• Front facade of Little Rock Central High School

    Little Rock Central High School

    National Historic Site Arkansas

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  • Restricted Access to Central High School

    All visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 2120 West Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Do NOT park in front of Central High School or at the Magnolia Gas Station. All school tours require advance reservations.

Things To Do

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site visitor center features a permanent exhibit on the 1957 desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School and a bookstore. Visitors are welcome to explore the center, the Commemorative Garden, and the historic Central High neighborhood on their own. Rangers are available at the information desk to answer questions and provide an introduction to the exhibits. In addition, rangers conduct special programs throughout the summer and the school year. Please call (501) 374-1957 for more information or see the schedule of events for a list of upcoming programs.

Rangers offer guided tours of the high school by reservation only. These tours are limited to a maximum of 50 participants and must be reserved a minimum of two weeks in advance by calling (501) 374-1957. The school is an operating high school, so visitors are strictly prohibited from entering or touring the school on their own or without being accompanied by the National Park Service.

Did You Know?

Segregationist hate mail sent to vice principal Elizabeth Huckaby

Vice Principal Elizabeth Huckaby's memoir of the 1957 desegregation crisis was made into a television movie starring Joanne Woodward, titled Crisis at Central High. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site