First Amendment Area

The Stars & Stripes waves in the wind at the Mound City Group visitor center.

NPS Photo / Tom Engberg

The First Amendment gives all Americans the right to free speech. It is a cornerstone of American democracy. In order to protect park resources and to keep all visitors safe, the Courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of Americans' constitutional rights may be reasonably regulated. A small group (25 people or less) is not required to obtain a First Amendment permit if they are located within one of two of the park's designated First Amendment free speech areas. Groups larger than 25 people must obtain a permit even if they are utilizing the park's First Amendment free speech area.

The park's designated First Amendment free speech areas are located at the flagpole island in the visitor center parking lot at the Mound City Group visitor center and a small rectangular area in the grassy field to the north of the flagpole area. Please see the image below for exact locations of both areas.

Please Contact Us if you have questions or if you need more information about the designated First Amendment free speech area.