Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock, AR
The school where nine Black students faced violent resistance when they entered in 1957, a key moment of the civil rights era. The visitor center across the street has exhibits, and rangers lead tours of the school.
On September 23, 1957, the "Little Rock Nine," nine African American students, briefly attended the then all-white Central High School for the first time; an angry mob of more than 1,000 people gathered outside, and the nine had to leave school early. President Eisenhower then sent soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, who enforced the court-ordered desegregation. The school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, became a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and a National Historic Site in 1998.
The visitor center across from the school, opened in 2007, presents films and exhibits on the 1957 crisis and the civil rights movement. The school is still a fully functioning public high school, so the interior is not open to visitors; ranger-led tours cover the story. Allow about two hours, and check in advance when tours are offered.
- Nearest town
- Little Rock, AR
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 34.7364, -92.2993
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Downtown Riverside RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site · 61 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Burns Park - RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover4 mi from Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site · 54 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · Little RockMotorhome stopover6 mi from Little Rock Central High School National Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · Little RockMotorhome stopover10 mi from Little Rock Central High School National Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · Little RockMotorhome stopover14 mi from Little Rock Central High School National Historic SiteMotorhomesWaste disposal
- Camp Robinson SUA Camp GroundCampsite18 mi from Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
All campsites in Arkansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site?
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is in Little Rock, AR, at GPS 34.7364, -92.2993. It is about 46 mi from Hot Springs.
Can you camp near Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Downtown Riverside RV Park, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pinnacle Mountain State Park (13 mi), Petit Jean State Park (45 mi), Bathhouse Row (46 mi) and Garvan Woodland Gardens (47 mi).
When is the best time to visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)