In A Nutshell

Frequently Asked Questions

Is George Rogers Clark the Clark of Lewis and Clark fame?

George Rogers Clark was a Revolutionary War leader who oversaw the defense of Kentucky and captured the British Fort at Vincennes on the Wabash River. This victory lead to the newly created United States' acquisition of the Northwest Territory. The growth of the country would continue with the Louisiana Purchase. This new land would be explored by George's younger brother, William Clark, and Meriwether Lewis.

Is the Old Cathedral part of the park? Is it open to the public?

The Old Cathedral (the Basilica of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church) is a member of teh Diocese of Evansville. The Old Cathedral is an active parish. The public is invited to visit the chruch except when services are being conducted. Located behind the church is the Old Cathedral Library and Museum. The library normally is open from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. weekdays during the summer.

Inside the George Rogers Clark Memorial

Upon entering the memorial rotunda, the presence of George Rogers Clark is immediately felt as one sees the Hermon McNeil statue of soldier and patriot, Clark, standing in military uniform. The bronze statue of a youthful Clark stands seven and on-half feet tall.  The statue and ist marble pedestal together weigh 12 tons. Clark was only 25 years old when he conceived of the idea of leading his brave frontiersmen into the Illinois Country. Truly a man of vision, Clark felt that only a strike at the heart of the British-controlled countryside would lead to an end to the horror of Indian raids on frontier settlements.

The inscription at the base of the Clark statue reads, "If a country is not worth protecting it is not worth claiming."

Upon the walls of the memorial rotunda, seven murals depict the Clark expedition story. The murals, which are oil on canvas, stand 28 feet tall. It would take artist Ezra Winter and six assistants two years to complete them.

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. The memorial is open from 9 a.m. till 4:45 p.m. (Times are Eastern time. Terre Haute to the north is located within the Eastern Time Zone while Evansville to the south is within the Central Time Zone. All of Illinois is within the Central time Zone.) The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Visitors should be aware that Vincennes and Knox County observe central time and during the spring of 2005 started to observe daylight savings time. Counties to the north observe eastern time while some counties to the east and southeast are on central time.

Directions

The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is located within the city of Vincennes, Indiana. Vincennes is located along the Wabash river in the southwestern part of the state.

Evansville is approximately 50 miles to the south and Terre Haute is approximately 50 miles to the north. Highway 41 provides good roads from both of these cities.

Highway 50 provides access from the east and west. From Hwy 50 east and west or from Hwy 41 from the north use the 6th Street exit and stay on 6th Street till reaching the intersection with Barnett Street (approximately 2.5 miles). Turn right on Barnett and follow it to the park.

On Hwy 41 from the South use the Willow Street exit. Turn right on Willow Street for approximately 2 miles to its intersections with South 6th Street, turn right. Travel four blocks and turn left on Barnett Street which will lead to the park.

Fees & Reservations

Park entrance fee is $3 for visitors 17 years and older.
There are no fees for those younger than 17.

Senior passes are available for anyone age 62 or over. This pass will provide free entry into most national parks and also may qualify for discounted tour and camping fees. There is a $10 fee for this pass. The card is good for a lifetime. This pass also may be used at other federal land management agencies including; Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other agencies.

National Park Passes are available for anyone. This pass will provide free entry into most national parks as well as most other Federal Land Management agencies. This pass also may qualify for discounted tour and camping fees. There is a $80 fee for this pass - the pass is good for one year from date of purchase. This pass is only for national park sites.

School group visits are a wonderful way to build upon the lessons learned in the classroom. Fees may be waived for educational groups visiting the park. Approval must be requested from the park superintendent prior to arrival. Reservations are required. Click here for more information.

Other group visits must make reservations through the Vincennes/Knox County Convention and Visitors Buereau (CVB). The CVB may be contacted by calling 1-800-886-6443.

Weddings and other special park uses require a special use permit. The permit must be obtained through the park Superintendent prior to the actual event. (information about special use permits)