Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Photo of the Elizabeth Eckford bus bench, Central High School façade and the Commemorative Garden.

NPS Photo

 

3D model of the novel coronavirus, dubbed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS

COVID-19 Precautions - August 2022

Little Rock, Arkansas – Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (NHS) has increased public access to the visitor center and resumed park programming.

Visitors can expect:

• Free admission
  • The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center is currently open Tuesday through Saturday (10:00 a.m. CST/CDT to 4:00 p.m. CST/CDT). The Magnolia Mobil Gas 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 7:00 a.m. 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.
• Visitor access to park bookstore, Tuesday through Saturday.
• No more than 50 visitors will be allowed inside the visitor center/exhibits at any time. A wait list for entry will be implemented on days with high visitation; in this scenario, visitors may be limited to only 30 minutes in the visitor center. The last permitted entry to the visitor center each day will be 30 minutes before scheduled closing times.

• Weekday and weekend ranger-led tours of no more than 25 visitors will not include access inside Little Rock Central High School. All ranger-led tours will be given only at 1:00 p.m. CDT/CST by confirmed reservation only and must be reserved at a minimum of 48 hours (two days) in advance. Groups wanting to bring more than 15 visitors must contact the park in advance to see if an accommodation can be made. For more information on scheduling a tour, visit Guided Tours.
• Outdoor spaces at Little Rock Central High School NHS remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance including the Commemorative Garden and the Elizabeth Eckford Commemorative Bench.

While these above areas and programs are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may continue to be limited. NPS staff will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

The National Park Service has updated its masking guidance to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) new COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take. Effective immediately, masking requirements will vary by park based on local conditions, however masks are still required on all forms of enclosed public transportation.

In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community levels, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable. Our site will update the mask status each Monday based on the COVID-19 community level for Pulaski County (Little Rock) and post both website alerts and appropriate signage onsite regarding masks in the park's visitor center (an NPS building).

Individuals looking to get COVID-19 vaccine can visit vaccines.gov or text their ZIP code to 438829 to find a location close to them and make an appointment.

The National Park Service encourages you to follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• If you feel sick, please visit another day.
• Maintain 6 ft (2 m) social distance from other visitors, wash your hands, and do not gather in groups.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

 

Come prepared for the weather

Temperatures year-round can range from >100°F (38°C) to <20°F (-7°C). Summer days can be hot and humid, while the wind chill can make late fall and winter temperatures feel much colder. Your visit can be more enjoyable by checking the forecast and coming prepared to Little Rock Central High School NHS.

• In the summer, be prepared for extreme heat and high humidity while outside at the Commemorative Garden, Magnolia Mobil Gas Station, Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench, on the grounds of Little Rock Central High School or outside the Visitor Center.
  • Use sunscreen, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and use a hat/carry an umbrella for shade protection or rain coverage.
  • Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. Water fountains are available inside the visitor center.
  • Lightning can accompany storms, so if you hear thunder, take shelter.

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.