Visitor Centers and Museums

Yosemite Valley Visitors Center

The main visitors center in Yosemite is located in Yosemite Village. The Valley Visitor Center has various natural history exhibits and the Yosemite Bookstore. Rangers or volunteers are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

The Yosemite Museum,

Only a stones throw from the Valley Visitor Center,  the museum has displays that interpret the cultural history of Yosemite's native Miwok and Paiute people. Demonstrations of basket-weaving, beadwork, and traditional games are performed daily.

 

 

 

LeConte Memorial

The LeConte Memorial Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, was built by the Sierra Club in 1903-04. The unique structure honors eminent University of California geologist Joseph LeConte, an early Director of the Sierra Club who died in the Valley in 1901. The Sierra Club provided the Valley's first public information center, first at a small cottage in the old Yosemite Village, and then at the LeConte Memorial Lodge.

Contact: +1 (209) 372-4542;  

 

 

Fossil Discovery Center.

The Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla is the region's latest Visitor Center. With a wealth of tourism information  about things to see and do in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite is also available here. Stop by as you head down Highway 99. The Fossil Discovery Center is located at 19450 Ave. 21 1/2, Chowchilla, CA.

 

Tuolumne Meadows

The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center offers a small, but impressive, collection of preserved plants and animals. Rangers are available for questions. There is a small Yosemite Bookstore here. Open summer.

Parsons Lodge, built in 1915 by the Sierra Club, has a focus on human history in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Open summer.

 

Pioneer Yosemite History Center  

With relocated historic buildings and horse drawn wagons. During summer, volunteers portray pioneers and occupy the historic buildings. Wagon rides are offered (for a small fee) that take visitors across the historic covered bridge. During the rest of the year, a self-guided tour is available. There is a small Yosemite Bookstore here (during summer and early fall).

 

 

The Mariposa Grove Museum

Located in a small log cabin in the Mariposa Grove and has various exhibits interpreting the natural history of the giant sequoia, and a Yosemite Bookstore. Open summer to early fall.

 

 

 

Happy Isles Nature Center

Located near the end of the John Muir Trail at Happy Isles, houses a variety of excellent natural history exhibits. Great for kids (and adults). There is a small Yosemite Bookstore here.