Things to Do in McMurdo Station

Visit Discovery Hut

You can walk up to the historic Discovery Hut, built by Robert Falcon Scott's expedition in 1902. Standing inside, you'll see the dark, weathered wood and smell the lingering, century-old scent of seal blubber and old timber, a stark reminder of early polar survival. It's a decent indication of how challenging this environment can be.

Hike the Ob Hill Loop

Another activity is to hike the Ob Hill Loop, a trail that winds up the side of Observation Hill. The climb rewards you with a panoramic view of the entire station, the sea ice, and the distant Transantarctic Mountains. You'll hear the wind whipping past your hood and feel the burn in your lungs from the cold, thin air.

Spend time in the main galley, Building 155

For a sense of local life, spend time in the main galley, Building 155. You'll hear the clatter of trays and the buzz of conversation from hundreds of residents, and you can taste the surprisingly good house-made ice cream, a cherished staple. It's the social heart of the station.

Visit the Albert P. Crary Science and Engineering Center

Visiting the Albert P. Crary Science and Engineering Center is worthwhile. Inside, you might see geologists examining core samples or hear biologists discussing penguin tracking data, surrounded by the hum of specialized lab equipment. The feel is one of concentrated, quiet discovery.

Walk out to the ice pier to watch operations

Finally, a walk out to the ice pier to watch operations is unexpectedly impressive. You'll see the massive cargo vessel, a bright red hull against the blue ice, and hear the deep groan of the ice shelf and the shouts of crews coordinating lifts. The cold here is penetrating, even on a calm day.

Building 155 is the central hub, housing the galley and most common services. Staying here means you're in the thick of the constant comings and goings.

The "Summer Camp" area consists of temporary modular units; it's quieter but involves a longer, colder walk to meals.

The "F" Dorms near the science center are popular with researchers for their proximity to labs.

The older "M" Dorms have a no-frills, seasoned feel.

The "Hotel California," a specific dorm for transient personnel, is where you might hear the most stories from people just arriving or departing.

For those working on the ice pier, the "T-Site" dorms are the most convenient but also the noisiest from round-the-clock operations.