Laws & Policies

 
Compendium signature area with the verified digital signature by Vance Noles, Superintendent of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Dated April, 3 2024. Text in image is repeated below. Includes National Park Service logo in black and white.
Signed Compendium Header

NPS

Superintendent's Compendium
Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior


George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
401 S. 2nd St
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-882-1776 phone
812-882-7270 fax
www.nps.gov/gero

Approved: 4/3/2024
Vance Noles, Superintendent

 

Superintendent’s Compendium Described


The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and
resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without
further elaboration at the park level.

The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public.

As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature.

Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park.

A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment more fully of all the areas of the national Park System.

A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at:
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
The CFR is also available on the Internet at: eCFR :: Title 36 of the CFR -- Parks, Forests, and Public Property

 

Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This Compendium

The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1 et. seq. (Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations” (16 U.S.C. Section 1). In addition, the NPS Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service” (16 U.S.C. Section 3).

In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (16 U.S.C. Sections 1a1-1a8), Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916.

In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.”

16 U.S.C. Section 1c defines the National Park System as”…any areas of land and water now or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.”

In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, if use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use, or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, then that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.

 

Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and Requirements

The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866.

In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared.

 

Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium

As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:

  • Is there use or activity consistent with the NPS Organic Act and NPS policy?
  • Is the use or activity consistent and compatible with the park’s enabling legislation, management objectives, and corresponding management plans?
  • Will the use or activity damage the park’s protected natural and cultural resources and other protected values?
  • Will the use or activity disturb or be in conflict with wildlife, vegetation, and environmental protection actions and values?
  • Will the use or activity conflict with or be incompatible with traditional park uses and activities?
  • Will the use or activity compromise employee or public safety?
 

Applicability of the Compendium

The rules contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise present on federally owned lands, including submerged lands, and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters.

 

Enforcement of Compendium Requirements

NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.

 

Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium Requirements

A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1- 7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below.

 

Comments on the Compendium

The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time.
Superintendent
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
401 S 2nd St.
Vincennes, IN 47591

 

Effective Date of the Superintendent Compendium

The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year.

 

Additional Information

Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions.

 

Availability

Copies of the Compendium are available at 401 South 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN
47591. It may also be found at:
https://www.nps.gov/gero/learn/management/lawsandpolicies

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUM

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters
administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

 

Visiting Hours

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

The following visiting hours are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Visitor Center and Clark Memorial

  • Visitor Center, Daily 9 am till 5 pm. May be closed federal holidays from Oct. to April.
  • Clark Memorial, Closes 15 minutes prior to Visitor Center closing.
  • Parking lot closes at 5 pm.
Hours of visitation may vary seasonally, and they may be affected by current staffing levels, funding, severe weather, or any emergency situation that may pose a serious risk to visitors or staff.

Determination: Visiting hours have been established to promote an enjoyable visitor experience based on anticipated visitation and current staffing levels.

Day Use Only

The grounds of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park are designated as “Day Use” only. Public visitation to all park property is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.

This does not apply to park personnel on official business, park sponsored special events, as well as residents and their guests with legal access rights or rights-of-way through and across the park. NPS and Friends group sponsored special events, approved public meetings and programs scheduled to occur in any of the park units after designated closure times are exempt.

Determination: After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking would create impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources. There is no valid use of these units during the hours of sunset to sunrise.
 

Public Use Limits

The following public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park:

Electric Personal Transportation Devices

Electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric skates, or any other similar electric transportation devices designed to carry a single passenger and propelled or assisted by an electric motor are prohibited on all park trail systems. Electric bikes are permitted on park roads in compliance with adopted state laws.

Determination: This restriction is necessary to provide for the safety of visitors and motorists on curving roads and trails, often with steep grades.

Other-Power-Driven Mobility Devices

Only individuals with disabilities may use Other-Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD's) in the park, however they are prohibited in undeveloped areas. OPDMD users retain the right of way and duties applicable to any pedestrian, however, OPDMD
users must yield to pedestrians. The only exception to this is entering or exiting elevators, where OPDMD users have the right of way.

OPDMD's may be used under the following conditions:

  • Operators must be 16 years or older ~ The OPDMD displays a universal handicap decal.
  • OPDMD must be a zero-emissions vehicle.
  • The OPDMD is no greater than 36 inches in width at its widest point.
  • OPDMD speeds may not exceed 5 miles per hour.
  • Front, rear, and side reflectors are present.
  • A system that enables the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop is operational.
  • If operating an OPDMD between half an hour after sunset to a half an hour before dawn, a lamp emitting a white light that is visible from 300 feet in front of the OPDMD is required while the OPDMD is in motion.
  • A sound-emitting device that can be activated from time to time by the operator to alert nearby persons, as appropriate, is operational.

Determination: The use of OPDMDs by able-bodied persons is prohibited in the park because they meet the definition of a motor vehicle, and off-road travel is prohibited, the only exception being those for individuals who meet the criteria of a disabled person as
defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable modifications for accessibility using Electric Personal Transportation Devices through the superintendent’s office, (812) 882-1776, Ext. 1202.

 

Closures

The following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Areas Closed to All Public Use, Entry and Access at All Times

The following areas are closed to all non-park personnel and vehicle traffic, except those on official business or those with a deeded access or right-of way across the area.

  • Climbing on the Lincoln Memorial Bridge understructure is prohibited.
  • Standing, walking, or running on the river wall or memorial terrace wall is prohibited. Children will be discouraged from sitting on the river wall.


Determination: Closures of areas and activities are based visitor and staff safety, and protection of cultural and natural resources.

Emergency or Temporary Closures

The Superintendent or acting designee may temporarily close park roadways, parking areas, facilities, waters, and/or all or portions of the park due to:

Weather, (e.g., snow and ice) based on forecasts or post-storm recovery
operations, or due to other hazardous conditions.
NOTE: During periods of snow or ice accumulation the park will make every effort to ensure sidewalks and stairs are safe for visitors and employees. Limited
staff and equipment will require a focused approach to this effort. During ice and
snow events the following walkways will not be cleared and will be considered
closed: the floodwall area and its steps and walkways leading to and from; the
bridge approach and its steps and walkways will be closed except for one path on both sides of the road leading to and from the bridge span. Any sidewalk, stairs, parking area, or other maintained area which has not had snow or ice removed will be considered closed until such time as it is made safe.

  • Law Enforcement emergencies or public safety concerns.
  • Areas of new construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation closed to visitors for safety reasons and to avoid unreasonable conflict with authorized work.
  • For any reason deemed necessary to protect park resources, visitors, or staff.


The posting of signs, maps, media announcements, and the use of barricades and/or gates will identify such closures.

While these areas are closed to the public, the Superintendent retains the right to grant special or routine access to park staff and/or administrative users for park management and/or research interests.

Temporary Closures in Effect

Pedestrian access to the North side of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge Approach and sections of the south side is prohibited. The approach includes the stonework on the Indiana side of the bridge.

Determination: This closure is necessary for the protection of visitors and staff and is mandated by OSHA regulations. The closure will be lifted once all safety hazards have been mitigated.

Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Operation

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Definition of Unmanned Aircraft:

The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Determination: The closure is in effect to maintain the historical significance of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, to protect the park's natural and cultural resources and to provide for public safety.

Motorized and Non-Motorized Hobbies

The park is closed to the use of non-motorized, radio-controlled gliders, sail planes, and motorized aircraft and vehicle models, and model rockets.

Determination: Such activities are considered inappropriate in Historical Interpretive Areas and would constitute a danger to public safety. The use of propellant propelled model rocket is also a fire danger.

Signs And Notices

The posting of signs and notices in the park is prohibited. These include but are not limited to business or private signs or announcements, realty signs, and political advertisements.

 

Conditions Or Restrictions In Effect On A Use Or Activity

The following conditions or restrictions have been imposed on the noted use or activity:

Facemasks – Conditions/Restrictions

The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the use of facemasks:

  • When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.
  • When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.
  • When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.
  • Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.
  • Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.
  • Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.

Passenger Bus Operation – Conditions/Restrictions

Engines must be shut down when not underway.
Determination: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park. Due to the nature of the service provided by the shuttle busses, they are excluded from the requirement.
 

CCTV Policy Statement:

In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that George Rogers Clark National Historical Park uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.

The park’s use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be to help ensure public safety and security, facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1).

Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2)

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.
 

Permits

II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:

  • Specimen collecting (scientific research) (36 CFR § 2.5)
  • Camping (36 CFR § 2.10)
  • Creating audio disturbance (36 CFR § 2.12)
  • Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services (36 CFR § 2.37)
  • Using or possessing explosives (36 CFR § 2.38)
  • Special Events (36 CFR § 2.50)
  • Public Assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expression of views by groups of 26 or more (36 CFR § 2.51(a)) NOTE: The designated park area for demonstrations, 1st Amendment activities, and/or the sale or distribution of printed matter (36 CFR § 2.52) is Patrick Henry Square. These activities will not be allowed in and around the Clark Memorial due to the disturbance of the Historical landscape and the atmosphere and visitor experience expected there.
  • Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events (36 CFR § 2.5 (a))
  • Sale or distribution of printed matter (36 CFR § 2.52)
  • Display of commercial notices or ads (36 CFR § 5.1)
  • Memorialization or scattering of human ashes (36 CFR § 2.62)
  • Exceeding established vehicle load, weight, and size limits (36 CFR § 4.11)
  • Selling intoxicants in certain park areas (36CFR § 5.2)
  • Advertisements – (Display, posting or distribution.) (36 CFR § 5.1)
  • Engaging in or soliciting any business (36 CFR § 5.3)
  • Commercial photography/filming (36 CFR § 5.5) (See Sec III, 36 CFR §5.5 for exceptions)
  • Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising. (36 CFR § 5.5)
  • Aircraft & Air Delivery (36 CFR § 2.17)
  • Any construction on Federal property (36 CFR § 5.7)

The listed activities are required by law (36 CFR) to acquire a Special Use Permit or Commercial Use Authorization. Special Use Permits may be obtained by accessing an application at the park permit webpage, at:
Permits & Reservations - George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
and clicking on the applicable permit application, or by calling the Park at (812) 882-1776.
Activities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuances of a permit.

Any activity that would otherwise violate operating hours, closures or limits listed in this compendium requires a permit.

Maps of First Amendment areas at each park unit are located at First Amendment - George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) and the end of this compendium.

 

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

This section lists the modifications and limitations to the general park regulations that have been made under the Superintendent’s discretionary authority.

This section only lists the modifications made specific to George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and does not list all the regulatory requirements for visitors, which is contained in the Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter I.

36 CFR §2.1 - Preservation Of Natural, Cultural And Archeological Resources

The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending, or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments, or statues:

  • Climbing on statues, flood wall, memorial parapet or other historic features is prohibited.

The following fruits, nuts, berries may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or possession and consumption restrictions:

  • Sweet gum seed pods
  • Redbud seed pods
  • Walnuts
  • Pinecones
  • Bald Cyprus seed pods
  • Acorns

Due to potential safety concerns, visitors may not climb trees or use ladders to collect fruits, nuts, or berries.

 

36 CFR 2.13 – Fires

The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
  • Ground fires and the use of stoves, barbecue grills or kerosene lanterns are prohibited.
Determination: The park’s approved historic cultural landscape plan would be compromised by allowing fires.
  • Open fires are permitted by park volunteers during approved living history demonstrations.
 

36 CFR §2.15 – Pets

The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

  • Visitor center
  • Memorial Rotunda

All persons visiting the park and accompanied by a pet are responsible for disposal of the pet’s excrement. Owners or persons having custody or control of any animal(s) will immediately remove and dispose of excrement voided by an animal(s) under their control. Excrement will be properly disposed of in an appropriate outdoor container.

Determination: The park receives a large amount of visitation from pet owners and their pets. In the past pet excrement was allowed to remain on the battlefield. An unhealthy and problematic condition occurred. In order to facilitate visitor compliance, the park has placed excrement disposal bag dispensers and waste containers throughout the park for public use.

 

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

  • Visitor center

  • Memorial Rotunda

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

  • All excrement must be removed from the ground. Bag distribution sites are available near the bulletin board at the front of the Old Cathedral and at the bulletin board near the parking area.
 

36 CFR §2.19 – Winter Activities

Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and similar winter sports are not permitted on the Clark Memorial, visitor center arcade or any steps.

Determination: These winter activities impede visitors attempting to visit these buildings and pose a potential safety hazard.
 

36 CFR § 2.20 – Skating, Skateboards, And Similar Devices

Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited parkwide.

Determination: Use of these devices is prohibited due to instances of visitor injuries and damage to park resources.

 

36 CFR § 2.21 – Smoking

The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking and the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) as noted:

  • Federal Law prohibits smoking or vaping in all park buildings or within 10 feet of any public entrance.

Determination: Smoking in Federal facilities is prohibited. Smoking next to doors or open windows may draw smoke into the building exposing persons to the smoke involuntarily.

 

36 CFR §2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

  • The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the visitor center or Clark Memorial is prohibited.
  • Presence in the park when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the extent that may endanger oneself or another person, or damage property or park resources, is prohibited.
 

36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives

  • Fireworks and firecrackers are not allowed in the park.
 

36 CFR § 2.50 – Special Events

Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit has been issued by the superintendent.

 

36 CFR § 2.51 – Demonstrations

Demonstrations of 25 people or less are allowed within the park designated as available under paragraph (c)(2). Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

 

36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization

A permit is required for scattering ashes of cremated human remains.

 

36 CFR § 4.30 – Bicycles

  • Bicycles and electric bicycles are permitted:
  • On park roads and in parking areas open for motor vehicle use by the general public.
  • On the levee trail, located below the floodwall and adjacent to the river.
Bicycles are not permitted on the Clark Memorial, visitor center arcade, on any steps, or in any other areas except as listed above.
 
Map of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park with the first amendment area (Patrick Henry Square - bounded by Patrick Henry Drive to the South, Main Street to the North, 1st Street to the West and 2nd Street to the East) highlighted in orange
Map of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park with Patrick Henry Square highlighted.

NPS Image

First Amendment Activity Map

Additional information regarding permits is available at First Amendment - George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Last updated: April 5, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

401 S. 2nd Street
Vincennes, IN 47591

Phone:

812 882-1776 x1210

Contact Us