The Center features an expansive block of south-facing windows to take advantage of passive solar heating and a great view. Trees harvested from the Reserve have been used in faux pillars in the lobby, exhibit panel holders, benches, window trim, front desk (including glu-lam counters), the director's desk, and several furniture pieces.

From November through May, the Visitor Center is open to the public Monday thru Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October, the Center is open to the public seven days a week, Monday thru Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sundays and holidays.

Noteworthy numbers:

·      8,300 square feet completes the main building;

·      31 trees were harvested during the reconstruction of Highway 131 for a total of 11,000 board feet that is used in the Center. Products will be featured in future exhibits to illustrate the importance of the timber industry in the valley;

·      35 pine logs were peeled by volunteers and high school students for the exhibit center;

·      over 10,000 visitors annually go through the Visitor Center;

·      3 loops, made up of 33 trenches, each 300 feet long and containing 600 lineal feet of piping for a total pipe length of 19,800 feet filled with a glycol solution, make up the geothermal heating and cooling system to serve the eight heat pumps;

·      $2.5 million dollars is the total construction cost of the Center through the State of Wisconsin's Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund and Kickapoo Valley Reserve agency funds;

·      149 former landowner names in entryway bricks;

·      3 trailheads--for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding--link up to the Old 131 Trail from the Visitor Center.

The 2,000 square foot exhibit gallery features interactive displays and a 'story fire' corner where one can watch and listen and learn about the Reserve.

The KVR Visitor Center is available for a fee to the public for meetings, special events, educational workshops/seminars, weddings, family reunions, guided tours. (click here for facility fee schedule) Telephone (608) 625-2960, or email kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us for more information.

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor center has been certified a Travel Green Wisconsin organization.