The Canyon Rim Visitor Center stands on the north end of the bridge. The exhibits inside cover the geology of the gorge, the history of coal mining and railroads through the canyon, and the area's transformation into a national park. Rangers can give current advice on hikes, river levels, and bridge events.
Two short boardwalk trails leave from the center: one to a high overlook of the bridge, another down a staircase to a lower platform that places you almost in the gorge itself. Free entry. The center is open daily except major winter holidays.