The Inyo National Forest's Mono Basin Visitor Center has re-opened its theater with a new high-definition, surround-sound, digital projection system. Our award-winning film Of Ice and Fire: A Portrait of the Mono Basin screens every half-hour. A new short program, featuring still images of the Basin, precedes the main show.The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center opened in 1992, and provides an excellent introduction to the Mono Basin. The center has many interactive displays that teach about many aspects of the Mono Basin's geology, ecology, and human history. The award winning film Of Ice and Fire: A Portrait of the Mono Basin gives a splendid 20-minute introduction to Mono Lake and is shown regularly. Two galleries are showcased, including the At Mono Lake photo exhibit and a changing art exhibit. Rangers are present all day to answer your questions, and there is also a bookstore with a great selection of books about the natural and cultural history of the region. All year, interpretive tours explore many facets of the Mono Basin. This visitor center is located 1/4 mile north of Lee Vining. During November and December, the visitor center is open from 9am to 4:30pm, Thursday through Monday. Admission to the visitor center and to the theater is free.

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