Information Center

The historical Yates Federal Building houses the USDA Forest Service Headquarters. Find the "big red brick building," just across from the National Mall, on the corner of 14th and Independence. The Information Center is located at the entrance for your convenience.

Inside the Information Center, friendly staff look forward to helping you. The Center is home to a 1000-square foot interactive exhibit room.

School groups are more than welcome, and guided tours can be given. Please call for scheduling. Information Center Phone Number: (800) 832-1355, press '0' for Information Specialist.

Information Center Hours
Mon-Fri. 9am-4pm
Sat. 9am-4pm*
Open Federal Holidays*
(*March 15-Sept. 15)

Smokey's Office

Rudy Wendelin's famous painting, Smokey's Fan Mail, inspired Smokey's office setting. The animatronic bear's eyes move back and forth as he reads his fan mail, and greets his visitors with a friendly reminder: "Only you..."

The Lodge

Learn about the history of the Forest Service with our five open-captioned videos. Links to these video segments will be available soon. Modeled after a 1920s rustic lodge, and fashioned out of pine, the lodge features hand-painted rugs. Original Forest Service artifacts from the first half of the century are tucked away in glass-enclosed cabinets.

Rotating Displays

The Information Center rotates displays covering topics that deal with current Forest Service issues. Featured displays have covered a wide range of topics including wildfires, pollinators, wildflowers and Forest Service history. These displays are located across from Smokey’s Office as you enter the Center.

Photo Wall

Almost 40 illuminated photos spotlight three themes of multiple-use: Resources, wilderness, and recreation. This full-color collection reveals the beauty of the National Forests and Grasslands to the public. As the Forest Service will be celebrating its centennial in 2005, these eye-catching photos remind us of the many opportunities within National Forests and Grasslands.