Visiting the Gulf Coast Repository
The Gulf Coast Repository (GCR) invites you to visit our facility. Visits to the repository include sample collection, laboratory facility use by individual researchers and lab groups, and large groups for workshops and meetings, including legacy research projects and outreach. Tours are also offered to the general public on request.
Tours
Tours are offered year-round by appointment. Any size group can be accommodated, however larger groups may need to be divided into smaller groups due to limited space in some laboratories. A typical tour covers the history of scientific ocean drilling, an overview of the GCR and a visit to see the core collection and laboratory facilities. Please contact gcr@tamu.edu to schedule a tour.
Planning a Visit
Before booking travel arrangements to visit the GCR, please first contact the GCR to confirm visit availability for:
For individual/lab group use of the facilities please contact gcr@tamu.edu.
For large groups (workshops, legacy projects) please contact Laurel Childress, childress@tamu.edu.
The GCR is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU) at 1000 Discovery Drive, College Station, TX, USA 77845.
Getting to College Station, TX
Flights are available directly into College Station through Easterwood Airport (CLL). College Station can also be accessed by flying to George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston followed by renting a car or using the Ground Shuttle. Flights are also available into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Austin, but the only transportation option from these airports to College Station is with a rental car.
Local Transportation
In College Station, rental cars and rideshare services are the most convenient local transportation options. Other transportation (public bus, e-bike rental) is also available, but limited. For up-to-date maps and bus route information, please visit the Texas A&M Transportation Services website. Please note that bus service may be severely limited around holidays, and all buses will have reduced service during the summer. Texas A&M also offers a bicycle share program on campus. If you choose to walk as your primary mode of transportation, please be aware that the weather can be very hot and unpredictable in Texas.
Visitor Parking
Free visitor parking spaces are available at the GCR. If all dedicated visitor parking spots are filled, please park anywhere and check in at the front desk for a visitor parking permit.
Accommodations
There are many hotels in the College Station/Bryan area, as well as short-term rental properties. Many visitors choose to stay in one of the many hotels along University Ave or in short-term rentals near the university.
We strongly recommend checking accommodation availability and price before planning a visit. Accommodations can be limited and/or very expensive during large university events such as graduation and home football games.
Food
The GCR is located on west campus at Texas A&M University, and there are extremely limited options for food within walking distance. We strongly recommend visitors to pack their own lunch or arrange catering for large groups. A refrigerator is available to store packed lunches.
Food and drinks are not permitted within lab spaces.