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Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
Compendium of Designations, Closures, Request Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under the Discretionary Authority of the Superintendent
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 regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government and public use of those portions of Emmet Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1 and section 7.43.
36 CFR can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfrv1_05.html.
Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, are required by Section 1.5(c) and appear in this document in italicized print.
RECOMMENDED:
Interior Region 2 Law Enforcement Specialist, Jeffery Glossup
APPROVED:
Acting Superintendent, Benjamin West, 10/29/2025
36 CFR §1.5 - VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
The following visiting hours and public use limits 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:
Emmett Till Interpretive Center: Tuesday to Friday except holidays 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Tallahatchie Second District Courthouse: Tours are available by advance appointment only.
Graball Landing: Sunrise to sunset.
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create several impacts which would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.
The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.
The Superintendent may close any portion of the park to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices are prohibited.
The park is closed to camping.
Determination: Opportunities exist outside the park for camping. There are no designated campgrounds in the park. Infrastructure does not support campgrounds.
The park is closed to picnicking.
Determination: Opportunities exist outside the park for this activity. There are no designated picnic areas in the park. Providing this opportunity would be inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values at the TILL sites.
Motor vehicles may only stop or park in the designated parking area at each site. No off-road operation or parking of motor vehicles is permitted throughout the park.
Determination: Parking or driving off designated roadways or parking facilities can create opportunities for erosion and otherwise damage park resources.
All park trails and grounds are closed to off-road bicycling, equestrian use, and motorized recreation.
Determination: Soils throughout most of the park are highly erodible. The indicated uses could result in erosion that would damage natural or cultural resources.
Geocaching is prohibited throughout the park except that virtual and Earthcaching is allowed.
Determination: The entire park consists of sacred ground and historically significant resources. Methods of stashing items such as digging, burying, covering and otherwise concealing items are sometimes used while geocaching, and are inappropriate within these areas.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Definition: 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, communications links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose including for recreation or commerce.
Determination: Operation of unmanned aircraft has significant potential to create unreasonable noise and other intrusions that would adversely affect the experiences of visitors and the solemnity of the park. Careless operation of unmanned aircraft could result in collisions with resources, possibly causing damage.
Conducting a wreath or flower laying ceremony without an NPS permit is prohibited within the Monument. Individuals may leave wreaths or flowers without a permit when not part of a ceremony. Wreaths and other memorials will remain in place no longer than one week and will be removed earlier if greenery and flowers are wilted or if severe weather or other safety conditions arise.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument is closed to recreational and sporting activities including, but not limited to the following: pocket motorcycles, field games, flying model airplanes or operation of other radio-controlled models, rocket launching, kite flying, throwing objects through the air (Frisbees, balls, etc.), skiing, skating, sledding and similar winter activities, and sunbathing. Prohibited activities do not include walking, hiking, jogging, or running.
Determination: Ample opportunities exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and interfere with the peace and tranquility of the landscape and are inconsistent with the reason the park was created.
36 CFR §1.6 - ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: Information and applications to request a permit can be obtained at Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument via email to Info_till@nps.gov.
The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: Information and applications to request a permit can be obtained at Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument via email to Info_till@nps.gov
Specimen Collection (the taking of any plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)
Audio Disturbances: Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.
Aircraft & Air Delivery: Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopteror other airborne means.
Removal of a downed aircraft.
Noncommercial soliciting
Explosives: Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views
Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park area
Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons require a permit.
Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising.
Livestock Use
Erection of New Monuments (requires approval from Director of NPS)
Scattering of ashes from human or pet cremation
Advertisements (Display, posting, or distribution).
Construction of buildings, facilities, roads, paths, structures, etc.
Some filming, still photography and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information).
All commercial filming and some still photography activities require a permit. In addition, such activities are subject to the provisions of 43 CFR part 5, subpart A. Failure to comply with any provision of 43 CFR part 5 is a violation of this section. Contact the Superintendent’s Office for a permit.
A permit is required in the following situations:
Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television.
Most still photography will not require a permit. Still photography activities require a permit only if:
The still photography activity uses models, set or props.
The still photography activity takes place in an area where or when members of the public are not allowed.
The agency would incur costs for providing on-site management and oversight to protect agency resources and minimize visitor use conflicts.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
The collection of natural and cultural resources is prohibited. Digging, staking, and ground disturbance of any kind are prohibited.
The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
All of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use and nighttime activity create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park wildlife. The Superintendent may authorize the use of artificial light for scientific and resource purposes.
Visitors may possess and carry firearms within Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances. The federal facilities for the Park are as follows:
Emmett Till Interpretive Center
Tallahatchie Second District Courthouse
The park is closed to camping.
Picnicking is prohibited at the TILL sites.
Lighting or maintaining a fire within Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument is prohibited.
Determination: Limitations on the use of fire are necessary to prevent adverse impacts to resources, as well as to prevent fire from escaping to adjoining lands and residential areas
Pets are allowed within the park, including on park trails, as long as they are physically restrained by a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Electronic shock collars do not meet the requirements for physical restraint of a pet as required by 36 CFR § 2.15. The following additional restrictions apply:
All animal waste must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings). Visitors bringing pets to the park must carry on their person a bag or other device for the containerization and removal of excrement. Visitors shall immediately containerize and remove pet excrement by depositing it in a trash receptacle or by otherwise taking the excrement from the park.
Pets are prohibited in park buildings.
Determination: Limitations on pets within the park are necessary to ensure a positive visitor experience for all, as well as to prevent possible resource damage that could be created by uncontrolled pets.
Smoking is prohibited in and around all buildings within Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public or any access where smoking would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings. Departmental Manual 2, Section 3 310, Chapter 11, Director’s Order #50D: 4 Smoking Policy.
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: All areas of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
Determination: Because of the solemnity of the Monument, consuming alcohol goes against the mission of the park.
Illinois Unit First Amendment Area.
Mississippi Unit First Amendment Area.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument Headquarters
P.O. Box 361
Sumner,
MS
38957
