You've been to The Wild Center; now what?

So, you’ve come to Tupper Lake for the Wild Center, voted Best Science Museum in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. You’ve immersed yourself in educational exhibits, experienced the Wild Walk, and of course, watched the otters at play, but now what? Well, luck has it that Tupper Lake is filled with fun activities to add on to your visit to the Wild Center. Here are 10 things you can do around the Wild Center! 

The Tupper Lake Triad

Trail time is the best time. As one of the first hiking challenges in the Adirondack Park, the Tupper Lake Triad is more beginner-friendly, and can either be done in an entire day, or pieced together on multiple trips. Each hike leads to expansive views of endless ponds scattered among mountains big and small. There’s even a firetower on one of the hikes! Try out these 3 hikes, and if you are successful in completing the challenge, a unique patch awaits. 

Get out on the water 

Perhaps a highlight of any trip to Tupper Lake is getting out on the water. Be it by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat, experiencing the islands, bays, and wide-open waters can be done in so many ways. Reliable and friendly businesses like Raquette River Outfitters provide both rentals and guided trips, one of which they offer is combined with a visit to the Wild Center. How perfect!

Take a stroll on Park Street

Whether you’re exhausted from a day of adventuring, or just want to relax with some retail therapy, perusing Park Street’s shops and galleries is a must. If seeing the local talent through their art, photography, and handmade gifts is your thing, places like Tupper Arts, Spruce and Hemlock, and Earth Girl Designs are your stops. If the weather isn’t holding out for you, catch a movie at the Adirondack State Theater! And if you’re looking to bring back some of the Adirondacks, take home a piece of ADK-inspired decor from the Adirondack Store. 

Listen to live music

Catch a concert by the water at the Flander’s Park Sunset Stage, during sunset! Every Monday and Wednesday during the summer, gather amongst locals and visitors for a fun experience by the water, listening to talent from the local pool and from afar. Not here during a Monday or Wednesday night? Raquette River Brewery and P-2’s Irish Pub host a ton of live music nights, so chances are you’ll be able to listen to some live music while you’re here. 

Catch a River Pigs game

Tupper Lake has its own professional baseball team! The River Pigs, named for the skilled loggers who broke up logjams on rivers around Tupper Lake, play ball at a scenic field alongside Raquette Pond. Food trucks, thrilling match-ups, and the setting sun. What more could you ask for?

Miniature Golfing

Mini-golf, mini-putt, putt-putt, whatever you want to call it, going to the green for an hour or two is a sure-fire way to make some fun memories. Timberjaxx Pass is a brand new, hand-built miniature golf course in Tupper Lake that'll also be serving up ice cream. Whether you're uber-competitive, or just like to play a relaxing game of golf, Timberjaxx will undoubtedly be a must-visit place this summer. 

Look at the stars 

Did you know that Tupper Lake has some of the darkest skies in the entire nation? So much so that there’s even an observatory here, the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory! If you’re here to camp, sleeping under the stars and tracing constellations is obligatory, but keeping your eye on their calendar for a public stargazing event or astrophotography course can make a trip to Tupper extra-special.

Take a beach day

When the weather is warm, you’ll want to enjoy the water just as much as the otters do at the Wild Center! We recommend checking out Little Wolf Beach. It’s one of the largest beaches in the Adirondack Park, has excellent facilities, a snack shack, and so much more! It’s a great basecamp for getting outside and tuckered out before it’s time to pack up and grab dinner in town. 

Grab a bite to eat

It’s hard to know where to even begin, Tupper Lake has quite a few diverse options for dining. If you’re looking for a more low-key eat, then swing by a food truck at Raquette River Brewery (and grab a beer while you’re at it) or at Tupper Lake Municipal Park. For fine dining or dinner-oriented establishments, make plans to check out Amado or The Woodshed on Park. On a warm day, after hiking, swimming, or even post-dinner, don’t forget a cold treat at Skyline Ice Cream. 

Go rail biking or take a train ride

Explore Tupper Lake’s history and scenic landscapes by rail! The Adirondack Railroad has short trips that leave right from the train station in town, and can be squeezed into a full day of adventuring since it only takes around two hours to do. And if you want to get your legs moving a bit, you could even consider hopping on the railbikes offered by Adirondack Railbike Adventures. 

BONUS - Lakeview Lanes

It's always nice to have an activity to do on those unplanned rainy days, and Lakeview Lanes has you covered! They've got food, drinks at the sports bar, and of course, lots of lanes for bowling. They're open late on most nights, so even if it's not a rainy day, you could still head in for a game or two after a full day of adventuring outdoors. 

Set your dates, book a stay, choose from all these activities to make your itinerary, and explore Tupper Lake and all of the fun it has to offer!