Safety

CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (NHS) reopened the site's visitor center and resumed onsite park programming on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

Visitors can expect or plan for ahead of a visit to the NHS:

• Free admission.
  • Visitor Center is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT/CST with limited services.

• Access to park bookstore.

• As of May 1, 2022, a limit of 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 in their allowed time in the visitor center and the last permitted entry to the visitor center each day would be 30 minutes before scheduled closing, e.g., 4:00 p.m. CDT/CST.

• As of May 1, 2022, weekday and weekend ranger-led tours of no more than 25 visitors.
  • Tours have resumed but will not include access inside Little Rock Central High School. All ranger-led tours are 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 25 visitors must contact the park in advance to see if an accommodation can be made. For more information on scheduling a tour and a list of any available or unavailable dates, visit our Guided Tours webpage.

• Access to outdoor spaces.
  • Outdoor amenities 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. Central High School is a functioning high school and unauthorized access is not permitted.

COVID-19 Precautions

Little Rock Central High School NHS has modified visitor access to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus; some of the site's programming and facility access has been either cancelled or limited in scope.

While the listed areas above are accessible for visitors to enjoy, services may be limited. The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We 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. Find more information about the National Park Service’s response and operations at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

 

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.