The Wild Center Named “Best Science Museum” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Celebrates with community free day
Tupper Lake, NY – After four weeks of voting, The Wild Center is proud to announce its victory as this year's "Best Science Museum" in USA TODAY's 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. To celebrate the recognition, The Wild Center is holding a Community Free Day on Sat., Mar. 9 and inviting area residents to join.
Handpicked by a panel of esteemed travel experts and voted on by readers, the list of top 10 recipients showcased the finest museums across the nation. The Wild Center stood out among its peers, surpassing competition like The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and Exploratorium in San Francisco.
"Winning this award is a testament to our community. It's not just about being named the best, it's about showing the world what the Adirondacks are made of," remarked Nick Gunn, Marketing Director at The Wild Center. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us."
In 2023, The Wild Center secured an impressive second-place finish, trailing closely behind another esteemed institution, COSI (Center of Science and Society) in Columbus, Ohio, who claimed the title for its fourth year in a row. This year, however, The Wild Center has risen to the top, cementing its status as a leader in science education and public engagement.
For more information about the Community Free Day, visit wildcenter.org/communityfreeday.
For more information about the 10Best Awards and to explore the full list of winners across various categories, please visit www.10best.com.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY, The Wild Center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.
Tickets Now Available for The Wild Center’s Wild Lights
2023-2024 season features new experiences and musical soundtrack
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is excited to announce that Wild Lights presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. will be returning for its fourth season. The evening experience transforms The Wild Center’s 115-acre campus into a winter wonderland, with thousands of bulbs and a variety of activities and displays. Wild Lights will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning Fri., Nov. 24 with tickets on sale now.
This family-friendly, winter event sets The Wild Center ablaze with thousands of twinkling lights, turning the surrounding area into an illuminated paradise. New this year, visitors can enjoy:
- Forest Music: the looped trail with over 130 trees wrapped in colorful lights and a new 6-track musical composition from Whatever Penny
- Make Your Own Wild Lights on Wild Walk: big red buttons along the trail can be pressed to turn nearby lights on and off in the surrounding forest
- New Lit Photo Ops: brightly colored hexagonal light tunnels guide visitors through the different paths and trails
- Synchronized Light and Sound: through the woods, viewers can experience lights that are synchronized with the beats of the music
- Ice Sculptures: admire “cool” new displays around campus beautifully carved out of ice
Also new this year, guests can head inside The Wild Center to warm up with a hot cocoa bar with a buffet of toppings to choose from. The Wild Supply Co. will be available for shopping, and indoor experiences will be open, including Planet Adirondack and the Living River Trail, where guests can watch North American River Otters play.
Dates for the 2023-2024 season is as follows:
- Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 24 to Feb. 24
- Open nightly during Holiday Week – Dec. 26 to 31
- Open nightly during Winter Week – Feb. 16 to 24
Admission to Wild Lights is to be purchased separately from day-time admission to The Wild Center. From Nov. 25 to Feb. 24, member pricing is $5 for adults & free for children under 18, and non-member pricing is $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets and information are available at: wildcenter.org/wildlights.
Organizations interested in renting the Wild Lights experience for a party or private event may contact Anna Stuckey at astuckey@wildcenter.org or 518-359-7800 x1-144.
Wild Lights is presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. and is made possible by Adirondack Health, Adirondack Land Trust, Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, Duff’s Dumpsters, Mike Foote Insurance, Long Run Wealth Advisors and The Trailhead.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.
Representatives from The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program Attending White House Summit and Taiwan’s Youth Climate Forum
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – Representatives from The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program will be traveling around the globe this month to participate in events focused on climate resilience. On Sept. 28, 2024, two of the Wild Center’s Youth Climate Advisory Board Members, Andrew Fagerheim and Cedar Young, will attend the White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities. Almost simultaneously, The Wild Center’s Director of Climate Initiatives, Jen Kretser, will be the keynote speaker at the Youth Climate Forum hosted by New Taipei City, Taiwan.
The White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities will bring together local, state, Tribal, and territorial leaders and practitioners focused on climate resilience. The Summit, which was announced by President Biden earlier this summer, will explore opportunities to develop effective climate resilience strategies that are locally tailored and community-driven, with the aim of building communities that are not only resilient to the impacts of a changing climate, but also safer, more equitable, and economically stronger. Fagerheim and Young, who were instrumental in helping their communities (Homer, NY and Saranac Lake, NY respectively) achieve Bronze Level Certification with the NYS Climate Smart Communities Program, received a special invitation to participate in this exclusive event. They will be joining representatives of the White House and Federal Agencies at the Summit.
At the Youth Climate Forum, Kretser will be a guest of the New Taipei City Government and the Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education at National Taiwan Normal University. She will be speaking at multiple sessions at the Youth Climate Forum as well as leading sessions at the University. Following the Forum, Kretser will be traveling to Malaysia to work with museum colleagues for a new youth climate initiative in Southeast Asia in 2024.
“It is an honor for our Youth Climate Program to be recognized by invitations to these prestigious, climate-focused events. They demonstrate The Wild Center’s continued commitment to climate change solutions,” said Kretser. “These events further illustrate the importance of empowering our youth to get involved with climate resilience programming that can impact their own communities.”
The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program will host its Adirondack Youth Climate Summit on Nov. 8 and 9, 2023. The program has been convening high school students from schools and community groups across Northern New York State since 2006.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the Center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. A 54,000-square-foot facility, The Wild Center features outdoor space, live animals, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops.
The Wild Center Kicks off 2023 Season Today, May 5
Tupper Lake Museum to welcome immersive film, VR experience, two major festivals and
more
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is opening for its 2023 season today, May 5. Off the heels of a
USA Today Readers’ Award where it was voted Second Best Science Museum in the U.S., The Wild
Center has expanded its offerings and activities with new exhibits and experiences. Among these
are Backyard Wilderness – a film that captures the beauty and complexity of the natural world that
exists just beyond your doorstep and Birdly – a state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) flying simulator.
Produced by the award-winning SK Films, Backyard Wilderness offers a stunning cinematic
experience that transports viewers into the hidden world of nature in their own backyard. Through
breathtaking visuals and engaging storytelling, the film reveals the extraordinary lifecycles and
relationships of the plants and animals that surround us every day. The film will be shown daily in
The Wild Center’s Flammer Theater, a state-of-the-art cinema with 50-foot screen and advanced
sound system, and included with general admission. On-site programming will complement the
movie’s content, inspiring visitors to engage and appreciate the natural world in their own
backyard.
"Backyard Wilderness is a fantastic film that offers a new perspective on the nature that surrounds
us," said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. "Through its immersive
storytelling and incredible imagery, it reminds us that the natural world is full of wonder and
beauty, and that we can all play a part in protecting it."
Another way The Wild Center is helping to connect visitors with nature is by partnering with
Birdly, a state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) flying simulator that offers visitors a unique and
thrilling experience of soaring through the sky like a bird. Birdly is a highly immersive VR
experience that allows visitors to fly over mountains, lakes, and forests while controlling the
direction and speed of their flight with their body movements. The simulator recreates the
sensation of flying with its cutting-edge technology, including a motion platform, wind effects and a
4K display, which offers a stunning view of the natural landscape.
"We're excited to offer our visitors the opportunity to experience the exhilarating sensation of
flying like a bird over the Adirondack Mountains," said Ratcliffe. "Birdly is a fantastic addition to our
exhibits, as it not only offers a thrilling experience but also allows visitors to learn about the science
and mechanics of bird flight." The one-of-a-kind experience will be available for $6 per person.
Special events and programming will be held throughout the summer to both educate and entertain
visitors. On July 1, The Wild Center will hold the Get Outside Festival, inviting individuals to
reconnect with the unexpected wonders of nature right outside their door. Attendees are
encouraged to spend their day in nature while they climb, build, and play in the fresh air and
natural landscapes of the Adirondacks. The day will feature family activities ranging from fly fishing
and nature scavenger hunts to stick fort building, insect races or just laying back and watching the
clouds as they pass.
On August 5, Plug in Electric Fest will feature a range of fun and educational activities that
showcase the latest technologies and innovations in clean energy. Visitors can explore interactive
exhibits, participate in hands-on workshops and demonstrations, and learn from experts in the
field. With live music, local food vendors, and a lively atmosphere, Plug In is a great way for people
of all ages to learn about the benefits of renewable energy and have a wild time doing it.
The Wild Center is now open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. From Memorial
Day to Indigenous People’s Day, the Center will be open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Admission can be purchased on The Wild Center’s website at www.wildcenter.org/visit and
provides access to the award-winning Wild Walk, immersive Forest Music experience and hiking
trails. Daily activities at the center include animal encounters, fish-feeding demonstrations and
programs with The Wild Center’s North American River Otters. Naturalist-led exploration activities
will take place on Wild Walk and across campus daily.
Later this summer, visitors will also have the opportunity to once again canoe the Raquette River
with a NYS-licensed guide, exploring wetland habitats and the native wildlife. Canoe tickets are
separate from museum admission and should be purchased in advance.
Visitors may access digital maps, audio tours and self-led scavenger hunts through The Wild Center
mobile app.
For more information, visit The Wild Center’s Visit page: www.wildcenter.org/visit/.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.
The Wild Center Hosts Adirondack Building Conference Building and trades conference returns to in-person
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is inviting building and trades professionals, students and all interested individuals to learn about the latest in sustainable building practices at the Adirondack Building Conference. The day-long event is set to take place on Thur., Mar. 23, and will showcase ultra-efficient methods for building projects in the region, with insights from a wide range of industry experts.
During the event, attendees will hear case studies from the region, network with each other and speak directly with vendors. The education continues with intensive break-out sessions, displaying powerful local and regional success stories so that we may begin building the houses and buildings of tomorrow, today.
Topics at this year’s event include heat bumps, marketing your business, funding opportunities and how to meet the growing demand of electrifying buildings. Featured speakers include:
- Jacob Deva Racusin, New Frameworks
- Tansy Massey-Greene, RMI
- Jesse Schwartzberg, Black Mountain Architecture
This is the first time the conference, formerly known as Building A Greener Adirondacks, is being held in person since the pandemic.
“Adirondack Building Conference reaches a different audience than one might expect for the Center,” said The Wild Center's executive director Stephanie Ratcliffe. “This event demonstrates, not only The Wild Center’s commitment to sustainable solutions that work in this region, but that our partners in the building sector have the information they need to implement new solutions.”
The Adirondack Building Conference, sponsored by NYSERDA, is yet another example of the Center’s commitment to creating a greener and better future. Last summer, The Wild Center unveiled a 3,000-square-foot exhibition, “Climate Solutions,” which was recognized by the Museum Association of New York (MANY) for its “Excellence in Design.” The exhibit shares stories and inspiration across four areas that deal with climate change – energy, food, natural world and action– including a building structure explaining how architects and builders rely on ultra-efficient building materials, renewable energy and site design.
Registration is open for Adirondack Building Conference, and includes access to all workshops, lunch at The Wild Center, entry to door prizes, and end-of-the-day Raquette River Brewing beer tasting. For more information on this event, visit The Wild Center website at adkbuildingconference.com
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-
based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined
experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.
The Wild Center Recognized for “Excellence in Design” by Museum Association of New York and Voted by USA Today Readers as Second Best Science Museum in the U.S.
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center will be awarded “Excellence in Design” for its “Climate
Solutions” exhibition by the Museum Association of New York (MANY) at the 2023 annual
conference in April. The Wild Center is also extending a “thank you” to fans who voted in USA
Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Science Museum,” which The Wild Center came in
second place.
MANY’s “Excellence in Design” award acknowledges extraordinary achievement in design in three
categories: Publications/Graphics, Media/Marketing Campaigns, and Exhibition Design. Through
this award, The Wild Center is being recognized for its transformational visitor experiences,
community engagement, and innovative programs that use collections to tell stories of everyone
who calls New York home.
“Climate Solutions” opened in July 2022 and is designed to change the dialogue and shift people’s
mindsets about climate change. Constructed of upcycled and repurposed materials, the exhibition
features hands-on interactives, multimedia storytelling, interactive learning and immersive
experiences. Large-scale portraits showcase 12 individuals across upstate New York who are
working on climate solutions.
The 3,000-square-foot exhibition highlights four different sectors that deal with climate change:
- Energy: Transforming our Energy Ecosystem
- Food: Rebuilding our Food System
- Natural World: Caring for Our One Home
- Action: Taking Action on Climate Change
"Climate Solutions" was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and
a gift from Peter and Hela Kindler.
"We're proud to have earned this recognition from MANY,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive
Director, The Wild Center. "In this time of required urgency to act, The Wild Center’s ambition is to change the dialogue about climate change from hopeless to hopeful. Informed by social science and
touched by human stories, “Climate Solutions” offers tangible examples of how people are thinking
about new ways to mitigate our own everyday impact and encourage change in society at large."
“New York’s museums and museum professionals are reimagining and reinventing their roles
within their communities, how they interpret their stories and collections, and the visitor
experience,” said Natalie Stetson, Executive of the Erie Canal Museum and MANY Program
Committee Co-Chair. “This year’s award winners are outstanding examples for the museum field.”
The Wild Center is among 13 other museums in New York State who are being honored at MANY’s
2023 annual conference “Finding Center: Access, Inclusion, Participation, and Engagement” at the
Syracuse Marriott Downtown on Mon., Apr. 17.
The Wild Center is also thankful to those who helped name the museum as the second “Best Science
Museum” in USA TODAY's 2023 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Fans voted for The Wild Center
among a list of 20 nominees, including some of the largest science museums in the country.
For more information about the 10Best Awards and to see the full list of winners across multiple
categories, visit www.10best.com.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that
people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-
based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people
have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined
experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.
About the Museum Association of New York
The Museum Association of New York is the only statewide museum service organization with more
than 730 member museums, historical societies, zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums. MANY helps
shape a better future for museums and museum professionals by uplifting best practices and building
organizational capacity through advocacy, training, and networking opportunities. Visit
www.nysmuseums.org and follow MANY on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @nysmuseums
The Wild Center Nominated for Best Science Museum in National Contest
Voting is open and encouraged until Feb. 13
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is honored to be nominated as "Best Science Museum" in USA
TODAY's 2023 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Friends and fans of the museum are encouraged to
support The Wild Center by voting online, now until Feb. 13.
Chosen by a panel of travel experts, the list of 20 nominees showcases museums across the country
where science and natural history come alive. Among the list are some of the largest science
museums in the country including the Field Museum in Chicago, American Museum of Natural
History in New York City, and the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC.
“It’s an honor to be in the running for a 10Best award alongside other science museums that we
admire,” said The Wild Center’s Marketing Director Nick Gunn, “We’ve received overwhelming
support thus far and we hope it continues. We encourage everyone to vote early, vote often, and
help us recognize the Adirondacks on a national level.”
To vote for The Wild Center, fans can visit wildcenter.org/vote and cast their ballot once per day
until polls close at 12 pm EST on Feb. 13. Winners will be announced on Fri., Feb. 24.
For more information about the 10Best Awards and to see the full list of winners across multiple
categories, please visit www.10best.com.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.
The Wild Center Announces New Youth Climate Coordinator
Position Honors Community Member and Promotes Youth Climate Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2022
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is pleased to announce the addition of Elodie Linck, who joined the interactive science-based museum as the first Jeanne Hutchins Youth Climate Coordinator this month. Linck’s title honors Adirondack summer resident, Jeanne Hutchins, who passed away in 2021 after a long life of community service.
This named position is being generously supported with leadership gifts from Ginny and Roger Valkenburgh, and family friends, Mary and John Brock, along with generous gifts from other Hutchins family members, including Kathy and Curt Welling. The gift will underwrite the position, the first of its kind at The Wild Center for the next four years, and is designed to inspire others to help preserve our natural world, promote youth climate education and support the expansion of the Wild’s Center’s award-winning Youth Climate Program.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support the Youth Climate Coordinator position, named in honor of my mom. She loved nature, the Adirondacks and learning. We so appreciate the gifts to date from family and friends toward this position, and we hope others will be inspired to give to The Wild Center and its Youth Climate Program, to help make a difference in preserving the environment,” said Ginny Valkenburgh.
In her new role, Linck leads the organization of the annual Adirondack Youth Climate Summit, a part of the Wild’s Center’s Youth Climate Program, whose primary objective is to create a climate literate and empowered generation. Linck previously served as a Wild Center Climate Fellow and is a 2021 graduate of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.
“Our program is so grateful for the support. This level of generosity is a huge confidence builder and demonstrates just how much the Youth Climate Program matters to the community and that we are making a difference in our work with youth," said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. "Elodie will build on the groundwork laid by other members of The Wild Center's climate team over the past 10 years, working with North Country schools and organizations around the world. It’s incredibly inspiring that we’ve been able to connect a team member’s title to one that will live on in Jeanne’s memory and continue to uphold values that were so important to her. Elodie brings a valuable and wonderful perspective as a former youth program alumni and a leader.”
The Adirondack Youth Climate Summit directly supports local high school students with creating and implementing climate action plans, coordinating youth field trips, and assisting with vital communications. Mentoring and supporting students through the lens of positive youth development is a core component.
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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the Adirondacks. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. A 54,000-square-foot facility, The Wild Center features outdoor space, live animals, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops. The Center is currently open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kiss the Ground Film Screening and Community Compost Discussion
For Immediate Release: December 8, 2020
Tupper Lake, N.Y. - The Wild Center and AdkAction's Compost for Good Project are excited to announce a virtual film screening of the new "Kiss the Ground" documentary and panel discussion on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 from 6:30 - 7:45pm. After viewing the 45-minute film, attendees will hear perspectives from a panel of students on how they are working with their schools and communities to reduce food waste through community-scale compost systems.
"Kiss the Ground" unveils a game-changing approach designed to reverse global warming. By regenerating soil we can stabilize our planet's climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies. With epic footage shot on five continents, striking visuals from NASA and NOAA, and stunning animation, the documentary conveys this critical message. The film shows a revolutionary group of activists, scientists, farmers, and politicians who band together to balance our climate. They unpack ways the earth's soil may hold the key to combating climate change and preserving the planet.
AdkAction will sponsor one young person (must be under 25) who registers and attends the virtual screening event to receive a full scholarship for the Soil Advocate Training course run by Kiss the Ground. This soil regeneration stewardship course explains the principles of regenerative agriculture, shows different advocacy pathways, and teaches students how to speak about and demonstrate these principles for different audiences. The scholarship winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
The screening is part of The Wild Center's Youth Have Power event series and is cohosted by AdkAction's Compost for Good Project. Youth Have Power is a flexible, 3- month menu of events for high school students to learn about climate change, decide how to take climate action, and connect with other youth climate leaders. AdkAction's Compost for Good Project will use this screening as a launching pad for a series of "Compost Café" sessions aimed at sharing composting resources, composter designs, and, most importantly, inspiring area youth leaders to spark a composting revolution in the Adirondacks and beyond.
For more information about the event, visit: https://www.wildcenter.org/event/kiss-theground-virtual-film-screening-discussion/
This program is made possible in part by The Wild Center, Kiss the Ground, AdkAction's Compost for Good Project, and New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. Funding provided by the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Any opinions, findings, and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations or policy of Rochester Institute of Technology and its NYS Pollution Prevention Institute or the State.
In 2014, North Country School Camp Treetops Director of Facilities and Sustainability John Culpepper contacted the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) seeking assistance to design a high flow drum composter to be sited and operated on the NCS/CTT campus. ANCA included the drum composter in a 7-project aggregation through NYSERDA's Cleaner Greener Communities program. It performed so successfully, NYSERDA was willing to fund three additional units for distribution throughout the North Country. The Wild Center was one of these three sites who were selected as a recipient due to their impeccable track record for successful project completion and commitment to community education.
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"AdkAction's Adirondack Compost for Good Project"
The goal of the Adirondack Compost for Good project is to help Adirondack communities turn food and other organic "wastes" into high-quality compost. This process keeps nutrients in the community, which builds local resilience, heals soils, and helps reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
About AdkAction
AdkAction creates projects that address unmet needs, promote vibrant communities, and preserve the character of the Adirondacks. We believe that a small number of passionate people can make a big difference!
Wild Lights Headlines New Outdoor Winter Programming at The Wild Center
Remains open with Winter Wild Walk, Wild Lights and more
For Immediate Release: December 2, 2020
Tupper Lake, N.Y. - The Wild Center is excited to announce Wild Lights, presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc., a dazzling display that will transform The Wild Center's campus into a winter wonderland. Wild Lights offers a whole new way to celebrate the season, with thousands of enchanting lights that will illuminate the campus all winter long, with special nighttime viewing hours on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning Fri., Dec. 11. The Wild Center, which plans to remain open throughout the winter season, will also offer familiar activities, such as Winter Wild Walk and snowshoeing, as well as new ones like kicksledding and the outdoor winter otter play yard.
With Wild Lights, visitors will be able to bask in the glow of the award-winning Wild Walk and stroll through Forest Music while surrounded by immersive music and lights - curated specifically for the looped trail. Hot beverages and warm food options will also be available for purchase with a credit card. Warming huts and fire pits will be placed throughout the campus to offer a welcome reprieve from the winter weather.
The Wild Center remains committed to the health and safety of its visitors, staff and the wider Tupper Lake community. As such, it has implemented limited capacity, COVID-related operational procedures-including mask requirements for all visitors over the age of 2 and social distancing guidelines, enhanced cleaning protocols and cashless transactions. As a precaution indoor exhibits are temporarily closed.
"In these admittedly challenging times, we are excited to be offering new seasonal activities that allow visitors to The Wild Center to create new memories while they enjoy the beauty and peace of mind of being outdoors with family and friends," said Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. "The addition of Wild Lights will transform our campus into a twinkling, family-friendly experience that we hope will become a new North Country holiday tradition."
Visitors to The Wild Center can continue to enjoy Winter Wild Walk, a platformed trail along the treetops providing stunning views of the ice-capped Adirondack mountains. There will also be plenty of snow fun, including a snowball-throwing range and winter skeeball. In addition, multiple wintry photo stations have been set up for the perfect family photo.
Free snowshoe rentals will allow guests to explore the trails throughout the 115-acre campus. And new this year, guests can also discover the outdoor activity that millions of Scandinavians have loved for generations: kicksledding. Free kicksled rentals let guests kick, glide and zip along trails with ease. Other winter programming includes viewing areas of the animal ambassadors that call The Wild Center home and a behind-the-scenes look at the Center's otters from their outdoor play yard. Watch as the river otters roll, hop, and slide through the snow!
The Wild Center is open Fridays through Sundays throughout the winter. Reservations for both experiences are required for all guests and members. Wild Lights is included with day-time Wild Center reservations (10am-5pm). Guests may also make Wild Lights- only reservations (Fri. and Sat. from 5pm-7pm). Wild Lights-only reservations are free for members, $10 for adults, and $5 for youth.
Support for The Wild Center was provided by I LOVE NY/New York State's Division of Tourism through the Market New York program. For more information on guidelines and reservations, refer to The Wild Center's Visit page: www.wildcenter.org/visit/.