April Visitation to Badlands National Park Continues Upward Spiral

Visitation to Badlands National Park was up 17% - equating to 23.972 visits recorded during the month of April in contrast with 20,478 visits during the month in 2001. Year to date visitation continues to be higher than 2001 with 55,399 visits posted, an increase of 15%.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is operating on its "shoulder" season hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Park Passes, maps, and guidebooks are available for purchase at the visitor center through Badlands Natural History Association, the park's non-profit partner in visitor education.

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 2002 Prairie Preamble, the park's activity guide.

Spring hikers are reminded that storms can brew quickly in the South Dakota plains. Wear layers of clothing and be prepared for lightning, thunder, and high winds. Temperatures in May can range from a high of the 80s with lows still below freezing. The Badlands terrain is varied and beautiful but offers no reliable water sources. A gallon of water per person per day is recommended for those planning to explore the Badlands by foot.