Just For Kids

For Kids

History is boring!

If this is what you think - then you need to visit George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

Watch an exciting 30-minute movie, complete with battle scenes and lots of action. Explore a huge stone memorial which stands 85 feet tall. Learn about the people who actually made history.

While memorizing dates and names for history class may be "boring," learning about the individuals involved in history can be very exciting. Did you know that George Rogers Clark was only 25 years old when he conceived of the plan to lead an army against the British? Did you know that Indians and French-speaking people living in the northwest supported both sides of this conflict? Did you know that British soldiers wore wool uniforms all year round? Interesting? While at George Rogers Clark NHP you will discover many more interesting things about the people involved.

Become a junior ranger and take a closer look at the Clark story as you complete the questionnaire.

Junior Ranger program

Children ages eight through 15 may become junior rangers while visiting the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

How? When you arrive at the park, ask a ranger at the visitor center for a junior ranger questionnaire.

Watch the movie, visit the Clark Memorial, and view the exhibits in the visitor center to find answers to the questions on the form. In addition you will be required to pick up two pieces of litter from the park grounds.

When the completed questionnaire and litter are returned to the visitor center, you will be rewarded with a badge and induction into the Junior Ranger Program.

School Group Visits

School groups are welcome at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Groups visiting as a part of an educational program connected with their curriculum may have fees waived for the visit. All students are admitted free as teachers and bus drivers. One chaparone for each five students also will be admitted free of charge.

School visits typically include three programs at the park. First is the movie in the visitor center. This film is 30 minutes in length and tells the story of George Rogers Clark's capture of Fort Sackville in Vincennes. Second is the Clark Memorial program. This program is a recorded six-minute narrative presented by headphones within the Memorial. When coupled with a ranger introduction, the entire memorial experience lasts for 15 minutes. The third is a live program presented by a ranger or park volunteer in period dress of the 18th century. This program typically runs 15 to 20 minutes.

School groups wishing to take full advantage of their visit should plan for a minimum tour time of one hour. Adding an extra 15 to 30 minutes will allow the park staff to better serve the group and offer more information and details without the group being rushed. Remeber to include extra time for shopping at the gift store, purusing the museum, walking the grounds, lunch, and restrooms as none of these are scheduled in a one hour visit.

All group visits must be arranged through the Vincennes/Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The CVB may be contacted at 1-800-886-6443. The CVB also can make reservations for other sites in Vincennes, provide information about restauraunts, picnic areas, and provide other information.