Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center is Grand Teton's large visitor center in Moose, on the park's southern approach. It brings trip-planning help, exhibits, ranger programs, films, a park store and permits together in one stop. If you're starting in Moose, come here early for current trail and weather information before choosing where to go.

The 23,000-square-foot center opened in 2007. Its courtyard, lined with massive tree-trunk columns, holds back much of the mountain view; then the interior opens into a bright hall, with timber columns and a stone-and-timber fireplace framing the Teton skyline through tall windows. The architecture makes the walk inside part of the visit.

A raised-relief map of the park is set into the floor, with identifiers for the mountain peaks. It's a good place to see how the range, lakes and roads fit together before you head out.

The exhibits cover the park's landscape, people, preservation and mountaineering. They also include Indigenous artifacts that help interpret pre-colonial life and displays about animal migration across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A film program adds another way to spend time indoors.

Rangers can help with trip planning, trail and weather information, and permits. The center handles backcountry and boating permits, and the Grand Teton Association runs the park store. Restrooms and parking are available at the center.