In an effort to comply with federal guidelines and reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure, Yellowstone National Park has closed the Albright Visitor Center and the Boiling River swimming and soaking area.
The indefinite closures were announced Wednesday.
The Albright Visitor Center, built by the U.S. Army in 1909 to house calvary officers, is located at Mammoth Hot Springs near the park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana.
The road from the North Entrance to Cooke City, Montana, remains open to the public. The road spans 57 miles and is popular among commuters and tourists hoping to spot wildlife in and beyond Lamar Valley.
The closure of the Albright Visitor Center and Boiling River come when much of the park is under a seasonal closure, as crews plow roads in preparation for the opening of the spring tourism season.
Most roads and facilities are scheduled to open beginning April 17. The park is expected to be fully open by early June.
“In the time between now and those scheduled openings, park managers will continue to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance and adjust operations as needed,” the park stated, referring to the novel coronavirus by its scientific name. “As of now, the park intends to maintain the regular opening schedule.”
Also on Wednesday, the National Park Service announced that it was temporarily waiving entrance fees at all national parks, even though facilities inside parks might be closed.
Visitors are urged to follow CDC guidelines pertaining to social distancing and hygiene to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
–Images are courtesy of Yellowstone National Park and the National Park Service