West Yellowstone – The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center will open Saturday, May 26, but will operate a short season, closing on July 16 for a renovation and reconstruction project that will increase energy efficiency, user accessibility and reduce maintenance costs. The Forest Service will be improving and replacing deteriorating interpretive exhibits along Hwy 287 and outside the Visitor Center.
The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and facilities were installed to accommodate intense public interest shortly after the 1959 earthquake-caused landslide that resulted in human tragedies and the formation of Earthquake Lake. Today, the center hosts more than 50,000 visitors annually. The Forest Service is proposing to eliminate the current $3 admission fee, starting with the 2012 summer season.
Comments on the fee-elimination proposal will be accepted until May 10. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week starting May 26.fs.usda.gov/gallatin.
