Where the Wild Things Learn
- Jodi Brunner
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
By Santana Vicencio-LaBarre • Photos Supplied
From the moment you arrive at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, you are greeted by bird songs and rustling trees. A calming presence washes over you as you take a deep breath. This is a place that invites you to appreciate exactly where your feet are planted.
Founded in 1999 and opened in 2006, The Wild Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that Nick Gunn, Director of Marketing, described as “a unique mash-up of natural history museum, science center, aquarium, and outdoor attraction that finds itself at the intersection of nature, science and art.”
With children in mind, the team has created an immersive experience that welcomes 7,000–9,000 students annually. Educational programs offer close encounters with Adirondack animals and aim to spark lifelong curiosity about nature.
Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe explained, “The Wild Center has a creative staff that is always developing new approaches and ideas to engage people on campus.”
At a time when children are increasingly disconnected from the outdoors, we are lucky to have this 115-acre natural masterpiece right in our backyard. The Wild Center offers everything from unstructured play in the Pines Wild Play Area to daily programs like Creature Features, Tank Talks, and Otter Trivia. Hands-on exhibits and nature-based learning experiences engage children and adults alike. “We strive every day to encourage passion for nature. We find people are more inclined to protect what they love,” agreed Ratcliffe and Gunn.
One of The Center’s newest additions, the Raquette River Roll, is a one-mile trail featuring 14 natural ball runs—think Rube Goldberg machine meets the forest. “Children are becoming less engaged with their technology and immersing themselves in nature,” emphasized Gunn.
As you explore The Wild Center, it becomes clear how much thought and care have gone into creating this one-of-a-kind space. However, beyond the public eye is the compassionate care of nearly 400 on-site animals in rehabilitation.
While every animal has the option to engage with visitors, none are forced. From playful otters to owls, massive falcons and turtles, each receives individualized care from a team that includes full-time caretakers and an on-site vet. The team even produced a six-part YouTube series highlighting behind-the-scenes rehabilitation stories, including two baby otters successfully reintroduced into the wild and Norris the Woodchuck.
Ratcliffe reflected, “The Wild Center is a science museum, and the basis of science is observation. These two ways of knowing share many values. Our western culture has much to learn from the people who cared for these lands with respect and balance. It is important that more people understand native ways of stewarding the natural world.”
The Center’s maple exhibit has also been “decolonized” to incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge, reflecting a more inclusive and accurate understanding of regional history. As it has evolved, so has its commitment to sharing the full history of the Adirondacks, including honoring Indigenous peoples. The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, now featured at the Center, celebrates Indigenous communities past, present and future. This complements the Ways of Knowing storytelling series, which features artwork by Dave and John Fadden of the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center.
The Wild Center’s ongoing collaborations with artists are among its most impactful work. A fan favorite is the Stickwork walk-through sculpture by Patrick Dougherty, a labyrinth of beautifully woven maple branches. This year, a new exhibit by Brenda Baker, The Clothesline: Food, Fiber, Air, and Soil, uses hundreds of garments worn by farm workers to highlight the unseen people behind our food systems. “One of the things we’ve learned is that art and music can be a moving and effective way for people to develop a deeper connection with nature,” observed Ratcliffe.
The Center thrives year-round, adapting its offerings to each Adirondack season. In winter, families enjoy snowshoeing and indoor nature labs. Spring brings maple sugaring and the return of animal activity. Summer is filled with outdoor programs, live animal encounters and popular canoe tours led by a New York State Licensed Guide and The Wild Center Naturalist.
Every season provides new ways for families to discover something different. Activities are crafted for curious minds and active bodies—eco-art projects, animal knowledge, nature-based challenges—that build confidence and curiosity away from screens. No two visits are alike. Whether you are local or visiting for the first time, it is a place that invites repeat discovery.
Beyond fun and learning, The Wild Center is a sustainability leader. The facility is LEED-certified and was constructed using green methods. Its newest innovation is the in-house transition to laser-etched wooden signage, replacing traditional materials throughout the trails and exhibits.
The entire campus is a model of climate-conscious design. Since hosting its first climate conference in 2009, The Wild Center has leaned into its environmental leadership role. “It can be hard to discuss a passion for nature without discussing climate,” said Gunn.
Exhibits like Climate Solutions and the Science Speaker Series make complex issues understandable—even for those without a background in science. From composting at home to planting pollinator gardens, kids and families are empowered to take small, meaningful actions. The message is clear: your voice matters and every little step counts.
With accessibility always in mind, The Center’s team launched the Library Discovery Pass Program. Over 100 libraries across New York State offer free entry to The Wild Center through this initiative. There are also free admission days throughout the year, and individuals with a Tribal ID are always admitted free of charge.
The Wild Center is more than a destination—it is a regional economic driver. Through strong local partnerships and steady engagement, it contributes $18.5 million annually to the Tupper Lake economy and supports roughly 150 jobs, fueling tourism and small business in the region. Visitors who come for the Center often stay for the Adirondacks—browsing downtown shops, dining locally, and supporting artisans.
The Center stands as a model for what education, fun, and community connection can be when rooted in a shared passion for the environment. In a world that feels increasingly fast and digital, The Wild Center offers something wonderfully real—a place to slow down, reconnect with the earth, and discover something new around every corner.
Maybe you will come to watch the otters play, or maybe you just need a day to unplug and breathe deeply. Either way, you will leave refreshed, inspired—and yes, with a fully charged phone and plenty of nature-filled photos to share.
The Wild Center is a place where kids can grow wild, where learning happens naturally and where nature, art and science live side by side. Whether you are an Adirondack local or just passing through, you will find something just for you—hands-on crafts, peaceful walks, science lessons, and moments of wonder. And the real gift of The Wild Center is what it awakens: a renewed sense of curiosity, a deeper connection to nature and the simple joy of being right where you are. A day at The Wild Center is not just enjoyable—it’s revitalizing.
The Wild Center
45 Museum Drive
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
(518) 359-7800
Have You Seen the Otters?
One of the star attractions at The Wild Center are the river otters, semi-aquatic mammals that are equally comfortable on land and in the water.
Otter Fun Facts
• They love to play
• They can swim up to seven miles an hour
• They can hold their breath for up to eight minutes.
• They use their armpits as a small carry bag
• They use their paws to cover their eyes when the sun is bright
Want to learn more? Visit The Wild Center and watch the four residents dart about in their 8,100+ gallon tank and explore their large outdoor habitat.