LITTLE BIGHORNBATTLEFIELDNATIONAL MONUMENTSEES INCREASE IN VISITATION IN JUNE AND JULY, 2009

and

 

FEE-FREE WEEKEND AUGUST 15 AND 16

 

Kate Hammond, Superintendent at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, announced today that visitation to the Monument thus far in 2009 is up 10% over the same period in 2008.

 

Through the end of July, visitation in 2009 was 185,262; during the same period in 2008, visitation was 167,825.  So far, visitation in 2009 is up 10% over 2008.  Superintendent Hammond commented, “This is a great sign that, despite the economic recession, Americans remain interested in and passionate about American History and the Battleof Little Bighorn.  We are also pleased with this increase because we recognize that visitation to Little BighornBattlefieldNational Monumentprovides an important economic benefit to southeastern Montana."

 

Visitation has been flat or even decreasing at many National Parks over the past few years, including Little BighornBattlefieldNational Monument.  A decade ago visitation to the Battlefield surpassed 400,000, but as of 2008, visitation was down to 282,000 visitors.

 

“We hope that August brings continued increased visitation and that the upcoming Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, set to air on PBS on Sept 27, will carry the momentum of  increased visitation to all National Parks in the coming months and year,” Superintendent Kate Hammond added.

 

Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 will be the last of three Fee-Free Weekends this summer, where entrance to all National Parks, including Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, is free.  Additional savings may be realized at the bookstore at Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center, where Western National Parks Association will be offering 20% off all merchandise during the Fee-Free Weekend.

 

For further information, please call (406) 638-3217.

 

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