This was an unexpected gem of an art museum in the heart of Utica. We came here on a half-day trip…read morefrom Cooperstown (1 hour away on rural roads) for a brief visit and had modest expectations. The MWPAI has two main buildings and includes a lovely collection of paintings and sculptures. The highlight of the museum is the set of paintings by Thomas Cole on the top floor of the main building. These works illustrate various stages in one's life cycle from youth to middle-age to older-age. I was impressed by the quality of the collection here and a visiting exhibit of works by a contemporary artist from Atlanta. We arrived around 11:30am on a Thursday and went immediately to the Terrace Cafe after a quick restroom stop. The cafe is open from 11am to 3pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and has outdoor seating. I was impressed by the quality of our bistro-style lunch prepared by a professional chef. We enjoyed some iced tea and the fried deviled eggs with horseradish, dijon and scallions as an appetizer. My 13-year old son devoured his MWP burger (mustard-whiskey-peppercorn glaze), while I had the Saratoga Quiche which was light and refreshing. We were too full for dessert. Who knew that Utica could provide an elegant yet affordable lunch with a lovely outdoor view? Be sure to ask the waiter for recommendations on main dishes and appetizers. Although the service can be a bit slow, it's a delightful spot for a leisurely lunch where you can relax and unwind. My wife, teenage sons (15 yrs, 13 yrs) and I really enjoyed our short day trip to Utica. MWPAI was a highlight along with Utica Coffee Roasters and the half-moon cookies from Hemstrought Bakery.

It has 2 sections, main building for art exhibit, the other section is a historical residence of…read morethe donor. All items has descriptions in details. The museum is not big and easy to navigate. Artworks are world class, so amazing. Worth to visit even though I had a short trip.

Very attractive, seemingly new, and interesting small museum about electricity. If you like…read morescience, you will enjoy this place. Lots of interactive learning stations and also examples of old lightbulbs, toasters, batteries. Still free with easy parking. This is a deal!

Free! This was a…read moregreat way to spend a rainy morning in Utica. Right next to the zoo, with free parking and free entry. There are games to play, badges to earn, and lots of fun to be had. There is even a 3D theater. Learn all about electricity!

Mad hatter tea party. The tea party setup was cute, but there was very little interaction with the…read moreAlice in wonderland characters they walked by once and that was it. The train also just stopped on the tracks for 20 minutes or so and then went back so the actual train travel was only about 40 minutes or less. Would not be very entertaining for most young children.

Polar Express Experience?…read more If I could have gotten a refund I would have! This was a completely deceptive trip! The beginning.. a young woman and young man lip synching, then a lackluster conductor and little boy performing. We chose to not do the VIP tickets and were in the first car with all the smudges and dirty windows and the overhead speaker that you barely can hear music or announcements because it sounded like a speaker from the 1950's or 1960's ! Who knew we would be getting on a train to no where? Everyone thought it was a trip to a pseudo North Pole and getting out to meet Santa. Instead drove in the dark for the 7pm ride not seeing hardly anything out the windows had a half cup of warm chocolate and a cookie and drove back to station.. for $47 per person? Even our grandson was disappointed! We were told no water served or a second cookie or hot chocolate! For the money they make for each trip in this season they should buy a plot of land at the last stop where that fake looking Santa stood outside and waved and make a little Northpole that the families can get off the train and have a magical experience? Sorry never ever wasting money or time on this bogus trip. We will just enjoy the magical movie.

I had to stop here to do some stuff for work. Really quiet, the place is really nice on the inside…read more The ladies there working the desks were very nice and helpful too

Really nice public library. The building on the inside is beautiful. Went today during an event and…read morewas a lot of unexpected fun. Really enjoyed the glass floors with ground to top floor stacks. Cannot wait to go back and check it out when a little less busy.