Grandfather Mountain is located in a state park near Linville, North Carolina. At an elevation of 5,936 feet, it is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. Due to its considerable elevation, Grandfather Mountain has experienced some of the highest surface wind speeds ever recorded, with unverified speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

The new visitor center is built like a bunker in order to withstand these high wind speeds as well as the severe winter conditions experienced at the top of the mountain. The choice to galvanize all of the exposed metal on the new center was made due to the engineers prior experience with galvanizing the parts for the 228 foot long bridge located atop the mountain.  Because of its lasting durability, galvanized steel will withstand even the toughest of weather, allowing this structure to provide decades of maintenance free performance while blending in with the existing structures.