A U.S. Forest Service visitor center at 1 Visitor Center Dr in Lee Vining, run by the Inyo National Forest. Inside, exhibits cover Mono Lake’s history, wildlife and geology, and an interpretive trail starts here. The Sierra Forever bookstore sells books and maps of the region and rents bear canisters. Staff can point visitors to information on passes and permits, though passes and permits are not currently available at the center. Wilderness permits are booked online and need to be printed before a trip. The center also hosts talks and gatherings, including patio talks, stargazing evenings and author meet-and-greets.