Date: February 8, 2007
Contact: Jim LaRock

Superintendent Jim LaRock announced today that Pipestone National Monument will implement an entrance fee increase effective January 1, 2008.   This increase was authorized by Congress as the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and signed by President Bush in December of 2004.  This Act replaces earlier legislation of the same nature that allows parks to charge entrance fees, and for parks to retain 80% of fees collected for projects that benefit and support National Park Service visitors.

The new fees for Pipestone National Monument are $20 for the Monument’s annual pass, $10 per vehicle, and $5 for an individual pass.  The vehicle and individual passes are good for 7 days from the date of purchase and the Monument annual pass is good for one year from the date of purchase.  As a comparison, Yellowstone National Park will charge $50 for a park annual pass, $25 per vehicle and $12 for a single pass.

Projects completed at Pipestone National Monument with the use of entrance fees include: the petroglyph exhibit, wayside exhibit signs, restroom upgrades, auditorium chairs, interpretive displays and cases, and plant signs along the Circle Trail.  Upcoming projects for 2007 include a new visitor orientation film and interpretive exhibit panels and displays.

The Monument is seeking comments on the new entrance fees for Pipestone National Monument.  A public open house will be held at the Monument visitor center on the afternoon of Monday, March 5, between 3 pm and 5 pm to provide an opportunity to discuss the new entrance fees and to receive your comments.  If you prefer to submit your comments in writing, please address them to: Superintendent, 36 Reservation Avenue, Pipestone, MN 56164.