Due to potentially severe weather conditions, we will be closing all front-line visitor service areas (HBC fort, Pearson and VC) at 1pm today to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff. We will resume normal operational hours tomorrow morning at 9am.
The heritage oak tree at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site provides a lovely backdrop for weddings and other events.
NPS Photo
About the Great Meadow and Heritage Oak Tree
This venue is ideal for large gatherings like weddings, reunions, picnics, and company events, though it does not provide coverage from the elements. Parking is available along East 5th Street.
Please contact the Special Park Use Office at FOVA_Events@nps.gov or (360) 816-6241 to learn more about hosting an event. Please note, the nearest restrooms are at the Visitor Center and Pearson Air Museum during operating hours.
Venue-Specific Information
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, just north of 1115 East 5th St., Vancouver, WA 98661.
This area can accommodate events with up to 300 attendees.
The venue is open ground and not wheelchair accessible. The nearest accessible restrooms are located at Pearson Air Museum and the Visitor Center.
Approximately 3-5 picnic tables are located in the area. Electricity is not available. As a large, open area, it is available on an as-is basis; no additional equipment is provided. A children’s play structure is located directly south of the Visitor Center.
Street parking is available along East 5th Street. Street parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.
To apply for a Special Use Permit for your event at the Great Meadow and Heritage Oak Tree area, please email FOVA_Events@nps.gov or call (360) 816-6241. Groups of 25 or less people without equipment setup may not be required to obtain a Special Use Permit.
Application Fee
A $100 application processing fee is due with the application. This fee is non-refundable. Please contact the Special Park Use Office at FOVA_Events@nps.gov or (360) 816-6241 for information on how to apply for a Special Use Permit.
Management Costs
Management costs may be incurred by the park through expanding park hours of operation, monitoring, supporting, cleaning up, or restoring a resource after event use.
General Guidelines
Your Special Use Permit does not grant exclusive access to the grounds surrounding the Great Meadow, including the Visitor Center playground, Pearson Air Museum parking lot, and public parking areas on East 5th Street. For increased privacy, it is recommended that you schedule your event early or after hours.
Due to the archaeological significance of the site, ground disturbance, including staking, is not allowed.
The releasing of balloons, doves or butterflies and throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals or other natural or artificial material is prohibited.
Due to the natural terrain of the area, set-ups such as carpet runners, arches, trellises, podiums, organs/pianos, loud musical instruments or related items are not allowed. Certain flowers are permitted as long as they arrive and depart with the permittee. Please indicate on the application.
Torches, fires, grilling, cooking, and other sources of open flame are prohibited.
Balloons are prohibited.
Sound, audio, or music is prohibited from being broadcast at a level exceeding 60 decibels beyond a distance of 50 feet from the perimeter of the leased premises at any time.
Freestanding directional signs related to the event are permitted and are to be removed immediately by the event. Affixing directional signage to government property is prohibited. Any posted signs will be removed. Please coordinate with park staff on the placement of event signs.
Inflatable play structures, including but not limited to bounce houses and slides, are prohibited.
Vehicles, including, but not limited to, horse-drawn and electric carts are prohibited outside of paved roadways.
The sale of all merchandise, including, but not limited to T-shirts, clothing, arts and crafts, and vending of food/beverages on park grounds is prohibited.
Fundraising or requests for donations are prohibited.
Serving and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
No gum, jellybeans, or gummy types of candy, e.g. gummy bears, Swedish Fish, licorice, or any other type of product that would stick to the floor, walls, or furnishings in a building.
Before the event and immediately following the event, a park staff member and the permittee will complete a Facility and Equipment Checklist indicating the condition of the permitted area.
Nailing, taping, hanging of items or hammocks are prohibited. All decorations and trash must be removed from the park within the permitted time period. If park staff must clean up or repair damage upon your departure, the permittee will be billed additional fees.
Additional documents may be required, including but not limited to a Certificate of Insurance, a performance bond, and a permit from the City of Vancouver. The National Park Service staff member facilitating your request will discuss these with you as necessary, depending on the size, scope, and type of activity proposed.
Contact Information
Mailing address: 800 Hatheway Road Building 722, Vancouver, WA 98661 Email:Office of Special Park Use Phone: (360) 816-6241
Application Process
Learn more about the application process for permitted events at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
