The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area. New exhibits focus on the Rio Grande (how it has changed over time, how the NPS works with our Mexican counterparts to protect and care for it, and the rich assemblage of species that it supports). An outdoor ramada showcases a large raised-relief map of the area, and life-sized bronze sculptures showcase some of the area’s special wildlife.

At the Fossil Discovery Exhibit visitors can experience the changes to Big Bend’s plants and animals, and the world they lived in, through 130 million years of geologic time. Specimens from Big Bend’s remarkable fossil record and vivid artwork illustrate the fascinating story of Big Bend’s ancient life. A short trail also leads to a panoramic view of nearby geologic points of interest and highlights the sediments that protect Big Bend’s fossils. The Big Bend Fossil Discovery Exhibit uses combination of fossil replicas, interpretive displays and geologic diagrams, helping visitors develop an understanding of the correlation between the dinosaur fossils discovered in the region and the geologic formations visible from the pavilion.