I was invited to come down to the opening of Grant County PUD’s new visitor center at Wanapum Dam recently, and I was really glad that I took the time to be there.

The 2,000-square-foot center is jammed with wonderful displays that cover everything from the geology of the region to the advance of power generation and the importance of fish to our region. All of this is presented with dynamic graphic displays and many are interactive. There were a couple of grade school classes that came and the kids were very busy trying out all the gadgets that they could manipulate.

What they didn’t realize is that they were learning about subjects that they would otherwise consider dull. The new center is definitely worth a visit and no matter what your age, there is something of interest here. It is a real asset to residents of our region and to those who visit here.

The same is true for the Wanapum Heritage Center that was completed earlier this year by Grant County. It is only 18 miles down the road near Priest Rapids Dam. It has many displays, videos and graphics dedicated to the history of the Wanapum tribe. It is fascinating, and well taking the time to explore.