RANGER TREK’S GUIDE TO THE GEORGE ROGERS CLARK NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, located on the banks of the Wabash River at what is believed to be the site of Fort Sackville, preserves the story of American Colonel George Rogers Clark and his army’s capture of this fort which assured United States claims to the frontier, an area nearly as large as the original 13 states.

Junior Ranger Programs offered at this park:

The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Junior Ranger Program is the only ongoing junior ranger program available at this park on a regular basis.

3 ways to access this park’s junior ranger booklet:

1. The booklets are available in person at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Visitor Center located at: 401 S. 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
2. The booklets are available to download and print from the park’s website or by clicking these links:
   • Age 6 years and younger booklet
   • Age 6 years and older booklet
3. Or, if you can’t access a printer, you may request by phone or email (both listed below) to have a booklet mailed to you. Be sure to include a mailing address and specify how many you need.

How to complete this program:

There are two booklets. One is geared toward children ages 6 and younger. One is geared toward children ages 6 and older.

Children ages 6 and younger complete 3 activities:

• Park Bingo,
• Draw a picture of something you saw in the park,
• And, ask a Ranger a question about the park or tell them something you learned.

Children ages 6 and older:

• Watch the Park Movie,
• Visit the Memorial,
• And, complete the 6 activities in the junior ranger booklet.

Information to help you complete the activities can be found in a few ways:

• Watching the 30 minute park movie is a requirement for Junior Rangers 6 and older, and provides information to help complete the activities.
• Visiting the Memorial is a requirement for Junior Rangers 6 and older, and is helpful in gathering information to complete the activities.
• Walk the park grounds.
• View the exhibits in the Visitor Center.
• Look for answers in the park brochure/Unigrid.
• Talking to Park Rangers is a requirement for Junior Rangers 6 and under, and is a good way to learn about the park to complete the activities.

3 ways to turn in your completed junior ranger booklet:

1. Completed booklets may be turned in, in person at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Visitor Center located at: 401 S. 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
2. If you completed the booklet remotely, or you didn’t complete the book while at the park, or you weren’t able to turn it in while the Visitor Center was open, you may submit it by email. Send an email to GERO_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov with a picture of your completed book and a mailing address. The park will then send you your badge.
3. Or, If you are unable to complete the Junior Ranger program while visiting the park or you completed it remotely, please mail it to the park at: 401 S. 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN 47591. The Park Ranger will sign and date the certificate on the back of the booklet and mail it back to you along with a badge. Don’t forget to include a mailing address.

Estimated time to complete:

Average 30-60 minutes to complete the booklet. The park recommends that you plan for at least an hour for your park visit, to watch the park film and visit the Clark Memorial.

What you earn:

• A plastic official Junior Ranger Badge with the words, “Junior Park Ranger, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park”.
• An official Junior Ranger Certificate which is on the back cover of the Junior Ranger Book.

Monetary costs:

• It does not cost anything to participate in this junior ranger program. The booklet and badge are both free of charge.

important to know about this park:

• This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.
• Be aware of the time zones when traveling to this park as it is located in the Eastern Time Zone but near the border of the Central Time Zone.
• Go to the park website event calendar for dates and times of special events and programs offered to the public throughout the year like the Costumed Living History programs.
• Check out the park calendar for special Junior Ranger Event Days, like Forts Day which includes Musket demonstrations.
• Watch the park film, “Long Knives” in the Visitor Center. A 30 minute film talking about George Rogers Clark, his march to Vincennes, and the attack on Fort Sackville. Films plays on demand. I highly recommend watching this film as it does a great job of telling the story of this park.

Park Details

Other nearby Parks, Junior ranger Programs and attractions:

• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is approximately 75 miles to the South-East of the park and also offers a junior ranger program.
• Grouseland, the former home of William Henry Harrison, governor of the Indiana Territory and later the 9th President of the United States is located in Vincennes.
• The Old French House, built about 1806, was the home of French fur trader Michel Brouillet. The house offers a look at what life may have been like in this remote frontier town.
• The State of Indiana manages several historic sites within Vincennes including: The Indiana Territorial Capital, The log Cabin Visitors Center, The Stout Print Shop, The Maurice Thompson Birthplace, The Sugarloaf Mound, and Fort Knox II.
• Vincennes/ Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers information about the community, schools, libraries, historic sites, businesses, industries, housing, accommodations, and much more!

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