Valley of Fire State Park is located in southern Nevada approximately 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, within the context of the larger Mohave Desert Region. The Valley of Fire State Park opened in 1934 before receiving its legal designation in 1935, giving it the claim of the first state park in Nevada. As visitation to the park continued to grow, the original visitor center struggled to meet the demands of the over 700,000 visitors arriving yearly. LGA was selected by Nevada State Parks to design a new visitor center that would not only meet the current needs, but also plan for the future of the park.

As a small spark can start a blazing fire, the visitor center experience is just the beginning of everything that Valley of Fire State Park has to offer. Sparks are created by friction and resistance and then expand outward into flames. This friction and resistance is interpreted in the concept by drawing inspiration from the tectonic forces made visible in the Aztec sandstone throughout the valley. Design cues draw guests to the amphitheater, a source of knowledge and reflection, and then expand outward into the overall site, sparking the imagination of visitors and beginning the rest of the park experience.

LGA worked closely with Nevada State Parks, project stakeholders, and the consultant team to deliver on this vision. The 16,500 SF visitor center building includes park offices, a retail store, a theater, and interpretive exhibit space. A massive stratified concrete wall referencing the surrounding rock formations leads visitors into the facility and through a slot canyon, piquing their curiosity and setting the tone for engagement and learning. After experiencing the Visitor Center, park visitors will be prepared to safely enjoy everything that Valley of Fire State Park has to offer. In addition, they will walk away with a deeper understanding of the area’s rich history and the fragile desert ecosystem worth protecting.