Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center

January 31, 2011 // Natural History, Project

The theme of these exhibits is “Meeting the Ottawa,” where visitors to learn firsthand what it’s like to walk through the Ottawa National Forest. Working with a limited budget, Split Rock Studios was able to bring “the outside in” by capturing the color of the forest through high quality photography, art, taxidermy, and replicated forest flora. Visitors encounter the forest at every turn, whether through large colorful banners hanging from the ceiling, a diorama scene of a fox hunting a grouse, or a raccoon peeking out from an interactive tree snag. As they stroll through the “forest,” visitors are introduced to the wildlife that live there, as well as the forest’s cultural history and the U.S. Forest Service.

The relaxing and welcoming environment gives visitors an appreciation for the value of our national forests, and the knowledge needed to help preserve and protect them.

Adhering to the Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessibility, Split Rock Studios also created an audio description of the exhibits for the visually impaired.