Artist Kent Paulette painted the massive, 7½-by-10-foot canvas of a bear on display at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Photography courtesy of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Editor’s Note (October 2024): We love and celebrate our mountain communities; however, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, many areas remain inaccessible for travel. Please check DriveNC.gov’s travel map for the latest on traveling to these areas.
Hanging high in the lobby of Grandfather Mountain’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, above the entrance to the theater and the exhibit hall, a painting of a bear by Watauga County artist Kent Paulette greets visitors just after they step into the building. The blue-toned black bear gazes across the room, geometric shapes dancing in its fur against a backdrop of colors mimicking a sunset. This painting, a captivating entry point, sets the tone for the expansive facility.
Completed and opened to visitors in late June 2022, the Wilson Center expanded significantly from the original Nature Museum. The new building is twice the size and features a dozen interactive exhibits, including a flora wall — detailing the many plant and fungus species on the mountain, with magnifying glasses for close-up examination — and a fauna wall, featuring hand-carved bird sculptures and animal imagery, along with a digital field guide for exploring the characteristics of Grandfather Mountain’s diverse animal species.
The center’s architecture harmonizes seamlessly with Grandfather Mountain’s natural setting. Large window banks connect visitors to the landscape, with views of mountain peaks and diverse wildlife. The Wilson Center allows people to dive deep into the natural heritage of the area, giving them a better understanding and a greater appreciation for this iconic landmark.
Wilson Center for Nature Discovery at Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
(800) 468-7325
grandfather.com/wilson-center
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