March Visitation To Badlands National Park Transitions into Spring Activities

Visitation to Badlands National Park for the month of March, 2004 was up dramatically over 2004 figures. 17,981 visits were counted this year, contrasted to 8100 last year - an increase of 122%. Relatively mild weather and spring breaks at schools across the country contributed to the increase. Visitation for the year (January through March, 2004) is also up 86% over 2003 entrance station counts.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center continues its 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours of operation until late May. The park film, Buried Fossils, Living Prairie, is available on request throughout the day. Badlands Natural History Association provides sales items, including books, postcards, and other educational materials during visitor center hours. Park entrance stations are now open and staffed daily. The 2004 Prairie Preamble, the park's activity guide, is now available at the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/badl Spring has indeed come to the Badlands.