The Adirondack Loon Center in Saranac Lake
A journey into the heart of loon ecology.
Common Loon. Photo by Brian Lasenby.
One of our favorite destinations in the Adirondacks is the charming village of Saranac Lake, filled with lovely historic buildings, unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. While many buildings are over 100 years old, one that stands out in the heart of town is the brick and glass front of a former bank built in the mid-20th century and adorned with a beautiful loon mural. It’s the current home of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation's (ACLC) Loon Center, a must-visit stop in this famous town.
The Adirondack Loon Center is not just another wildlife center. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of the common loon. For nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families seeking an engaging educational experience, visiting the center is a chance to understand the intricacies of this iconic species and the region’s broader wildlife conservation efforts.
Loons: icons of Adirondack wildlife.
The haunting call of the loon, reverberating across tranquil Adirondack lakes, is one of the region's most enduring sounds. Loons have long been synonymous with wilderness, embodying the remote beauty of the Adirondacks. However, despite their ethereal presence, loons are vulnerable to environmental changes, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate shifts.
The Adirondack Loon Center in the heart of Saranac Lake.
The Loon Center provides a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages to learn about loons and the ongoing research aimed at protecting them. The center’s exhibits are informative and interactive, making it a perfect stop for families, casual visitors, and even seasoned birdwatchers.
Visiting the Adirondack Loon Center.
As you step into the center, you’re immediately immersed in the life of loons. Educational displays delve into topics like loon behavior, their migratory patterns, and the environmental threats they face. You’ll discover fascinating details, such as how loons, with their striking black-and-white plumage, return to the same nesting sites year after year or how their eerie calls serve distinct purposes, from communicating with family members to marking territory.
One of the highlights is the “Loon Lab,” which features real-time data collected from loons equipped with satellite tags. Through this lab, visitors can track the migration routes of individual loons from their Adirondack nesting sites to their wintering grounds along the Atlantic coast. It’s a rare and awe-inspiring opportunity to witness the broader life cycle of a bird that many people only encounter in the Adirondacks’ warm summer months.
Hands-on activities and family-friendly fun.
The Loon Center offers a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for younger visitors. The 'Be a Loon Scientist' station invites kids to simulate fieldwork, helping them understand what it takes to study and conserve loons in the wild.
Visitors can also engage with the center’s 'Loon Listening' exhibit, where they can hear and learn to distinguish between loon calls—wails, yodels, and tremolos—bringing the world of loon communication to life.
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the center encourages outdoor exploration. The nearby lakes and waterways, where loons are often spotted, provide ideal destinations for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a serene afternoon of loon-watching.
Loon mates with their loonlet.
The ACLC conducts paddling tours on a nearby Adirondack lake from August to October. They guide small groups (10 people or less) to visit some of the loons they study. Private trips can also be arranged, with special rates for ACLC donors.
The history of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.
The ACLC's roots stem from a research initiative founded by the Biodiversity Research Institute in 1998. In 2001, the project expanded and added partners, including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, and the Audubon Society of New York State, to further extend its research and develop educational programs.
Eventually, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation became an independent nonprofit organization in 2017 and assumed responsibility for the loon research, education, and conservation programs previously conducted by BRI and partners in Adirondack Park. Today, the ACLC is at the forefront of ensuring that these stunning birds continue to thrive in the wild. The current Loon Center opened its doors in 2021.
A vital and dynamic force in loon protection.
At its core, the ACLC is dedicated to safeguarding loons and their habitats across the Adirondacks. These activities include monitoring loon populations, assessing the impacts of mercury and lead poisoning (a significant threat to loons), and rehabilitating injured loons. You become a part of these vital conservation efforts by visiting the center.
The ACLC’s research initiatives also involve studying human impact on loon habitats, such as disturbances from recreational boating or development along shorelines. By visiting the center, you contribute directly to these conservation efforts, as admission fees and donations go toward preserving loon populations and maintaining their habitats.
The Loon Center also runs outreach programs and community events to raise awareness about loons' challenges. From Loon Awareness Week to field trips for local schools, the ACLC brings conservation education into the community, ensuring that future generations of Adirondack residents and visitors continue to cherish and protect these iconic birds.
Planning your visit to the Loon Center.
The center is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer season. It is a perfect stop during the region’s peak summer and fall tourism months. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, where you can pick up loon-themed souvenirs and support the ACLC's ongoing work.
For more information, visit the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation’s website.
A trip to the Loon Center in Saranac Lake is more than just an educational outing—it's a chance to connect with the natural world and gain a deeper appreciation for one of the Adirondacks’ most emblematic species. This natural gem in Saranac Lake is well worth a visit for anyone passionate about wildlife conservation or eager to learn more about one of the Adirondacks’ most majestic creatures.
Learn the four common loon calls.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Saranac Lake.
