Death Valley's iconic digital thermometer has taken on a new look/NPS

The temperature has changed at Death Valley National Park. At least how you recognize it at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

The digital thermometer outside the visitor center long has been a magnet for selfies and other photos displaying both the temperature and the visitor enjoying, or maybe enduring, it. A year ago, the thermometer took on a new look, switching the Fahrenheit-only display to a dual Fahrenheit/Celsius display. It only made sense, as more than half of the park’s summertime visitors are international tourists who are more familiar with Celsius.  

Recently, a tile mosaic panel was added to the thermometer exhibit. This artistic representation of key sites at the park provides information about how temperatures vary with elevation. Mojave area artist Rebecca Lowry of JT Lab designed and completed much of the work. 

“Nothing excites me like sharing the unique characteristics of Death Valley,” said Mike Reynolds, the park's superintendent. “The upgraded thermometer will make it even easier for visitors to appreciate our extreme climate.” 

The improvement project was made possible by donations from The Fund for People in Parks and the Death Valley Natural History Association.  

“Our vision is to inspire a passion for Death Valley,” said David Blacker, executive director of the Death Valley Natural History Association. “We know many visitors come to experience the world record heat and want a photograph to commemorate their visit. The improved thermometer will better serve those needs.”  

"Death Valley National Park has been a wonderful partner, and we're thrilled to have been able to help with an improvement to such a popular visitor attraction,” said Kevin Hendricks of The Fund For People In Parks. “We were also happy to double our financial investment by working with the National Park Service’s Centennial matching program."  

The National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge matches partner donations with federal funds. These projects reduce the maintenance backlog, improve visitor services, support outreach to new audiences, and strengthen partnerships to reinvigorate national parks and forge connections to new communities.