News Release

The National Parks of Southern Idaho are Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Much of Craters of the Moon is still covered with snow

Sarah Lillie

News Release Date: March 17, 2020

Contact: Ted Stout, 2085271330

The National Parks of Southern Idaho are modifying operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 18, visitor facilities at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and Minidoka National Historic Site, are closed until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, these parks  will remain open to provide healthy options for the public such as open trails and winter recreation.  

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at the National Parks of Southern Idaho are our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check the following pages for each individual park for specific details about current park operations:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Minidoka National Historic Site