About Lava Lands Visitor Center

The interpretive hub for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument located at the base of Lava Butte. The visitor center includes a bookstore, educational films, a 3D map of the area and rangers on hand ready and willing to talk to about the geological wonders of Lava Lands and the expansive monument.

Right outside the visitor center, enjoy a self-guided tour of the 7,000 year old lava flow formed by Lava Butte’s eruption. There’s informational plaques throughout, including one that highlights a unique piece of American history: Astronauts trained there in 1966 to prepare for the upcoming moon landings.

You can hike up to the top of the butte for some amazing views of the surrounding area, but be careful because there’s no trail. You have to walk up the road, which, at times, can be congested.