SEPTEMBER CONTINUES DOWNWARD TREND FOR BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK VISITATION

September, 2001 visitation was down just over 7% at Badlands National Park, continuing a year long decrease in visitation to South Dakota's largest national park. Visitation for 2001 is down an overall 14%, which matches an areawide decrease in tourism. 907,348 visitors have been tallied at park entrance stations from January 1 through September 30, 2001.

Ben Reifel Visitor Center hours are currently 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will decrease to winter operating hours on Sunday, October 21. Park entrance stations remain open during peak visitation hours into November. Entrance fees can be paid outside the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, as well. A $10 per passenger vehicle fee is charged year round for Badlands National Park.

For additional information on Badlands National Park and its activities, contact (605) 433 - 5361 or visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/bad Click on IN DEPTH to reach the park's expanded website.