Rules and Regulations
Under the provisions of 16 USC, Section 3, and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7:
Superintendent's Compendium
Federal law requires that park superintendents Superintendents maintain a written compilation of all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. This compilation, known as the "Superintendent's compendium," is updated annually and be made available to the public.
Click here to read the Superintendent's compendium for George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.
Closures and public use limits
The visitor center and Clark Memorial are open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The parking lot is open on all days the buildings are open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. No public hours are established for the park grounds but an 11 p.m. closing is generally regarded.
Recreational activities
Recreational activities such as sports, sunbathing and kite flying are permitted south of the Memorial. Being on top of the retaining wall along the river or the under structure of the bridge is not permitted.
Loud playing of radios or other electronic devises is prohibited. This also includes loud motor vehicles, motorized toys, generators or other noise-making devices.
Picnicking
Picnicking is allowed park wide but not encouraged in front of the Memorial. Picnic tables are provided near the south end of the visitor center parking area.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the park but must be physically restrained at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets, except service animals, are prohibited in buildings and may not be tied to objects and left unattended. Owners are responsible for clearing up after their pets. Pet waste bag dispensers are available near bulletin boards in the park.
Fireworks
All fireworks are prohibited on park grounds.
Lost and found
Report lost items to a ranger at the Visitor Center. Found items must be turned in at the Visitor Center.
Collecting
All natural, cultural, and archeological resources are protected and may not be removed or disturbed. Possession of a metal detector in the park is prohibited.
The park superintendent has made the following exceptions: Reasonable quantities of the following may be gathered but using ladders or climbing of trees is not permitted:
Sweetgum seedpods
Walnuts
Pine cones
Acorns
Fires
Open or contained fires are prohibited. Grills, both charcoal and gas as well as lanterns are prohibited.
Winter activities
Winter sports are not permitted on the Clark Memorial or Visitor Center.
Wheeled craft
Bicycles are not permitted on the Memorial, Visitor Center or any steps. Skateboards, roller blades or roller skates etc. are not permitted in the park. Golf carts, mopeds, scooters and other powered vehicles are prohibited on all sidewalks and grass areas of the park. Motorized wheel chairs for use by qualified individuals are allowed.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any park buildings.
Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances
Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in park buildings is not permitted. Presence in the park when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the extent that it may endanger oneself or another person or damage property or park resources is prohibited. Open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle is prohibited.
Firearms
Legislation: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in this park. Refer to Section 512 of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-24, 123 Stat. 1764-65.
Park User Responsibility: It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearm laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please see the Indiana Code 35-47-2
Weapons Prohibited in Federal Facilities: Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Refer to 18 U.S.C. § 930.
Permits
Permits are required for:
Camping (special re-enactment groups) 2.10(a)
Special events (including weddings) 2.50(a)
Public assemblies, demonstrations 2.51(a)
Sale and distribution of printed material 2.52(a)
Memorialization 2.62(a)