Jacob V. Brower Visitor’s Center

New Visitor Center At Itasca State Park Integrates Environmental Learning and Recreation

Following designs from BTR, the new Visitors Center at Itasca State Park opened in the spring of 2001. The 14,300-square-foot facility serves as the primary information center for the park. It provides the visitor with exhibits, educational programs, travel information and amenities, and contains a trail center and a souvenir shop. The structure reflects the "rustic" style architecture of the existing historic CCC and WPA structures in the park. Log and timber construction and board and batten siding were used, along with two log-burning fireplaces in the interior. Significant efforts were made to integrate environmentally sensitive building materials and technologies into the facility.