Announcing the Grand Opening of the New Valley of Fire Visitor Center
Nevada State Parks Announces Grand Opening of the
New Valley of Fire Visitor Center
Over $30 million project marks a transformative milestone in preserving Nevada’s natural and cultural legacy
OVERTON, Nev.– Nevada State Parks invites the public to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Valley of Fire Visitor Center on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Valley of Fire State Park. This highly anticipated event marks the debut of a transformative, $30+ million project that represents a landmark achievement in preserving Nevada’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Made possible through a dynamic public-private partnership, including a $7 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and a matching $8 million investment from the Conserve Nevada Program, the new facility is designed to elevate the visitor experience, promote education, and inspire future generations to connect with Nevada’s unique landscapes and history.
The celebration will also feature a full schedule of programs in the new 200-seat outdoor amphitheater:
• 9:30 a.m. – Ribbon-cutting remarks from park staff and dignitaries
• 10:30 a.m. – Wildlife Talk with the Nevada Department of Wildlife
• 11:00 a.m. – Geology Talk with Nevada State Parks
• 11:30 a.m. – The Nevadaromeus Dinosaur with Josh Bonde and Becky Hall
• 12:00 p.m. – Hiker’s Education Course with the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
At 11:00 a.m., guests can experience the debut of the new 10-minute orientation film, Valley of Fire: A Journey Through Time and Stone, narrated by William Shatner. The film will play continuously every 15 minutes from then on and will premiere online at 5:00pm, December 1, 2025.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of food and drink vendors, including Chaskas & Sweets, Las Vegas Brewing Company and their official Valley of Fire brew, Tacos & Salsas, VKM Thaifood and BBQ, Headframe Coffee, and Goodfellas Grill. Booths from Lost City Museum, Fern Teal Designs, Zeeta Body, the State Historic Preservation Office, and Nataniel’s Astro Road Trips Photography will be available throughout the day.
“The new Valley of Fire Visitor Center honors Nevada’s past while looking to its future,” said Bob Mergell, Administrator for Nevada State Parks. “This facility enhances how we share the park’s incredible geology, wildlife, and human history with visitors from around the world.”
The park will open around 7:00 a.m., and visitors wanting to view the ribbon cutting are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking. Limited overflow parking will be available, so guests are asked to carpool whenever possible to help ensure parking availability.
For those who don’t mind missing the official ceremony, festivities will continue throughout the day until 3:00 p.m., allowing plenty of time to experience the event and explore the park at a more relaxed pace.
Come celebrate the next chapter of Valley of Fire State Park, where Nevada’s history, geology, and natural beauty come to life.
