The new Norfork National Fish Hatchery Visitors' Center was open for operation in time for the 50th anniversary celebration. The Visitors' Center tells the story of Norfork National Fish Hatchery and provides information about the fish and wildlife of the Ozarks.

The main room of the Visitors' Center describes the operation and the history of the hatchery. It also provides information about the Friends. The main room displays the plaques that list the founding members of the Friends. There are also rooms dedicated to wildlife and fishing. An audio visual room is available for giving classes.

The hatchery has never before had a Visitors' Center. Converting an existing employee's quarters into a temporary visitors' center took a lot of work. The inside of the building was gutted and repainted. The floor covering was replaced. Exhibition cases were built and exhibits constructed. A handicapped accessible ramp was added. This work was largely performed by Davy Wotton, Theresa Van Winkle, John Holstein, Pat Smith, Mike Cullen, and other volunteers.

The Visitors' Center open for business!

It took a lot of work to get there. Teresa Van Winkle paints the interior.

John Holstein built this accessible entrance to the Visitors' Center.

The main room gives the history of the hatchery.

And describes the operation of the hatchery.

The fish of the White, Norfork, and Buffalo Rivers are described.

There are exhibits of Ozark wildlife.

Nuts!