Falls of the Ohio State Park

The George Rogers Clark home site (aka 'GRC') is located at the lower end of the Falls of The Ohio. Known for almost 200 years as "Clark's Point," it is situated in a sharp curve enabling one to have a spectacular view of the falls and also see both up and down river for a considerable distance. It is no wonder that George Rogers Clark selected this as the location of his "retirement home." Today, the 7 acre tract is part of the Falls Of The Ohio State Park and also lies within the boundaries of the 1404 acre National Wildlife Conservation Area giving this historic site additional federal protection.

View of the rear of the cabin surrounded by split rail fence, looking south.

The cabin above is a representation of the cabin that George Rogers Clark lived in. There are no illustrations of his original cabin that was destroyed in 1854. This cabin was originally erected in Osgood (Ripley Co.), Indiana and was moved and rebuilt here in 2001. Our cabin is manned with volunteers and this year's schedule of when it will be open has not been determined. You may call the park for inquiries - 812-280-9970 - but we do not anticipate opening the cabin for weekend tours until late spring.

A number of interpretive panels containing historical information about the George Rogers Clark home site and its history can be found on the property.

In addition to the representation cabin, the site includes a small covered shelter with picnic tables, boat ramp with handicap accessible boat access and parking for vehicles with boat trailers. They are described below.

Map to get to the home site

The McAlpine Dam is located directly across the river channel from the boat ramp.

The boat ramp is located directly across the lower gates of the McAlpine Dam. As a result, this is one of the most difficult boat launches anywhere on the Ohio River. The ramp is closed when the river level creates a sharp cross current and when it its clogged with driftwood. As long as the gates are open, it can be a real challenge to launch and land here. This ramp is not suitable for the first time boat launcher! (Launch at one's own risk.)

Boat Ramp Project: The boat ramp at GRC is closed for construction and will remain closed until March 1, 2011 or until the project to build new access ramp to launch boats is completed. The nearest boat ramp down river is at the New Albany Waterfront Park under the I-64 bridge.

Other launches down river include the Greenwood Boat Ramp in Jefferson County, KY and a small ramp at New Albany's Waterfront Park under the Sherman Minton (I-64) Bridge.

We have scattered picnic tables and grills for your use and enjoyment. Tables are under trees, in the open and a few are underneath a large gazebo-type pavilion. We do not rent the site - the shelter is available on a first-come, fist-served basis. Like all Indiana State Parks, we have a carry-in / carry-out policy for trash. Please help everyone by packing out your trash!

The river makes a spectacular backdrop for weddings. We do not rent the site and the gazebo is available on a first-come, fist-served basis. Please call us to schedule your event so it doesn't conflict with another event or program. Our site is suitable for small wedding parties, however, we do not have sufficient parking for large numbers of guests. As a public park, we cannot close the grounds for a wedding. Nonetheless, visitation at the home site is relatively light compared to the Interpretive Center. This is a better site for a special event than around our museum. Wedding decorations are permitted (with loose ties, no staples or nails), but decor must be removed when the event has wrapped up. Questions? Call 812-280-9970 or e-mail: park@fallsoftheohio.org.

George Rogers Clark Homesite & Boat Launch