Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center

Beautiful Visitors Center in the Big Meadows area of Shenandoah National Park. This visitors center has a great walk through display depicting the history of the park. There is also some great info on the Appalachian Trail as well as the CCC construction of the park.
The Center also offers a large window area, and a deck to overlook the Big Meadows area. This is a great spot to bring the family and look for wildlife or just enjoy the fantastic views.

The Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center is the second visitor center you will encounter on the Skyline Drive when headed south. It’s located at Big Meadows/​Milepost 51 on the Skyline Drive. You shouldn’t be able to miss though — lots of large signs!
I enjoy reading and learning about the history of National Parks — and this visitor center has an extensive and comprehensive set of interpretive exhibits that explore the formation and history of Shenandoah National Park.
They also do a couple of things here that I think are cool. Big Meadows is directly across the Skyline Drive from the visitor center. They have a row of chairs along the window for folks to sit and observe the meadows — and an outdoor deck area to do the same. When I was there this past weekend — it was raining hard and very windy. Quite a few older folks took the time to sit and enjoy the view. Big Meadows gets quite colorful when the leaves are turning — as many of the meadow plant species join in the Autumn color fireworks. I chose to go out on the deck as I some times like to experience a more raw, elemental version of the view.
The two lady park rangers/​employees working the information counter were friendly and helpful. I really like this visitor center — I highly recommend spending a good bit of time here — learning and understanding!