Basic Information

Information Central to Your Visit

• Free admission - open Tuesday through Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT/CST). The visitor center is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
• Weekday and weekend scheduled ranger-led programs of 50 visitors will not include access inside Little Rock Central High School. All ranger-led programs will be given at 1:00 p.m. CDT/CST by confirmed reservation only pending availability and must be reserved at a minimum of 48 hours (two days) in advance. Groups wanting to bring more than 50 visitors must contact the park in advance to see if an accommodation can be made. For more information on scheduling a ranger-led program, visit our reservations page.

• Outdoor spaces at Little Rock Central High School NHS are accessible to the public including the Commemorative Garden and the Elizabeth Eckford Commemorative Bench. Central High is a functioning high school and unauthorized access is not permitted.

What should I see at the NHS?

Start at our Visitor Center located at 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Park rangers can provide you with suggestions depending on your interests and the length of your stay. For more information about sites, see Places to Go.

Does the NHS have an admission charge?

Admission to Little Rock Central High School NHS is free.

Does the NHS give ranger-led programs?

Yes; we offer ranger-led programs with an advanced reservation. There is no access inside Little Rock Central High School.

Ranger-led programs are offered on 1:00 PM CST/CDT; no programs with access inside Little Rock Central High School are available. Ranger-led programs must be scheduled at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance and fill up quickly. Currently, ranger-led programs may only allow for a maximum of 50 total participants and are a guided, walking interpretive activity that will share the story of the Little Rock Nine, desegregation, education and the civil rights movement.

For more information and instructions on how to participate, visit our reservations page.

Where can I park my car, school bus or RV?

Free parking and accessible spaces are available at the NHS visitor center. Bus/RV spaces measure 14 feet wide x 40 feet long.

Are the NHS buildings accessible?

The visitor center, the front area of the Magnolia Mobil Gas Station, the Commemorative Garden, the front grounds of Little Rock Central High School (main entrance is not accessible) and the Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench are accessible. At the visitor center, guests may borrow a wheelchair or other mobility device(s) for use in the park. Assistive listening devices with amplification and audio description are available for NHS exhibits. Check the accessibility section for more information on NHS services.

What do you recommend for families visiting with children?

The NHS offers a free Junior Ranger program at the visitor center.

What food services are available at the NHS?

No food services are available, but the NHS is located within driving distance of several dining options. Visitors may also choose to bring a bagged lunch and eat on one of the benches in the NHS.

Is filming, still photography and/or permitted in the NHS?

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;

• Uses hand-carried equipment only;

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Is the NHS pet friendly?

Pets are permitted on NHS grounds provided they are leashed; please remember to always pick up after your pet. Individuals in possession of a pet must have on their person a bag or device for the containerization and removal of pet excrement. Outside trash receptacles are provided throughout the NHS. Pets are not permitted in any NHS buildings; service animals are welcome in all NHS buildings that are open to the public.

Is the NHS stroller friendly?

Strollers are permitted in NHS buildings.