Sixty years ago today on August 30, 1964, ceremonies were held to dedicate the new Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and to mark the conclusion of all planned Mission 66 development at Ohanapecosh. Despite the rain, some 325 people participated. A formal program at the Ohanapecosh Amphitheater was shortened due to the weather but included enthusiastic remarks by Senator Henry M. Jackson. Then everyone adjourned to ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the visitor center. The 21st Army Band out of Fort Lewis was on hand to provide the music, and the Packwood Community Club and wives of park service employees provided coffee and cookies. Several visitors went over to view the utility and residential loop, where construction on the new ranger’s house, duplex, and seasonal employee apartments was nearing completion.
In his monthly report for August, Superintendent Rutter noted, “…reaction to the visitor center complex has been very favorable. The tasteful blend of architecture and landscaping, together with the well done exhibit series, is a credit to the National Park Service.”
To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service in 1966, the “Mission 66” program was created to improve parks across the country. Mount Rainier was the first park to prepare plans for development under Mission 66, with goals to protect fragile landscapes, while also providing facilities for day-users, increasing low elevation camping, and improving employee housing. In 2024 the park’s cultural resource team submitted a determination of eligibility to the Washington State Historic Preservation Office to document these historic resources at Ohanapecosh and recognize this important period in the park’s history.
What memories do you have from visits to Ohanapecosh?
NPS Photo of the dedication ceremony at Ohanapecosh Amphitheater August 30, 1964.
