Permits and Reservations

 

Request a Permit

Please contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator by email or by calling 270 358-3137 to recieve the permit form and more information about the application process. 

 

Do I need a permit?

The National Park Service defines Special Use as a short term activity that takes place in a park area and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual/group/organization rather than the public at large

• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the NPS in order to protect park resources and the public interest

• Is not prohibited by law or regulation

• Is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the NPS

There is a non-refundable application fee of $20* for any of the following except First Amendment activities (see First Amendment section for more information). Please include as much detailed information as possible on the application and submit it at least 7 working days in advance of your activity so that we can adequately address any concerns and respond in a timely manner.

Activities included:

• Commercial Filming and Photography

• Weddings

• First Amendment Activities

• Picnic Area Use

• Other Special Uses

Small, professional news crews (2-3 people) or media coverage of an ongoing or recent event or incident do not require a permit. Please contact the park for all other news media concerns.

*If the special use requires park staff to monitor the event or stay after-hours, appropriate charges will be added to the $20 application fee for cost recovery.

How Does the Application Process Work?

Step 1: Contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator by email or by calling 270 358-3137

Step 2: Complete application, then scedule the application drop off at the park with the Special Use Permit Corrdinator or send the completed and signed application with the non-refundable $20 fee to:

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP
ATTN: Special Use Permit Coordinator
2995 Lincoln Farm Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748


Step 3: After favorable review of the application, a permit will be prepared. If the review is not favorable, the applicant will be promptly notified.

Step 3: Upon receipt, the applicant will need to review, sign and return the permit (with a check for any cost recovery fees listed on the permit) to the park for final approval and the superintendent's signature.

Step 4: An authorized copy will be issued to the applicant and must be in their possession at the time of the activity.


For all other issues or concerns involving Special Use Permits and activities, contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator by email or by phone [phone])

Items of Note

All permits issued by the National Park Service are "revocable" without notice if the terms of the permit are violated.

At no time may other visitors' experience be directly impeded by any special use. They may not be approached, solicited, or harassed in any way.

All printed material that will be distributed must be attached to the application for review.

The more information you provide on the application results in a faster review process. It is better for us to have too much information than not enough, so please be as descriptive as possible in regards to what your activity will look like.

Where to Send Permit Application and Check/Money Order

(Please note that the fee covers the processing cost, but does not guarantee approval)

Checks must be made out to the 'National Park Service', but mailed with the application to our site:

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
2995 Lincoln Farm Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748

Phone number: 270-358-3137
Fax number: 270-358-3874

Why Would My Permit Be Denied

A permit may be denied if it is established that the following may occur during the requested activity:

• Interferes with normal park usage
• Constitutes a destructive form of use
• Has undesirable impacts on park resources
• Compromises the memorialized/historic scene
• Presents a danger to public welfare and safety, including safety of the participants

Additionally, the time, location and conditions for such activities shall be regulated by permit to avoid:

• Infringement upon the enjoyment and rights of other park visitors
• Traffic congestion
• Injury to non-participants and damage to park property
• Disruption of normal park operations
• Unwarranted risk to participants due to inadequate equipment, lack of qualifications or supervision, weather, or other factors

Reservations

For tour groups, it is recommended a reservation be made by the leader (specifically for date and time scheduling of the movie, Abraham Lincoln: The Kentucky Years) by contacting the park at [phone].

Information needed for a reservation includes:

• Date of reservation/alternate date

• Time

• Name of leader

• Number in group

• Organization name

• Tour Company

• Address

• Phone Number

• Movie Attendance