Paul Smiths College Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center

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When I was traveling between Albany and the farm on a regular basis, I used to pass by Paul Smiths (they seem to leave out the apostrophe, so I will also) College Visitor Interpretive Center almost every trip. But I never stopped to investigate because I always had a carload of dogs. So one recent snowy Tuesday, I drove down to find out more. I parked my car and walked toward the main building, passing this Butterfly House on the way. In the summertime, it's covered in netting and filled with butterflies:

The main building was behind some trees, and I headed in that direction:

I passed a map of Paul Smiths trails, some of which I've hiked in days gone by:

And I walked past the "Bird's Nest," a play area for children (in warmer weather):

Once inside the building, I was impressed by its beauty and grandeur. All the walls were hung with Adirondack art. There was no charge for admission, no greeting from staff. I just walked in and began to explore:

I found an interesting hall, but no displays. I think this hall contained classrooms and labs. Here too, the walls were filled with Adirondack art:

There was, however, one room filled with Adirondack interpretative displays. I was immediately drawn to the children's table, and especially to the skunk and other furs:

The walls were covered with displays explaining the glaciers' effect on the area and the different types of Adirondack environments, such as bogs and swamps:

And forests:

Mountain slopes and summits:

There were several displays of Adirondack pottery:

And, near the exit, a terrific photographic display about the Adirondack Park. I didn't spend much time there, but I was glad that I finally saw the VIC. I plan to come back to see the Butterfly House some time when it's warm outside: