At Yosemite National Park, in a typical year, more than 4.5 million people visit. Moreover, many of them are first-time visitors from other states and countries. Often the people looking to find their logistic bearings. Therefore, they want to figure out how the best way is to enjoy the truly breathtaking scenery of one of America’s most famed landmarks.

Yosemite Visitor Center

Moreover, the park officials and a top Bay Area environmental group are working to make their experience a bit easier by buying a new $10.4 million visitor center in the heart of Yosemite Valley.

Beginning this fall, construction is planned. By the end of 2022 or early 2023, the new facility is expecting to be open.

Yosemite: Guidance for a Great Time

“When people arrive at Yosemite Valley this is going to help them when they get the guidance they need. This way, you will have a great time,” said Frank Dean, president of the Yosemite Conservancy. It is a non-profit group based in San Francisco. The group has agreed to pay half the costs. “From the National Park Service deputy director, there is an old quote. He once said his advice to the visiting public was ‘have a good time, don’t fall down and learn something.’ In fact, that was the hope the new welcome center does deliver.”

First Visitor Center

It was built in 1925, Yosemite’s visitor center. It was a rustic stone building in the middle of Yosemite Village. In 1966, the current visitor center was building next door. Moreover, the original building became the park’s museum. Now, there are Native American artifacts, paintings, and photography exhibits.

People could drive up and park outside both. Then, they would walk in. Moreover, they talk to rangers. Next, they ask questions about hikes, camping, or other issues. They can then pick up maps and learn about geology. Also about animals and human history of the illustrious 748,000-acre park. For decades, this was the situation for all of the above.

New Welcome Center

Located adjacent to the Village Store is the new welcome center. It will be in a 3,000-square foot building. It was previously housing in the Yosemite Village Sport Shop. That was much closer to the main parking area.