Before we get too far, let’s make one thing clear: New York is more than just Manhattan. Yes, Times Square is great and all, and New York City is one of my favorite places to visit around Christmas, but there is so much more to New York State. (Something that I constantly have to tell people when I’m traveling or lived abroad.) One of the best ways to experience New York at its finest is to take a trip up to Tupper Lake and visit The Wild Center in the Adirondacks.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at The Wild Center for hosting my husband and I on our visit.

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, Adirondacks

The Wild Center opened on July 4, 2006 after 8 long years of planning. The goal of the center was to create awareness and draw attention to the “biggest natural park in the lower 48 states”… Yes, the Adirondack Park region is THAT big. And every single inch of it is purely amazing. Conservation is incredibly important and that mission is clear throughout.

The Museum

Walking into The Wild Center is an experience in itself. The main lobby has tall ceilings full of windows so you’re immersed in the nature around you. Straight ahead you’ll see one of my favorite features – the pond. When designing the center, the architects wanted the museum to be as immersive as possible, and the water line of the pond meets up to the bottom of the windows, so you are right there next to the water. Take a peek to see the fish, frogs, birds, plants, and other wildlife native to the pond.

Tickets

To the left is the ticket desk where you’ll decide which parts of The Wild Center you want to experience. The standard admission of $22 provides you entrance to The Wild Center and its main exhibits for 2 consecutive days, with discounts for youth, military, and seniors. Members and children under 4 are always free. There are also experiences that you can purchase for an additional fee – behind the scenes tour, canoeing, etc. But more on that later. Also, don’t feel obligated to visit in the summer – The Wild Center is open year-round! And with autumn coming soon, the fall colors are sure to be amazing.

Animal Encounters

Across the lobby to the right you may see a staff member with a live animal. From owls and snakes to birds and porcupines to whatever animals the center is rehabbing, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal to some local animals. (You can check the website or the ticket desk for the daily animal encounters; they rotate so all of the animals get lots of rest!)

Can’t get enough of the animals? Head over to Otter Falls exhibit and watch the otters splash around! On the day of my visit, the two newest additions – Tawi:ne and Rohsno:re – were playing so much… though when we went back later they were snuggled up in their little cave after tiring each other out. Curious how they got named? The Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club named the otters in their native language of Kaniehkehaka. Tawi:ne means “otter” and Rohsno:re means “he’s fast”! Just like the other animals, the otters rotate who goes on exhibit, so these two share the spotlight with three others.