News Release

Whitman Mission National Historic Site Visitor Center open Saturdays and Sundays

Date: September 16, 2020
Contact: Kelly Kincaid, 208-843-7014

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Whitman Mission National Historic Site is increasing access to the park visitor center. 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 September 19, 2020 Whitman Mission National Historic Site will reopen access to the visitor center on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, the park’s picnic area, trails and grounds continue to be open daily sunrise to sunset. 

 

“It has been encouraging to see visitors exploring the park’s picnic area, grounds and trails over the past few months” Acting Superintendent Charles Beall said, “we look forward to future opportunities as we invite visitors back into our museum, theater and bookstore.” 

 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Whitman Mission National Historic Site, our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and are regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean.  

A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.  

We encourage visitors to watch the 25-minute park film on our website before visiting at https://go.nps.gov/whmi/film
 

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