The ARS National Visitor Center is located in the historic Beltsville Log Lodge. The building was constructed in 1936-37 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was used by the CCC as a recreational hall until 1942. Walking through the Log Lodge is an educational experience. There is much to be learned from our exhibits and displays featuring captioned photographs of microscopic animals, scientists in their laboratories, insects, and many other research topics. If you have scheduled a guided tour, you may want to arrive a little early or stay afterwards to look around the exhibit hall.
Most visitors view a short introductory video.
Each visitor or group scheduled for a tour will then receive an orientation by one of our staff.