Lava Beds

The Sibbett Group designed a visitor center that serves as a starting point for visitors venturing into the largest lava tube cave system in North America. Here, visitors will learn about lava tube formation and the diverse wildlife that thrives among the lava beds. The stone passageway that leads to the exhibit gallery is framed by striking black and white Edward Weston prints of the monument. The threshold into the gallery contains a large metal plate etched with a passage from Weston's journal, documenting his first impressions of the lava landscape.

On the far wall of the exhibit gallery is a large photo mural of a lava tube cave, which forms a dramatic backdrop for a rugged wood table, filled with a variety of hands-on geology exhibits. Here, curious visitors find volcano models, rock specimens, cave images and geologic maps that explain the region's explosive geologic history. Nearby a 3-D underground model orients curious cavers to the extensive lava tube system that snakes around the visitor center. The centerpiece of the exhibit gallery is a rock fireplace surrounded by comfortable Arts & Crafts style furniture. The firebox contains a video monitor, which plays a fiery orientation video about volcanoes, lava flows and the geologic history of the monument. Above the fireplace, a wooden frame rises from the mantel to the roof. The wooden frame is filled with a playful variety of full-size animal models and color photos that highlight the emblematic fauna that calls Lava Beds home

Snowy Butte

Indian

Room

Lava Tube

Bat

Signage

Exhibits

Flower

Eruption

Jackrabbit

Fire

Dial