Oregon Public Broadcasting

Paradise is getting a new look, and you only have to go to Mount Rainier to see it. 

About 300 people – including the Secretary of Interior – were on hand at Paradise Friday to dedicate a new National Park visitor center.  It replaces a 42-year-old building that vaguely resembles a UFO.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne says the new $21 million visitor center fits the surroundings better and will be far more energy efficient.

Dirk Kempthorne: “I believe that architects from throughout the United States -- and in fact, throughout the world -- can come look at this for its beauty, its energy efficiency and its being sensitive to the environment.”

Kempthorne is the former governor of Idaho.  Regarding his own future, he says he doesn’t know what’s “in the offing” for him after the Bush Administration leaves office in January.  He does say he considers Idaho his home.

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Mount Rainier National Park