This dramatic glen was the site of the infamous massacre of 1692, when the MacDonalds of Glencoe, having given shelter and hospitality to government troops, were killed by them. Signal Rock, reputedly the place from where the signal was given to start the massacre, is a short walk from the visitor centre. The Glencoe hills are an example of a volcano collapsing in on itself during a series of violent eruptions. This is also an area of international botanical importance particularly for the rare arctic alpine flora.

In the visitor centre there are displays and a video programme on the history of the glen and information on local walks. Shop, snack bar and picnic area.