News Release

Carl Sandburg Home NHS is adding Ranger programs to celebrate park anniversary in October

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 8, 2020

Contact: Public Information Officer, 8286934178

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Carl Sandburg Home NHS will offer outdoor ranger-led programs on Saturdays during October. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. 

Ranger-led porch talks will be available at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm on the following Saturdays: October 10, 17, 24, and 31. Visitors should meet in front of the Sandburg Home for a 20-minute talk about Carl Sandburg’s writings and the Sandburg family.  These free programs are offered to celebrate the 52nd Anniversary of the park, which was established on October 17, 1968.  Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines when visiting the park. 

In addition, the park will open access to park restrooms at the top of the hill near the Sandburg Home beginning Saturday, October 10. These restrooms will remain open throughout the winter.

In summary, the following spaces and services are available:    

• Park trails. 
• Most grounds. 
• Parking lots. 
• Restrooms and water bottle filling station at the top of the hill, near the Sandburg Home. 
• Pop up information and park store in the tent behind the Sandburg Home, until November 1. After November 1, as the park shifts into winter operations, hours will vary based on weather and staffing.
  
   

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed: 

• Sandburg house and tours. 
• Barn and barnyard.  Goats are visible from the barnyard fence. 
• Restrooms near Front Lake. 
• Water fountains. Please bring enough drinking water for your visit. 
• Park shuttle.
    

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Carl Sandburg Home NHS, our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean. 

A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.  

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/carl and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.  

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 421 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, located in Flat Rock, NC, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Due to Covid 19, some visitor services are limited. For park updates and all parking options visit www.nps.gov/carl.