American Travel Journal: Kelso Depot Visitor Center

During our short visit to Mojave National Preserve in March 2018, we stopped at the visitor center housed in the restored Kelso Depot. Built in 1924 by the Union Pacific Railroad, the depot served meals to many travelers over the 38 years it was operated to serve passengers. The railroad kept the facility open as a bunkhouse and restaurant for its employees until 1985. Plans to demolish the building were halted by local residents and politicians. In 1992, the building was transferred to the Bureau of Land Management as an addition to the East Mojave National Scenic Area. Congress created the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 with title to the depot passing to the National Park Service. Renovation began in 2002 and the building was opened to the public as the visitor center in 2005.

The visitor center has an information desk, gift shop, numerous exhibits on the first and second floors, a multi-purpose room that is usually configured as a theater for showing the 20-minute orientation movie, The Pulse of the Desert. Even though we had seen the movie on our previous visit, we took the time to watch it again. Yes, it's that good. Restrooms with running water are housed in a separate building. Paved parking for about 30 vehicles is provided immediately east of the depot. Three parking spots are designated for handicap placarded vehicles.