Peaks of Otter Visitor Center: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Blue Ridge Parkway
Regions 1, 2, & 4 Park Cultural Landscapes Program. 2014. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Blue Ridge Parkway. Cultural Landscapes Inventory Report. 550211. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. NPS Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, Georgia / CRIS-CL Database
Inventory Unit Description: The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center component landscape, one of eight component landscapes of the Peaks of Otter developed area of the Blue Ridge Parkway, is located at the junction of State Route 43 and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the state of Virginia. While construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Peaks of Otter began in 1939, the Visitor Center component landscape was primarily constructed between 1951 and 1957, with additions in 1960 (amphitheater), 1965 (restroom wing of the Visitor Center) and the early 1970s (trails and additional parking). The Peaks of Otter Visitor Center component landscape forms the heart of the Peaks of Otter developed area, and provides visitors with a point of contact and orientation. The component landscape features the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, the Peaks of Otter Country Store, an outdoor amphitheater, associated parking, and several trailheads. The Visitor Center houses a bookstore, museum exhibits, and ranger offices, while the Country Store-a former filling station- houses a small gift/snack shop and also sells tickets for the Sharp Top bus tour. This component landscape is significant under Criteria A, C, and potentially D. The period of significance identified for the parent landscape—Peaks of Otter developed area—is 1939–1965, which encompasses initial parkway construction through completion of proposed developments consistent with early master plans for the site. Parkway design principles are conveyed throughout the developed area, including the Visitor Center component landscape, tying it to the broader 469-mile linear historic landscape. In addition, Peaks of Otter affords several of the key components that early designers considered important for motorists to experience when traveling the corridor, including opportunities for visitors to connect more deeply with the region through recreation and education, and to avail themselves of food, lodging, and other amenities.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Regions 1, 2, & 4 Park Cultural Landscapes Program
- Date of Issue
- 2014-03-24
- Publisher
- U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
- Units
- BLRI , SER
- Keywords
- amphitheater, architecture, conservation, filling station, historic designed landscape, landscape architecture, master planning, mission 66, parkway development, recreation, rustic architecture, tourism, transportation, Virginia