Things to Do at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

explore Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site commemorates one of the most significant events in American civil rights history. In 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, courageously enrolled at the previously all-white Central High School, challenging racial segregation in education. This pivotal moment required federal intervention when President Eisenhower deployed federal troops to ensure the students' safety and enforce desegregation. Today, the site serves as both an active high school and a powerful museum dedicated to preserving this crucial chapter in the struggle for civil rights. The National Park Service operates a visitor center across from the school, offering exhibits, films, and educational programs that tell the story of the Little Rock Nine and the broader context of the civil rights movement. The site stands as a testament to the courage of young people who helped transform American society.

explore Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is located at 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas. The site is easily accessible by car via Interstate 630 or Interstate 30, with free parking available at the visitor center. Little Rock's public transit system, Rock Region Metro, provides bus service to the area. The site is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Little Rock and 15 minutes from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.