Outdoor Activities

Outdoor Areas

The grounds of the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park are open dawn to dusk. Many visitors enjoy walking, running, and bicycling on the grounds.

Interpretation

The grounds of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park also offer wonderful opportunities to view the meandering Wabash River and discover more about the critical campaign of George Rogers Clark in 1778-1779. Wayside exhibits offer more interpretation on important park features.

Various monuments and markers, such as the Fort Sackville marker and the USS Vincennes monument allow the visitor to explore more aspects of the park story.

Wheelchairs, Bicycles and other transportation devices

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids

Many kinds of devices improve mobility for the 1 in 4 Americans with a Disability. From walkers, canes, crutches, or braces to traditional manual or power wheelchairs to off-road mobility wheelchairs or electric scooters.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a wheelchair (Title V Section 508c) is: a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion.

Mobility device technology has come a long way in recent years, spanning a variety of shapes, sizes, and capability in varied terrain. Those devices that meet the definition of a wheelchair are allowed anywhere foot travel is allowed in our National Parks. Other Powered-Drive Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) are only permitted on areas of George Rogers Clark National Park also open to vehicle traffic which includes roadways and parking areas.

Other Powered-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD)

Any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines, that is not primarily designed for individuals with mobility disabilities, that are used by such individuals for the purpose of locomotion are classified as an Other Powered-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD).

OPDMDs examples include golf cars/carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices, such as the Segway ® Personal Transporter (PT), or any mobility device that does NOT meet the definition of a wheelchair and is designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes.

The device is considered an OPDMD if the device is

• not designed solely for use for by a mobility impaired person
• not suitable in an indoor pedestrian area (for example, gas-powered would not be suitable)

Bicycles and Electric Bicycles

Bicycles and Electric Bicycles are permitted on

• Park roads and in parking areas open for motor vehicle use by the general public
• The levee trail, located below the floodwall and adjacent to the river

Bicycles are not permitted on the Clark Memorial, visitor center arcade, on any steps, or in any other areas except as listed above.

Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited parkwide.

Types of e-bikes

According to State of Indiana DNR: E-bike rules (in.gov) only Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes are permitted on hard surface trails in state recreational areas. Class 3 E-Bikes are only allowed on roadways.
The class of e-bike determines where it can be used. Here are the three types of e-bikes:

• Class 1 e-bikes have an electric motor using 750 watts or less, a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, and are pedal assist only. There is no throttle. IC 9-13-2-26.6 defines a Class 1 electric bicycle.
• Class 2 e-bikes have an electric motor using 750 watts or less, a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, and are pedal assist and have a throttle so they can be ridden without pedaling. IC 9-13-2-26.7 defines a Class 2 electric bicycle.
• Class 3 e-bikes have an electric motor using 750 watts or less, a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph, and are pedal assist only. There is no throttle. IC 9-13-2-26.8 defines a Class 3 electric bicycle.

If a bike with an electric motor does not exactly meet one of these definitions, then it is not an e-bike and is considered a motorized vehicle. IC 9-21-11-13.1 defines the use of electric bicycles.