GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — Officials say the $20 million Welcome Center will be game changer not just for Grand Island but for the entire region.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul joined elected officials from Grand Island in cutting ribbon on the brand new New York State Welcome Center just off the 190 on Whitehaven Road.

"This is genius ladies and gentlemen,” she said. “This is going to showcase things about Western New York that locals who lived here all their lives did not even know, including myself," said Hochul.

The 12,400 square feet center, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, features a WNY Walk of Fame, a children's playground and dog park, interactive displays about Western New York tourist attractions, and a store and restaurant featuring a taste of regional favorites.

"When you come here, you just feel great pride in Western New York and its five counties. It's an amazing thing. It exceeds my expectations. Walk in the room and you will be wowed," said Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray.

The center sits halfway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster says the center will help connect tourists to both cities.

"I think if people who are visiting the natural wonder of Niagara Falls realize that cultural wonders like the Albright Knox, or architectural wonders like the Darwin Martin House, are just 25 to 30 minutes away it's going to cause them to stay in the region longer and be economically beneficial to everyone involved," said Dyster.

Tourists and locals are already giving the center high marks.

"I've never seen something like this. It's impressive, very clean, nice inside. We are really impressed," said Canadian visitor Ben Kalambauyi.

"I think it's beautiful. I know it costs a lot of money, but it's beautiful and I think it's an asset to our community," said Grand Island resident Rick Schmidt.

The Welcome Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.