Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Give yourself ample time to explore the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site; absorbing the weight of what happened there can be a heavy experience. While the school itself isn't open to the public, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see key sites. The park is located in downtown Little Rock, but you'll find a few hiking trails and plenty of shopping and dining choices.

Hiking Trails

• Allsop Park Trails

  Get some fresh air on the Allsop Park Trails. Although they're located just three miles from the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, you'll feel like you're out in the wilderness. The trails travel through the forest, offering packed-dirt surfaces and plenty of shade. Hike the entire 3.7-mile loop, or stick to the paved section in the southwest corner for easier stroller or wheelchair travel.

  Location

  3700 Cedar Hill Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202

  Length

  3.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• War Memorial Park Trails

  Drive 4 miles west of Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to find the trails at War Memorial Park. Kids love walking by water at the small pond, and you'll often see runners out for a jog. The Little Rock Zoo is just across the street if you're up for a side trip.

  Location

  5101 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205

  Length

  2.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Streetscape Tours

  Take in the magnitude of the events that happened at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site during one of the park's Streetscape tours. Led by rangers, these tours follow the journey of the Little Rock Nine; you can see the Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench, the Magnolia Mobil Station, and other key sights, all while hearing about their significance. Tours must be booked in advance — call well before your trip to guarantee a spot.

  Location

  Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site visitor center

• Magnolia Mobil Gas Station

  During the desegregation crisis in Little Rock in the 1950s, reporters flocked to the city. Their unlikely headquarters was the Magnolia Mobil Gas Station; it had a payphone, and it was close to the high school, so reporters went there to call in their stories. During your visit, you can walk around the restored building and see the historic gas pumps on display.

  Location

  2125 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202

• Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench

  The Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench sits in honor of its namesake, who was one of the original students to attend Little Rock Central High School after it was desegregated. On the first day, 15-year-old Eckford made it to the bus stop but was chased by a mob of angry white people before she could reach the school.

  Location

  1513 S. Park St., Little Rock, AR 72202

Museums

• Central High Museum

  The Central High Museum is located inside the visitor center at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. Watch video clips to get a sense of the violence and anger that the Little Rock Nine faced on a daily basis, and check out the many different exhibits to get a sense of how the desegregation of the school fit into the larger picture of Civil Rights in the United States.

  Location

  2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Capitol Gift Shop

  If you're visiting the Arkansas State Capitol, stop by the Capitol Gift Shop for a variety of government and Arkansas-themed souvenirs. The shop also has a collection of educational materials and apparel.

  Location

  500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, AR 72201

• Stifft Station Gifts

  Stifft Station Gifts is a beautiful, locally owned store that carries a variety of unique pieces. Check out the artistic tea towels and quirky jewelry, or explore the excellent yarn selection.

  Location

  3009 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205

• Moxy Modern Mercantile

  Moxy Modern Mercantile is one of those stores that requires plenty of time for browsing — the selection is varied and well-curated, with unique treasures everywhere you look. Pick up a pair of funky socks as a gift, or get yourself a coffee table book, accessory, or piece of home decor.

  Location

  1419 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202

• MeMe’s Twisted Potato

  If you're in search of delicious vegan food, head straight to MeMe’s Twisted Potato. Grab a sandwich and end with an order of strawberry shortcake; if you have room, get the signature twisted potato on the side.

  Location

  3005 Asher Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204

• Rock City Kitchen

  Serving home-cooked Southern fare, Rock City Kitchen is a great place to try fried fish or dig into a hearty burger. The dining area is small and bright, and the service is warm and welcoming.

  Location

  1515 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201

• South On Main

  Enjoy an evening out at South On Main, which features a full bar and frequent live music events. The menu includes Southern classics such as succotash and pimento mac and cheese as well as BBQ, seafood, and an excellent selection of small plates.

  Location

  1304 S Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202

How To Get To Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is located in the center of Arkansas, near two major interstates: I-40 and I-30. US-67 also runs directly into town. From Memphis or Oklahoma City, take I-40 to Little Rock. If you're driving from Texas, take I-30. Once you reach Little Rock, the site is located just south of I-630 south of the Arkansas River.

Address

2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202-5212

Fee: Entry fee $0

If you're interested in American history or the civil rights movement, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is an illuminating and sobering spot. With its historic sites and fascinating story, this park is a great place to reflect on how far the country has come and how far it has to go. RV camping in one of the Little Rock campgrounds gives you plenty of time to absorb the experience and explore the Arkansas countryside.