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Eielson Visitor Center Construction
The summer of 2004 was the last season of operation for the Eielson Visitor Center, which opened in 1961. Replacement of the overcrowded and deteriorating facility is scheduled to commence in spring 2005 and continue through 2006, provided the $7.42 million project is funded with the 2005 federal budget.
The new visitor center is scheduled to open in 2007. although it will be larger, it has been designed to be less intrusive on the landscape and more effectively meet the needs of visitors. Improvements will include additional indoor and outdoor viewing areas, new exhibits, an interior eating space, informal seating for interpretive programs, and administrative support areas for staff. As part of a National Park Service sustainability initiative, the building design meets the Gold LEED accreditation, which includes the use of recycled materials and renewable resources, low water usage and the utilization of renewable energy sources. The new building was identified as a high priority need in the 1997 entrance Area and Road Corridor Development Concept Plan.
During the two-year construction period, a route near the construction zone will provide safe access to trails and backcountry units for hikers and an interim Shuttle Bus turnaround point at Fish Creek (Mile 63) will be utilized instead of the Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66). The roundtrip travel time will remain the same (8 hours) Wonder Lake and camper buses will continue to their destinations further west.
Buses will stop at Toklat Rest Stop, where temporary structures will provide visitor services during the two-year construction period. New restrooms are being constructed as part of planned improvements to the rest stop in 2005, but there will be no running water. Bottled water will be available for sale.

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