Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center and Museum, Douglas County

About Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center and Museum

Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center and Museum showcases the area's Civil War history and the legacy of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company through its exhibits, alongside displays of mounted animals and information about the park's geography. Visitors explore the 8,700-square-foot building, which achieved LEED Platinum certification as the first such building in the southeastern United States when completed in 2006. The center serves as a starting point for park exploration across the 2,500-acre conservation area. The structure itself demonstrates green building practices, integrated carefully into a hillside with a green roof and rooftop garden visible to visitors. Outside, a demonstration garden, descriptions of underground rainwater cisterns, and electric car charging stations provide education on sustainable design. The facility in Douglas County charges admission, with additional Green Building Tours available throughout the year.