The visitor center—formerly single officers' quarters for the United States Army—received a full interior renovation. Crews stripped down walls to original masonry, then stabilized, insulated and refinished them. Windows, doors and fireplaces preserve the historic character, while new exhibits help orient visitors to Yellowstone and provide information for a safe and enjoyable trip by visitors of all abilities. The new exhibits invite visitors to learn about Yellowstone's rich cultural heritage, the struggles that took place here, the establishment of the world's first national park in 1872, and the immense challenges that followed. Exhibits take visitors through the arrival of the United States Army and the 1916 establishment of the National Park Service. The new exhibits also illustrate the relationships of Yellowstone wildlife to each other and their home in this mountain landscape. Visitors have an opportunity to learn about the Mammoth area's active hot springs and how and why they differ from other thermal features in the park. Visitors will also find a dynamic orientation area with interactive displays for enhanced trip planning information; park rangers offering educational talks and tours; and a backcountry permit office where camping, boating and fishing permits are obtained. In addition, the Yellowstone Association, the park’s nonprofit cooperating association, funded an expanded bookstore operated in partnership with the National Park Service. Swank Enterprises was the general contractor for the project. NPS staff developed the content for the exhibits, which were designed and installed by Pacific Studios. The Yellowstone Association provided grant money for the exhibit design and fabrication. Renovation of the visitor center was funded by the NPS. - www.nps.gov/yell -
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Last updated: July 2, 2015