Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center

"A visitor center with an exhibit about the history of the Shenandoah National park, political as well construction. Staff available to provide information and a map of the park. A gift store for mementoes. Rest rooms, of course. On busy days, parking can be full and delay the visit to the park"

"The visitor center is part of big meadows. The area is nice and it is a good spot to recharge and learn about the construction of Skyline Drive. There is lots of parking. Hikers can get supplies here. There are restrooms here too. You can buy souvenirs here too. For me, that turned out to be the issue… When you make a purchase, the woman at the counter asks you to donate your change. Do they not charge enough for the items? Anyway, I felt it came off as a little much. You pay to enter the park. You pay for food and souvenirs. It just seemed low to have panhandling from behind a cash register… perhaps it is just me, but that’s how I perceived it. It actually set me off as I was set to pay with exact change and then my wife agreed to the donation. There is an EV charging station here, which is probably good enough since there are not too many of those vehicles on the road percentage wise. There is also a gas station here too, which is nice."

"Great job at presenting the history of the park, including how local residents were unfairly compensated for their land and properties. I would have liked to have seen more about the aboriginal who lived there before the settlers, and, I also would have like to have seen more about the geological history of the park. I ran out of time as the place was closing, but managed to witnessed a short ceremony of a young person becoming a junior ranger, on my way out. What a great way to motivate the younger generation. Well done."

"Lots of pictures and displays regarding the history of the park. And a nice show regarding the park from its beginning. The rangers and other staff were very pleasant and informative."

"We stopped in for a Junior Ranger book, magnet, and park pin. The store was small, but nice. The Rangers were willing to assist and full of information. We got there right before they closed, but they greeted us like it was the beginning of the day, and they were glad to see us. The bathrooms are located outside and beside the store and Ranger center. They were fully stocked and very clean."