National Parks to close for the holidays December 25 - 26, 2008

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: December 19, 2008

CONTACT: Donna Davis, (864) 461-2828

National Parks to Close for the Holidays, December 25-26, 2008

Ninety Six National Historic Site, Cowpens National Battlefield and Kings Mountain National Military Park will be closed Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 for the Christmas holidays. The parks will also be closed New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2009.

The parks are usually closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, but on December 12, 2008, President Bush issued an Executive Order also declaring Friday, December 26, 2008 as a federal holiday. During this time, visitors may still access the park to hike and enjoy the park setting, but must park vehicles outside of the park. Visitor Centers and other park buildings will be closed.

All three parks will reopen Saturday, December 27. Take a break from errands and relax at the parks. Spend an hour or spend a day walking the trails, visiting the museums, or browsing the bookstores. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning with out-of-town family and guests, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Ninety Six National Historic Site and Cowpens National Battlefield welcome you to spend the holiday season in your National Parks.

These Revolutionary War sites are part of the National Park Service and are free to the public. Ninety Six National Historic Site is open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is located two miles south of Ninety Six on SC Highway 248. Visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/nisi for upcoming events and pictures of past events. Cowpens National Battlefield is open daily from 9:00 am to5:00 pm. The Auto Loop Road and Picnic Area close at 4:30 pm. The Trailhead Parking lot is open 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. The park is located 2 miles east of Chesnee on Hwy 11. Visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cowp for information about the Anniversary Celebration of the battle on January 17-18, 2009. Kings Mountain National Military Park is open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, located on South Carolina Highway 216, take NC Exit #2 off I-85. Visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/kimo for additional information.

-NPS-

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