“Since the skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park was completed in 2011, we’ve seen a growing number of visitors at the park coming to enjoy this unique experience,” said Cindy Adams Dunn of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “The new center enhances their visit, welcoming them with exhibits and information about the history of the area and the many opportunities for outdoor activities at the park and in the Pennsylvania Wilds region,” Dunn said.
“I got a sneak peek at the fantastic interactive exhibits and the green features in the new building and I know people are going to be impressed and excited to get out and explore after their visit,” Dunn said.
The visitor center includes 2,800 square feet of space in two exhibit halls and a lobby; park administrative offices; public restrooms; and classroom space.
“We also are thrilled that the facility is the location of the first PA Wilds Conservation Shop, the result of a public-private partnership with the non-profit PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship,” said Dunn.
The PA Wilds Conservation Shop sells PA Wilds-branded merchandise, as well as one-of-a-kind artisan wares from local artisans juried through The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Shop proceeds will support the PA Wilds Center’s business and community development programs and resources.
“DCNR has been making significant investments in its facilities and attractions in the Pennsylvania Wilds,” Dunn said. “This visitor center is intended to complement our other regional investments, including the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, the Elk Country Visitor Center, and the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning. It gives visitors the opportunity to spend several days in the region enjoying nature and the unique and special character of the area.”
LEED certification will be sought for the building, which includes water-efficient plumbing fixtures; a geothermal heating and cooling system; regionally sourced materials with a high level of recycled content; sustainably certified wood; and the diversion of construction debris and waste to recycling centers instead of landfills.
Just off historic scenic highway Route 6, the 323-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park features remnants of the 2,053-foot long viaduct first built of iron in 1882, and rebuilt of steel in 1900. The viaduct, or railroad bridge, utilized a series of arches carrying the railroad over the wide valley.
The structure was toppled by a tornado in 2003. In 2011, DCNR opened a pedestrian walkway on the remaining bridge portion that affords visitors a view of the Kinzua Creek Valley Gorge below.
In 2014, the Kinzua Skywalk was named one of the Top 10 Skywalks in the world.