Sandstone Visitor Center In New River Gorge National Park And Preserve
- Date Visited: October 11, 2021
- Address: 330 Meadow Creek Rd, Meadow Bridge, WV 25976
- GPS: 37.78320 N, 80.89778 W
- Phone: 304-466-0417
- Website
- Hours: Daily 9 Am-5 PM in Spring, Summer, Fall, Closed November-May.
- Price: Free
The 11,800 square-foot Sandstone Visitor Center opened in September 2003 and is located along I-64 in West Virginia. This visitor center serves as a gateway to the southern portion of the country’s newest national park, the New River Gorge and Preserve.
This visitor center stands as a model for state-of-the-art green design and construction.
The building was built to use an estimated 60% less energy than the current industry standard. Learn more details on it’s construction on the parks official website.
There are a number of impressive and educational exhibits located in the center.
Learn about the New River watershed as well as the New River Gorge National River and its environmental impact on the area. You can also learn about the local wildlife and what life on the river is like through a number of interactive displays.
The theater inside plays a 12-minute movie titled, An American Heritage River.
We never watch these movies so I can’t tell you if it’s any good or not. A small gift shop is also located inside so you can purchase all your national park swag.
Friendly rangers and staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the park. Make sure to pick up maps and brochures on hiking trails and must see stops during your visit.
The landscape outside of the building has been planted with native grasses and wildflowers that provide habitat and food for local wildlife. Recently they planted milkweed and registered as a monarch waystation to help preserve the habitat for monarch butterflies.
There are multiple tables to sit at and enjoy a snack and relax for a bit.
They also have the coolest entryway into the building. Jamey nor I can remember what these structures are called (pictured above), but we both love them. If you know what they’re called sound off in the comments.
The Sandstone Visitor Center is an excellent facility and the perfect stop to get all the information you need before starting your adventures in the New River Gorge National Park.
