Yosemite: Learn While You Burn

Hiking, cooling off in a creek, climbing a mountain, birdwatching, observing other wildlife, breathing in the mist from the falls and hugging a giant sequoia tree are all activities you can do in Yosemite National Park to feed your body and soul. But there are also a number of ways to feed your mind.

The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, a National Historic Landmark, offers evening programs and environmental education and includes a library and children’s section. The Happy Isles Art and Nature Center’s natural history exhibits focus on wildlife. Yosemite Valley Visitor Center houses an exhibit hall that displays geological and historical information and shows a free film providing an overall view of the popular national park’s awesome scenery.

The Ansel Adams Gallery includes black-and-white photographs by Adams, revered for his iconic photos of Yosemite and other national parks, as well as works by other photographers and artists. In addition, the gallery sells crafts, gifts, books and photography supplies.

The Yosemite Museum concentrates on the cultural history of the region’s indigenous people and provides demonstrations of such arts as beadwork and basket-weaving. Behind the museum stands Ahwahnee, a reconstructed Indian village. Also nearby is the Yosemite Cemetery, where those buried include people who helped develop the park, Yosemite visitors and Native Americans.

Most of the buildings are open only from late spring to early fall, so be sure to check with your private guide or online before planning a trip to one. You may be visiting Yosemite monthly or annually or every couple of years. Or your coming trip may be the only time you enjoy the privilege of experiencing the joy that is visiting Yosemite. You could visit the park 100 times and never see everything. We can help you make the most of your adventure. Give us a call.