May Visitation To Badlands National Park Transitions into Summer Levels

Visitation to Badlands National Park for the month of May, 2003 was down approximately 12% over 2002 figures. 49,165 visits were counted this year, contrasted to 56,138 last year. Visitation for the year continues to be lower than last year - approximately 23% lower than last year. Visitation to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is down approximately 10% over last year.

Effective June 8, the full summer schedule of programs and other visitor activities are available at Badlands National Park. The entrance fee is $10 per passenger vehicle or $5 per passenger on bicycle or motorcycle. Contact 605/433-5235 for information on commercial vehicle rates. The Badlands Natural History Association bookstore, located in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, has stocked up for the summer. The 2003 Prairie Preamble, the park's activity guide is available by calling (605) 433 - 5245.