ENTRANCE FEES WAIVED AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK JUNE 22 AND 23 FOR HEALTHIER US INITIATIVE

In support of President George W. Bush’s Healthier US Initiative, Badlands National Park will not be charging an entrance fee on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 to encourage the American public to get out and spend some time in the out of doors recreationally. The Initiative acknowledges the role the American National Parks play in making the lives of all Americans healthier, both mentally and physically.

The Park offers ranger-guided walks at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., at the Door Trail at 9 a.m., and at Roberts Prairie Dog Town along Sage Creek Rim Road at 3 p.m. Additionally, a series of talks are presented at the Cliff Shelf Trail, Fossil Exhibit Trail, and Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area throughout the day. Evening programs are given at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater at 9 p.m. Two visitor centers are open daily, as well. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is located at park headquarters at Cedar Pass and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The White River Visitor Center is located on Pine Ridge Reservation at the intersection of BIA 27 and BIA 2 and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both visitor centers show the park movie, have exhibits, and offer a bookstore.

Hikers are invited to explore one of the park’s maintained trails in the Cedar Pass area or to set out into the Badlands backcountry. Check with a ranger at a visitor center for information on backcountry regulations and safety information. Before any time outside in the Badlands, visitors should put on sunscreen, carry at least a quart of water per person per two hours, and wear closed toe shoes with good ankle support. The only poisonous snake in the Park is the prairie rattler. To avoid encounters with a rattler, visitors should always look into spaces before placing their hands and feet and listen for the distinctive warning rattle.

Visitors are reminded of road construction along Interstate 90 at Exit 131, the Northeast Entrance to the park. Cyclists may travel any of the paved or unpaved roads in the park but may not take their bicycles on park trails or across the prairie or badland formations. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

For more information to plan a visit to Badlands National Park, visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/badl or call (605) 433 – 5245 and request a copy of the park’s activity guide, The Prairie Preamble. The staff of Badlands National Park hopes to see you June 22 and 23.