March Visitation To Badlands National Park Transitions into Spring Activities

Visitation to Badlands National Park for the month of March, 2003 was down only slightly over 2002 figures. 8100 visits were counted this year, contrasted to 8198 last year - a reduction of 1%. Relatively mild weather and spring breaks at schools across the country contributed to the stable visitation figure. Visitation for the year (January through March, 2003) continues to be sharply down by 32% over 2002.

Effective Sunday, April 6, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center will extend its hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Additionally, the entrance stations are now open and staffed to greet visitors to South Dakota's largest national park. The Badlands Natural History Association bookstore, located in the Visitor Center, is stocking up for the spring trend of bus tours and families. The 2003 Prairie Preamble, the park's activity guide, will be available by April 20, 2003. To receive a copy, contact (605) 433 - 5245 after the 20th.