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All 8 Saranac Lake Attractions »

Visitor Interpretive Center at Paul Smiths

Saranac Lake, NY
518-327-3000
4.5 of 5 stars 9 Reviews
Type: Educational Sites
Description: Educational site at Paul Smiths College that displays exhibits on Adirondack ecology and trail systems and also has a butterfly house.
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9 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    5
    3
    1
    0
    0
Date Rating
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2012

nicely forested trails, lots of choices for x-country skiing even though snow cover was limited. Guide was very helpful at outset of our trip. Some pretty beautiful views, would definitely go back More

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Vermontville, New York
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The butterfly house is open from the middle of June to Labor Day and includes native butterflies and moths in all stages -- eggs, caterpillars, chrysalids/coocoons, adult butterflies and moths. It is very low key compared to tropical butterfly exhibits, which are full of brightly colored tropicals. However, this house is a wonderful place to learn about the critters and... More

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See 2 more reviews by Nancy M for Saranac Lake
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2012

Great trails for different levels. Lots of wildlife to see. Helpful staff. Worth the visit for everyone. More

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See 8 more reviews by AWarn1 for Saranac Lake
Berkshires, MA
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 19, 2012

We went to the opening of an exhibit on the Northeast outdoors. The previous exhibit was still partially assembled which we found to be distracting. The art work on display, in general, was more interesting than the official exhibit. We did not use them, but there appears to be a network of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. More

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See 3 more reviews by CFCamper for Saranac Lake
Nyack, New York
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 12, 2012

Come and have fun for a few hours or all day. You can come again and again. By yourself or with family or friends. You are sure to have a good time. More

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Lisbon, New York
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 11, 2012

We enjoyed hiking on the various trails and then visiting the center to read about the Adirondack Mountains, its animals and foliage. There were also various hands on displays. Great place for young and old alike. More

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Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 31, 2011

It's only a short drive from Lower Saranac Lake. It's a must do! More

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See 3 more reviews by Tony_O_TFNC for Saranac Lake
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed August 19, 2011

The VIC is beside Paul Smith's College and I believe is now run by the college since the state bowed out. Apparently they had just re-opened. There are a few hiking trails on the grounds and they are relatively easy and flat with handicapped accessibility. Inside there are exhibits and a guide who was very helpful in answering questions. They... More

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See 5 more reviews by Onewithall for Saranac Lake
Baltimore, Maryland
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
Reviews in 79 cities Reviews in 79 cities
282 helpful votes 282 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed July 5, 2009
3
people found this review helpful

We stopped at the VIC during our vacation in the Adirondacks and it is a good place to start if you have never been to the area before. There is a small exhibit about the history and nature of the Adirondacks which was interesting. Also the ladies at the front desk were very nice and helpful. They have many pamphlets... More

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