News Release

Increased Recreational Access to Park Grounds

News Release Date: July 16, 2020

Contact: Rebekah Oakes, 518-758-9689 x 2008

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is beginning to increase recreational access to park grounds as of July 18, 2020

Kinderhook, NY – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is increasing recreational access and services. 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.

Beginning Saturday, July 18, Martin Van Buren National Historic Site will:
 

• Provide limited outdoor visitor services, including an information tent and short ranger programs (please see our Operating Hours & Seasons page for daily schedules)
• Reopen access to park restrooms

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   

• Parking lot
• Park grounds and trails

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

• Historic Lindenwald, Martin Van Buren’s post-presidency home
• The park visitor center and museum shop (with the exception of restrooms)

Park hours and programs are subject to change based on staffing, weather, and public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.


The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, our operational approach will be to examine 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 and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. 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. 

The NPS encourages those not traveling to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, including:  

• a virtual tour of historic Lindenwald
• videos on various topics
• self-guided learning activities

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