Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Rate this place

Parks

Arkansas

Nearby: Ninth St. Park Riverfront Park Nlr

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is located in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It commemorates the historic events that took place in 1957 when nine African American students were enrolled in the previously all-white Little Rock Central High School. This event marked a significant turning point in the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

One of the main reasons to visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is to learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges faced by the African American community during this time. Visitors can explore the school, which is still an active high school, and the adjacent Visitor Center, which houses exhibits and interactive displays that provide an educational and emotional experience.

Specific points of interest to see include the Little Rock Nine Memorial, a bronze sculpture that honors the courage and sacrifice of the African American students who integrated the school, and the 1957 Crisis Photo Gallery, which contains photographs and artifacts from the time of the integration.

Interesting facts about the area include that the Little Rock Nine were initially prevented from entering the school by the Arkansas National Guard, but were eventually allowed to attend with the help of federal troops sent by President Eisenhower. The school's integration was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and led to significant changes in education and society as a whole.

The best time of year to visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the Visitor Center is open. However, the site can be visited year-round, and guided tours are available from National Park Service rangers.

Overall, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

Explore Interactive Map

LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References