The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site [the “park”] is closed indefinitely due to hazards caused by Hurricane Helene, particularly those caused by downed or falling trees and trail and ground washouts. However, small steps towards recovery have begun. The park staff, a National Park Service assessment team of engineers and resource experts, and a saw crew have begun working on the park to assess damage, develop a recovery plan, remove over 50 downed or hazard trees and, of course, to care for goats.

There was no major damage to any building or to museum objects, in large part due to preparations by park staff, including the cleaning out of drains, placing absorbent barriers in all low lying doorways, and covering books and furniture in the Sandburg Home. The Front Lake dam did sustain more damage. The middle section of the dam and the bridge (which had been intact) was destroyed. Also, a culvert running under the white historic gate facing Little River Road (where the park shuttle exits the park) is severely undercut and closed to all use.