Children's Museums

Central High Museum

Name: Central High Museum
Address: 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202, Little Rock, AR, US
Telephone: (501) 516-7230
Rating: 4.8

★★★★☆ 4.8 (227 reviews)

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

📞 (501) 516-7230

🌐 www.nps.gov/chsc/index.htm

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	Closed

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About Central High Museum

Iconic site in desegregation of schools. Prominent school where the Little Rock Nine entered in 1957 in a move to desegregate public schools. The Little Rock Nine integrated Central High School in 1957, marking a pivotal moment in American civil rights history and school desegregation. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 227 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: National Historic Site
Focus: Civil rights history and the Little Rock Nine integration crisis of 1957
Best For: All ages, school groups, educators
Programs: Fieldtrips, virtual visits, teacher workshops, Junior Ranger program
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas

💡 Did You Know?

🏛️The Little Rock Nine integrated Central High School in 1957, marking a pivotal moment in American civil rights history and school desegregation
⭐The museum offers free admission and requires advance reservation by phone to attend guided tours
⭐The active high school building cannot be entered by visitors due to its continued use as a functioning public school; only exterior photographs are permitted
⭐Park rangers deliver guided programs that present historical events without sugarcoating, with visitors noting the intense emotional impact of walking the grounds where violence and harassment occurred during integration

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Reserve your tour in advance by calling ahead - this is a free experience but spots must be reserved prior to your visit
💡Plan to spend time at the visitor center museum first to gain historical context, then take the guided tour where the park ranger will provide powerful storytelling about the Little Rock Nine without sugarcoating the difficult history
💬The high school building itself remains an active public school so you cannot enter the building - only exterior photos are permitted. Plan to view the surrounding historic area including the nearby gas station and stores from that era, and visit the shaded memorial park across from the school for reflection
💡This is a sobering and emotionally impactful experience focused on violence and trauma - allow adequate time for reflection and consider the emotional readiness of visitors, particularly younger children, before visiting
💡Participate in the 'Plan Like a Park Ranger' program to get insider tips for a more memorable experience and deeper understanding of this profoundly important civil rights history site