2003 Gets Off to a Slow Start for Badlands National Park

Visitation to Badlands National Park was down 40% from 2002 with 6583 visits counted at park entrance stations. This contrasts to the 10,944 visits counted in January, 2002. However, weather and temperatures were considerably milder in 2002 with temperatures occasionally above 60 degrees. January of 2003 has been more "typical" with snow, winds, and cold temperatures.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is operating on its winter hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through early April. Those planning a visit to Badlands National Park should pre-plan through a virtual visit to the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/badl/ or by calling (605) 433 - 5245 and requesting a copy of the Prairie Preamble, the park's activity guide.