Welcome! This page answers frequently asked questions about visiting the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain, including hours, public access, exhibits, dining, and campus guidelines.
If you don’t see your question below, please use our contact us page or call our Front Desk at (501) 727‑5435.
Need a Map?
Here’s a digital layout of the Institute’s campus, including all public exhibits, historical landmarks, meeting rooms, amenities, and lodging facilities.
About the Institute
What does the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute do?
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a nonprofit conference and retreat center that uses the Rockefeller Ethic to bring people together to collaboratively solve problems. Through programs, workshops, facilitation, and conferences, we provide a productive setting on our mountaintop campus for groups to do important work.
What hours are you open to the public?
We are open Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Do I need to check in when I arrive?
Yes. Please check in at the Front Desk upon arrival so we can greet you, answer any questions, and provide a campus map.
Public Access
Can anyone visit the Institute?
Yes, we welcome visitors! Because much of our building is used by conference clients and program participants, some areas are reserved for registered guests, but several historic and public spaces are available to visitors.
Which areas are open to the public?
During public hours, visitors are welcome to walk around campus and visit:
- Legacy Gallery and Legacy Theater
- Governor and Lt. Governor’s offices (historic spaces)
- The Roustabout coffee shop
- Studio Overlook
Are any areas restricted to registered guests?
Yes. Only registered guests may spend time by Lake Abby or use other guest‑only campus amenities.
Coffee & Food Options
What is The Roustabout?
We have ended public food service through what was known as River Rock Grill. However, The Roustabout, our coffee shop, is open and available to the public.
The Roustabout Coffee Shop provides full coffee and beverage service, fresh food stocked daily by our Institute Kitchen staff, complimentary high‑speed Wi‑Fi, and space to enjoy a snack, meet with colleagues, or work. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While all drinks are made when ordered, food options are grab-and-go (not made to order). Availability can vary, and not every item is available at all times.
Historic Spaces & Exhibits
What is the Legacy Gallery?
The Legacy Gallery is a 3,000 square‑foot permanent exhibit titled Winthrop Rockefeller: a Sphere of Power and Influence Dropped into a River of Need.
The exhibit is built from a survey of about 10,000 photos from the Winthrop Rockefeller Archives at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and includes more than 300 restored/enlarged images across 180 murals and interpretive panels.
What is the Legacy Theater?
The Legacy Theater is an interactive, 26‑seat theater that shows several videos—historic and documentary—about Governor Rockefeller’s life and work. It includes the 1957 Interim Report narrated by Rockefeller, which offers a personal look at his early years of work at Winrock Farms.
What is Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller’s Office?
This historic office has been carefully restored to reflect its original condition, with preserved or recreated furnishings and personal effects. The office reflects the period from 1955 to 1973, including Rockefeller’s years as governor, when he oversaw business, political, and charitable work from this mountaintop headquarters.
What is Lt. Gov. Winthrop P. Rockefeller’s Office?
The office features items and gifts Lt. Gov. Winthrop P. Rockefeller (Win Paul) kept on display as a sign of gratitude. It reflects his commitment to using inherited and earned resources wisely in service to others.
Photography Policy
May I take photos on your property?
Yes. Because we’re open to the public, we allow photographers to use our natural setting for photos during public hours (Monday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) at no charge, as long as you follow our photography policy.
Do photographers need to call ahead?
Yes. All photographers should call (501) 727‑6245 to OK the day and time with our conference planners, even during regular business hours. This helps ensure conference groups are not disturbed.
Do photographers need to check in?
Yes. All photographers must check in at the Front Desk before going further on campus.
Can I take photos outside of public hours?
Yes, but you must call (501) 727‑6245 to make a formal reservation, and a fee applies for sessions before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m.
Cattle & Winrock Farms
Was that a cow I saw?
You may see cattle in pasture adjacent to the road as you drive toward the Institute, but we are not cattle farmers.
Are you Winrock Farms?
No. Much of the acreage surrounding our 188‑acre campus belongs to Winrock Farms and is often leased to other cattle operations for grazing. Winrock Farms is still owned by the Arkansas Rockefeller family. We’re in the business of convening, not cows.
Relation to Other Organizations
Are there other organizations that share your name?
Yes. There are three separate organizations with similar names:
- Winthrop Rockefeller Institute (this organization)
- Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (a nonprofit, grant‑making organization headquartered in Little Rock)
- Winrock International (mission focused on empowering the disadvantaged, increasing economic opportunity, and sustaining natural resources)
Winrock International had its Arkansas headquarters on this site from 1985 to 2005, and moved its Arkansas office to Little Rock in 2005, creating space for the Institute. The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation is also headquartered in Little Rock.
Nearby Attractions & Special Events
Is the Institute part of Petit Jean State Park?
No, but Petit Jean State Park is less than two miles from the Institute. We’re proud to be near one of Arkansas’s most beloved state parks.
Can I hold a special event at the Institute, like a wedding?
We sincerely appreciate the interest, but we do not host weddings, reunions, or similar special events. We do, however, host many other meetings.
Still have questions?
If you didn’t find what you need:
- Use our Contact Us page and we’ll get back to you.
- Or call our Front Desk at (501) 727‑5435.