Safety

CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS

Beginning Tuesday, April 11, 2023, visitors to Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site can expect or plan for these logistics:

• The site's visitor center is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT/CST; no entrance fees required for the visitor center or park programming unless otherwise specified.
  • Visitor access to park exhibits, restrooms and the bookstore will be available only from Tuesday through Saturday; we recommend using the free NPS App for digital content on the days when the visitor center is closed.

• No specific limitations on the number of visitors allowed inside the visitor center/exhibits at any time.

• Scheduled weekday and weekend ranger-led programs will now be able to accommodate 50 visitors. All ranger-led programs will be given 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 50 visitors or request a different program time must contact the park in advance to see if an accommodation can be made; programs do not include access inside Little Rock Central High School. For more information on scheduling a tour, visit Guided Tours.
  • Ranger-led tours and other public programming will be available only from Tuesday through Saturday until further notice.
    

• Outdoor spaces at Little Rock Central High School NHS remain open daily to the public including the Commemorative Garden and the Elizabeth Eckford Commemorative Bench. The Commemorative Garden is open daily for public visitation and use from 7:00 a.m. CST/CDT until sunset. The Magnolia Mobil Gas Station & Little Rock Central High School are always closed to the public and not available for public use.

 

For Emergencies, Dial 9-1-1

For Non-Emergency Services, Dial 3-1-1

 

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.

 

Visitor Center Parking Lot

NPS Photo

Secure your belongings

Be sure that any valuables left in your vehicle are out of plain sight and make sure your vehicle is securely locked.

 

Little Rock Central High School NHS is bounded by two city streets, private residences and a function high school with over 2,500 students and staff.

NPS Photo

Be alert while driving

The streets around the Visitor Center and Little Rock Central High School are busy. Automobile, pedestrian, and bus traffic can become very heavy, especially between 8:00-9:00 a.m. CST/CDT and 3:00-4:00 p.m. CST/CDT on weekdays when school is in session. Use caution and keep an eye out for pedestrians, visitors and students crossing the street.