Tom’s Cove Visitor Center in Assateague Closes Permanently

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Va. – Officials from the Assateague Island National Seashore have announced that the Tom’s Cove Visitor Center in the Virginia Unit has closed permanently.

The building was never intended to be a visitor’s center, and previously housed National Park Services Interpretive, Education and Lifeguard Operations. It has been moved twice in its history.

Officials say the building is past its useful life and closure will lead to significant savings in maintenance and utility costs. It is set to be demolished in early Jan. 2026.

All park service staff and programs will move to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Bateman Center, which will become a joint operation. The Bateman Center’s winter hours are Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.