader, three years after the Little Rock Nine.
Sharon B
Canton, Ohio, United States
What do I have to do to take a tour of the site?
mjodim
Little Rock, AR18 contributions
Call the Nationsl Park Service Visitor Center at 501-374-1957, between 9am and 4:30 Cental Time, to reserve your space on a walking tour as soon as you have your travel date set. There is no minimum number of people for a tour, maximum number is 50 people. Tours that go inside Central High can be reserved for 9am or 1pm starting time, Monday through Friday. Allow a minimum of 1 hour for the tour. The tours are free and begin and end at the Visitor Center.
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Claim your listingLITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is open:
- Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site:
- (2.29 km) The Empress of Little Rock
- (2.59 km) Capital Hotel
- (2.57 km) Little Rock Marriott
- (0.15 km) Classy Craftsman Cottage
- (0.16 km) 3 BR Spacious and Stylish Home Near Downtown
- Restaurants near Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site:
- (2.54 km) Allsopp & Chapple Restaurant + Bar
- (2.22 km) The Root Cafe
- (2.59 km) Brave New Restaurant
- (2.41 km) Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co
- (2.53 km) Bruno's Little Italy