Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

COVID-19 Information

This page was last updated December 20, 2021. All alerts are current.
As the NPS monitors and responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, we work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health to use the latest science to guide our decision making. Consistent with CDC recommendations, visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings.
Visitors who are not yet fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks in crowded outdoor spaces.

Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows:

Open:

• Park grounds and trails are open sunrise to sunset.
• Outdoor access to the goats (in the barnyard and goat pasture) is from 10 am to 3pm daily.
• Restrooms near the Front Lake and main parking lot.

Closed:

• The Sandburg Home and house tours remain closed due to ventilation concerns in the 183-year-old house.
• Restrooms at top of the hill near the Sandburg Home (due to a water pump issue. Portable toilets are available).
• The park shuttle.
• Please bring enough drinking water for your visit.

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, some services may be limited.

Please recreate responsibly by following CDC guidance, avoiding high risk activities and staying home if you feel sick.

We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

COVID-19 Park Operation FAQs

Are masks required?

• Wearing a face mask is required in federal buildings regardless of vaccine status. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, wearing a mask is required outdoors on federal land when social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Carl Sandburg Home NHS has expansive grounds and over 5 miles of trails for visitors to practice social distancing. Our visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and to practice social distancing from others.

• Anyone wishing to visit at times of lower visitation should consider coming here mornings before 10am or afternoons after 3pm. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

How do I get a passport stamp, Jr Ranger badge, BARK Ranger tag, etc...?

Send an email to [e-mail]. Provide your contact information and request and we will postal mail you the item. Self-serve passport stamps are also available in the garage adjacent to the Sandburg Home from 10am - 3pm daily, and pre-stamped stickers are available in a container under the Sandburg Home porch.

How do I purchase an America the Beautiful National Park Pass (Senior Pass, Access Pass, Annual Pass, etc)?

We are unable to issue passes in the park at this time. You can buy the passes online at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Which restrooms are open?

The restrooms at the Main Parking Lot near the front lake are open. The restrooms at the top of the hill near the Sandburg Home are closed due to a water pump issue. Please use the portable toilets nearby.

Why is the house closed?

The Sandburg Home remains closed due to social distancing concerns on regular house tours and due to concerns over ventilation in the home, which was built in 1838. To protect the historic floors and furnishings, tour participants typically walk and stand very close together. Take a free virtual tour of the home’s interior at www.nps.gov/carl. Click on the virtual tour link on the home page!

When is the barnyard open?

Outdoor access to the dairy goat barnyard and pastures is open 10 am - 3 pm daily, with a capacity limit of 40 visitors. Staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions about the park and Sandburg family.