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Contact: Jim Nepstad, 563-873-3491 x101
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in alignment with Iowa Governor’s April 16 Public Health Emergency Proclamation requiring additional protective measures in Iowa’s RMCC Region 6, Effigy Mounds National Monument is temporarily closed, effective at sunset on Saturday, April 18. The closure includes all hiking trails within the monument. The Visitor Center closed on March 13th and with this order all park trails, including the North Unit trail system to Fire Point and Hanging Rock, and the South Unit trail system to the Marching Bear Group as well as Sny Magill are closed until further notice.
“This decision is not made lightly,” stated Superintendent Jim Nepstad. “The trails at Effigy Mounds National Monument are narrow in places; it is extremely difficult for visitors to observe safe social distancing precautions while passing one another on the trails, particularly as they climb or descend the steep sections. For everyone’s sake, we must act in the interest of public health and in alignment with the Governor’s April 16 order.” Staff at Effigy Mounds will continue protective patrols to ensure the safety of the mounds and the cultural resources the park was set aside to preserve.
Effigy Mounds National Monument managers are working with local, regional, and national leadership to monitor the situation and will provide updates on the park website, www.nps.gov/efmo and Facebook page @EffigyMounds on the status of the Effigy Mounds National Monument trails and Visitor Center operations.
Last updated: April 30, 2020