Jax State Celebrates Continuation of Partnership As National Park Service to Remain at the Little River Canyon Center

04/23/2025

Jacksonville State University is pleased to announce that the National Park Service will continue its operations at the Little River Canyon Center beyond 2025. We have received confirmation that the previously announced lease termination has been revoked, and the NPS office located at the Canyon Center is no longer on the list of sites scheduled for closure. 

This exciting news is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our federal delegation and state and local partners. We are grateful for their commitment to preserving this vital resource for education, conservation, and outdoor recreation. 

We are especially thankful for our longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and are excited to continue our collaborative work at the Canyon Center. Together, we will build on our shared mission to provide meaningful programming, research opportunities, and public engagement that highlight Little River Canyon's unique natural and cultural heritage. 

Jacksonville State remains proud to manage and maintain the Canyon Center, and we look forward to the future of this treasured facility and all who visit it. 

About the Canyon Center 
Open to the public since 2009, the Little River Canyon Center is a Jacksonville State University facility located in Northeast Alabama, adjoining the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne. The center features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor amphitheater, and scenic trails for both education and adventure. It hosts concerts, workshops, hikes, lectures, and other activities year-round for students of all ages. 

A portion of the facility is leased to the National Park Service, but Jax State remains responsible for the building’s management, operations, and programming. The Canyon Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central Time) and is available to rent for meetings, corporate retreats, and special events. The building itself is a model of sustainability, earning LEED Silver Certification for its innovative environmental design, which includes geothermal heating and cooling, recycled materials, and enhanced insulation. 

For more information about the Canyon Center’s hours and programs, please visit Jax State's Canyon Center website. 

Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. 
President, Jacksonville State University