Fee Free Weekend to Honor Veterans

Date: October 25, 2012
Contact: Curt Frain, 507-825-5464 x219

Pipestone National Monument Honors Veterans with Fee Free Weekend

Pipestone, MN: To honor America's service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the Department of the Interior, including Pipestone National Monument, will not charge entrance fees from Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 12^th, 2012.

Visitors to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation are invited to take a day to honor and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world, Salazar said.

"The Department of the Interior is honored to offer these fee free days to thank our nation's service men and women," said Salazar "The sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women of our armed forces can never be understated. We invite all of our visitors to enjoy these fee free days and take time out on their national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harm's way.

The Monument Visitor Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Veterans Day.These hours will be in effect every day throughout the winter months.The Pipestone Indian Shrine Association, (gift shop) located in the Visitor Center will be open the same hours.

Visitors are advised to dress warmly to walk the Circle Trail, to view the pipestone quarries and to see the Winnewissa Falls.The fall and winter seasons offer many photographic opportunities of the prairie and wildlife.During this quiet time of the year, visiting the Monument and walking the Circle Trail can be particularly enjoyable and peaceful.

For additional information contact Pipestone National Monument at 507-825-5464 ext. 214, or view the Monument's web site at www.nps.gov/pipe.