The Merrill Creek Visitors Center was opened to the public in June 1989. It is staffed and is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends, year round, except for New Years Day, Presidents Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Visitors Center contains an orientation area with fireplace, a 100-seat auditorium, two classrooms; offices and a variety of exhibit space. It is the focal point of the environmental education activities that serve approximately 5,000 students per year and thousands of visitors annually.

The Visitors Center contains a variety of exhibits appealing to diverse audiences. Historical, cultural, operational, and wildlife exhibits are available. A bird feeding/wildlife viewing area is located outside the windows on the east side of the building. A demonstration butterfly/hummingbird garden has been established behind the Visitors Center. The following items can also be found at the Visitors Center: a weather station, interactive computer kiosk, spotting scope, and an interactive "kids corner." Brochures and other resources are provided at this location.