Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

For information about Front Lake dam and bridge closure click here.

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COVID-19 Information

- updated 10/31/2022.

As the National Park Service 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. Access to Carl Sandburg Home NHS is as follows:

Open:

• Park grounds and trails are open sunrise to sunset.
• Visitor Center/Park Store open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
• Sandburg Home tours available Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. 8 people per tour. Online reservations availble at recreation.gov. Day-of-visit tickets are usually not available.
• Outdoor access to the goats (in the barnyard and goat pasture) is from
  10am to 3pm daily.
• Restrooms near the Front Lake and Sandburg Home.

Closed:

• Water bottle filliing station near the Sandburg Home.
• Please bring enough drinking water for your visit.

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, services may be limited. The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 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. Find more information about the National Park Service’s response and operations at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

 

COVID-19 Park Operation FAQs

Are masks required?

• Masks are optional based on the CDC COVID-19 by county map, which tracks Henderson County at a medium level.
• 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...?

Passport stamps are available in the visitor center/park store, which is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Self-serve passport stamps are available in the garage adjacent to the Sandburg Home from 10am - 3pm daily. If you need addtional assistance, send an email to [e-mail]. Provide your contact information and request and we will postal mail you the item.

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, and the restrooms at the top of the hill near the Sandburg Home. Portable toilets are available at the Hikers Parking Lot.

When are the Park Store and Visitor Center open? What services will be available?

Visitor Center/Park Store is open Thursday to Sunday (4 days/week) from 10am to 3pm.
Visitors can receive trip planning assistance and maps, participate in the Jr. Ranger and BARK ranger programs, and stamp passport books. Visitors can purchase items from the park store, which is managed by America’s National Parks, a non-profit partner. Proceeds from the park store support Sandburg’s interpretive, volunteer, and educational programs. VC/Store capacity will increase based on federal Public Health guidance. Check our website and Facebook page for updates.

When are tours available?

• Free house tours are available Thursday to Sunday (four days per week) at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as day-of tickets are rarely available.

How do I get a tour ticket?

• Advance reservations are available at recreation.gov. Tours are free until further notice. Making reservations is strongly encouraged. Day-of-visit house tour tickets are usually not available. (The only way to see the furnished interior of the Sandburg Home is through a guided tour.).

Why are the tours free right now?

Offering free tickets is a small way to say thank you for everyone’s patience and support throughout the pandemic. We’re excited to welcome everyone back inside the Sandburg Home.

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.

Why was the home closed for so long? Why is it safer now?

The Sandburg Home was 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.

The ventilation system was improved and air purifiers have been installed to improve air flow inside the 183-year-old house. Hand sanitizer will be available. Free masks will be available for any visitor who wishes to wear one. We will frequently clean heavily touched surfaces. Tour and store/visitor center capacity will increase based on public health guidance. Check our website and Facebook page for updates.