Moraine Park Discovery Center: Gateway to Glacial Wonders

Located just off Bear Lake Road, 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the Moraine Park Discovery Center serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The center is housed in the former Moraine Park Lodge, built in 1923 by Imogene MacPherson. In 1931, the National Park Service acquired the property and transformed it into a visitor center. The lodge was converted into a natural history museum in 1993, with exhibits designed by the Denver Museum of Natural History. The Moraine Park Lodge building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, with the designation expanded to include the amphitheater in 2005. The Discovery Center features interactive exhibits focusing on the geologic processes, glaciation, weather and climate, ecosystems, and human impact that have shaped the park. Visitors can learn about the formation of Moraine Park by glacial ice and gain a deeper understanding of the park's topography. From the visitor center, you can enjoy views of the Big Thompson River and the surrounding meadows, where deer and elk are frequently spotted. A short nature trail provides an opportunity to explore the area further. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide suggestions for exploring the park. The nearby Moraine Park Amphitheater, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936, is used for K-12 education programs and wedding ceremonies. The amphitheater's design reflects the rustic style of the 1930s, using native materials to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.