An average of 12 million visitors head to the Adirondacks each year.

Now, many of them will have the chance to stop at a new welcome center on their way.

Located on the northbound side of the Northway in between exits 17 and 18, the new welcome center was opened by state officials Thursday morning. 

With construction starting this past spring, the nearly $2 million project features a new energy efficient building with restrooms, digitized information for tourists and a Taste New York snack bar with vending machines featuring products made in the North Country. 

State Senator Betty Little advocated for replacing the old rest area with a modern facility.

"This is phenomenal, this is bigger and better than what I expected, it’s got everything in it and it’s really going to be a wonderful attraction,” said Little, (R) State Senate - Glens Falls.

The 8,600-square foot building sits on a 22-acre lot that also includes a new playground for children and a dog area.