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The Wild Center Named Best Science Museum in USA TODAY’s 10Best Awards

Great news for upstate New York! The Wild Center in Tupper Lake has been named the Best Science Museum in the country by USA TODAY’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights the museum’s commitment to fun, hands-on exhibits and environmental education that captivates visitors of all ages.

A One-of-a-Kind Experience

Set in the beautiful Adirondacks, The Wild Center takes a unique approach to science and nature. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the stunning Wild Walk, an elevated trail through the treetops, visitors get up-close views of the landscape. You can check out interactive science displays, meet live Adirondack animals, and connect with nature in a whole new way.

The museum also offers a climate solutions exhibit, which provides actionable steps individuals can take to combat climate change, making science not just something to learn about but something to act on. Seasonal programs, guided canoe trips on the Raquette River, and immersive film experiences further enhance the visit.

One visitor shared, "We love The Wild Center, and make sure to spend a day every time we're in the area. There are interesting and engaging educational displays on the environment and local wildlife. The live animal presentations are great, my children love seeing the animals up close and the presenters are friendly and knowledgeable. The outdoor activities are fun, we love the walkway and spider web."

Free Community Day in March

To celebrate and give back, The Wild Center is hosting a special Community Day in March, offering free admission to local residents. It’s a great chance to explore the exhibits, join in on family-friendly activities, and enjoy the beauty of the museum. Events like these highlight The Wild Center’s ongoing dedication to fostering a love for nature and science in the community. Stay tuned for more details!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, now is the perfect time to see why The Wild Center is getting national recognition. Plan your visit and experience it for yourself!

The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority has announced a lineup of events celebrating the 45th anniversary of the iconic 1980 Winter Olympic Games through March 8!

The official theme song of the 1980 Games was "Give It All You Got," and this is the key message underscoring the celebratory events this year.

Here's what's happening:

February 13 - 24
Enjoy community skating on the Oval, with special 45th-anniversary events and free tickets for registered local students and their families. Skate while listening to the official song of the 1980s Games and other Olympic-themed music.

February 17 - 23
Lake Placid will participate in the USA Hockey's national celebration with themed events, including USA Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and Hockey Jersey Day with a 1980 twist (wear your vintage 1980 jersey, or any USA hockey team jersey).

February 20 - 24
The Olympic Center will be illuminated in gold to honor Eric Heiden's remarkable five gold medals and red, white, and blue in celebration of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey victory.

February 22, 4pm to 6pm
Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton will be at the Olympic Oval. Guests can participate in a commemorative skate honoring those impacted by cancer during Sk8 to Elimin8.

February 23
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum will offer $5 admission during Golden $5 Day in honor of Eric Heiden's legendary achievement.

On Tuesdays, 11am to 12pm
Go behind the scenes at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum by exploring their archives and getting to check out objects not currently on display. 

On Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm to 3:30pm
Visitors have the unique opportunity to hold the 1980 torch and learn about torch relay.

On Saturdays in February, 10am
Journey through time at the Gallery Talk to revisit the world, nation, and village of Lake Placid as they were during the 1980s Games.

March 6 - 16
Art enthusiasts can participate in the Best Ever Bobsled Art Contest at Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

March 7
Come out for the Soft Opening Art in Sport Exhibit, showcasing Olympic art by LeRoy Neiman and others, focusing on the intersection of art and sport.

March 8
Watch the special North Country Art in Sport Awards Ceremony, honoring student artists from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties, celebrating the spirit of Olympism through artistic expression.

Also: Visit the upper finish deck at Mt. Van Hoevenberg to see the 10'x15' Flag Mural.

Visit LakePlacidOlympicCenter.com for more information!

Big Upgrade Hits Ski Mountain, Ushering in a New Era

A new three-person chairlift is now operating at McCauley Mountain Ski Area in the southwestern Adirondacks, offering skiers and snowboarders something very special to celebrate this winter! The mountain’s outdated double chairlift was replaced by the Partek triple chairlift this January.

A Much-Needed Upgrade

The old double chairlift was the only one that reached the summit and was in danger of a major breakdown, which would have prevented the skiers from accessing the upper areas.

Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, town officials took action and secured the Hudson Triple from Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl.

Fast-Track Installation

This new addition was completed in just six months, whereas lift installations typically take longer. Thanks to the strong collaboration, the old lift was removed in spring of 2024, work began end of July, and by January 2025, the new one was up and running.

In an article by the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, former town board member Kurt Gardner, who has been heavily involved in the chairlift replacement, called the project “the Miracle on McCauley,” referencing the famous Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid.

“You guys have the ‘Miracle on Ice’ up there,” he said. “And now we have the Miracle on McCauley as far as I’m concerned.”

More Improvements on the Way

The chairlift isn’t the only upgrade happening at McCauley Mountain. Several other improvements are in the works, including:

• Expanded terrain access – Enhancements aimed at opening more trails earlier in the season and maintaining better snow conditions throughout winter.
• New snowmaking equipment – Upgrading outdated compressors to allow high-efficiency snow guns to operate at full capacity.
• A magic carpet lift – Replacing one of the bunny hill’s rope tows to create a more beginner-friendly experience.

With family-friendly terrain, a passionate ski community, and new infrastructure, McCauley Mountain is entering an exciting new chapter. Ready to ride the new triple chairlift? Plan your visit today!

Source: Adirondack Daily Enterprise