Lake Isabella Visitor Center

Architectural rendering of the new USFS Visitor Center

Architectural rendering of future U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center, South-West Isabella Blvd. view. (Final design may change.)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District awarded a $4.87 million construction contract on Dec. 10, 2024, to R2Build Co. of Laguna Hills for construction of a new U.S. Forest Service visitor center in Lake Isabella.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with completion in 2026. The approximately 1,500 square-foot building, located at 6212 Lake Isabella Boulevard, will include a public area with a handicap accessible single restroom, an additional restroom, and office areas.

A new parking lot will also be constructed with spaces for 18 personal vehicles, six recreational vehicles and two electric vehicle charging stations. The project also includes significant landscaping work, including planting, irrigation, and erosion control.   

Ownership and operation of the new Visitor Center will be transferred to the USFS once the project is completed.

The former USFS visitor center was displaced by construction of the new emergency spillway as part of the Isabella Dam Safety Modification Project. The Sequoia National Forest Kern River Ranger District Office is located in Kernville at 11380 Kernville Road.

(Page Updated 02/18/2025)

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SOLICITATION HISTORY

USACE SPK DBB Construction - USFS Visitor's Center - Lake Isabella, CA
Notice ID: W9123824B0009

  • Original Published Date: Aug. 15, 2024 
  • Original Date Offers Due: Sep. 16, 2024 
  • Updated Date Offers Due: Sep. 23, 2024 
  • Bidding Closed: Sep. 23, 2024
  • Contract Award Date: Dec. 10, 2024 


NEWS & DOCUMENT ARCHIVE

Dec. 13, 2024, USACE awards $4.87 million construction contract for USFS Visitor Center at Lake Isabella

Feb. 2, 2024, USACE begins demolition at future Lake Isabella visitor center site

Jan. 10, 2023, USACE completes real estate acquisition for new USFS visitor center in Lake Isabella

June 30, 2021, Final environmental documents released for USFS visitor center relocation in Lake Isabella

June 28, 2021, Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) #8

April 12, 2021, Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) #8

April 12, 2021, To All Interested Parties Letter

April 22, 2021, Virtual Public Meeting recording about Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA).

April 22, 2021, Virtual Public Meeting Slide Deck

​June 4, 2020, Public Meeting Slide Deck and recording of meeting.