The Wild Center

  • 45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake

Three years running, The Wild Center was named the People’s Choice top attraction in the Adirondacks by the readers of Adirondack Life. The Wild Center has also been named named "#2 science museum in the country" by readers of USA Today. To top it all off, The Wild Center’s Wild Walk, a trail across the treetops, has opened to rave reviews.

It’s all part of an outdoor and indoor experience on 81-acres that’s earned praise from around the world for how it lets visitors of all ages get closer to the natural world.

The Wild Center has a 54,000-square-foot indoor space, swimming with live exhibits including river otters, multi-media shows and tons of hands-on experiences. There are trails, guided canoe trips on the river that runs by the Center’s campus, and a staff ready and willing to show you around, and answer questions about anything having to do with the wild world of the Adirondacks.

Wild Walk adds another dimension to a Wild Center day, by taking visitors up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. The Wild Walk experience includes a four-story twig tree house and swinging bridges, a spider’s web where people can hang out, and chances to just sit and observe the forest below. There’s an over-sized bald eagle’s nest at the highest point where visitors can perch and watch the life of the forest from a whole new point of view.

The Center features a full museum store, cafe with outdoor waterside seating in season, and daily special events.

*New for 2024 - Let the Good Times Roll: The Wild Center is introducing a brand new experience where you and your young explorers can engage with nature in an exciting new way.   It’s called a Ball Run, and it’s an elevated track where you release special wooden balls and watch gravity do its thing.  A number of these ball run stations have been placed along the beautiful Fen Trail—also new to The Wild Center this summer.  It’s interactive, it’s educational, and above all, it’s a fascinating and fun new way to experience the natural world in a natural setting.

Current Hours and Ticket Prices

The museum's days of operation are seasonal and can be found on their website.

  • Adult Ticket (18 - 64): $24
  • Senior/Military Ticket (65+): $22
  • Youth Ticket (5 - 17): $15
  • Age 4 and Under: Free
  • Members: Free

Accessible Amenities

  • Accessible Car Parking Yes
  • Accessible Van Parking Yes
  • Assistive Equipment Yes
  • Disability Discount Yes
  • Campanion Discount Yes
  • Service Animal Relief Area Yes
  • Deaf/Hearing Loss Accomodations Yes
  • ASL Interpreter Available Yes
  • Accessible Entrance Yes
  • Accessible Route Yes
  • Low Service Counter Yes
  • Accessible Outdoor Seating Yes
  • Accessible Indoor Seating Yes
  • Accessible Ground Floor Rooms Yes
  • Accessible Public Restroom Yes
  • Accessible Theater Seating Yes
  • Signage Partial
  • Staff Orientation Available Yes
  • Staff Orientation Available Yes