The National Grasslands Visitor Center plans to return to outdoor visitor services only beginning August 4 due to the national uptick of the COVID 19 Delta variant, to assure the safety of visitors and staff.
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Forest Service interpretive rangers will staff a table under the visitor center’s covered entryway, providing maps, brochures, Junior Ranger programs, and information about the national grasslands and related recreation opportunities in the area. Rangers will also begin providing interpretive programs in the center’s outdoor Living Landscape, as well as in various locations on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
National Grasslands Visitor Center Director Travis Mason-Bushman said, “Our excellent staff will be available to visitors to help connect people with the rich natural and cultural heritage of the national grasslands, and to help visitors responsibly enjoy our local public lands.”
The visitor center building will remain closed to the public at this time, and no public restrooms will be available. Service hours and programs may vary based on staff availability and weather conditions.
The National Grasslands Visitor Center is the only visitor center and museum dedicated to telling the story of America’s 20 National Grasslands and the Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie. Located in Wall, South Dakota, the center fosters public understanding and enjoyment of the 3.8 million acres of public prairies managed by the Forest Service nationwide. The NGVC is operated by the Wall Ranger District of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, part of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.