Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Home / Environment / Nature Centers / Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Address
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640

Thousand Islands Region

Latitude 44.306131

Longitude -76.033448

Directions

General Information: (315) 482-2479

Donate

Friends Group Weather

The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is one of the largest nature centers in the state park system and in New York State. It sits on a pristine 600 acre peninsula of Wellesley Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. There are 8 miles of hiking trails and 7 miles of cross country ski trails. Highlights of a visit may include scenic views of the Thousand Islands from the trail vistas, a summer ride in the 36 foot Voyageur Canoe or a visit to the butterfly house which features native flora and butterflies.

A special geological feature of the center are the four glacial potholes along the scenic Eel Bay trail. The nature center overlooks Eel Bay, a unique habitat of the St. Lawrence River and a prime duck migration area well known for its pike, bass, bullhead and perch fishing. The nature center has dock located in Eel Bay allowing boaters access to the center and a place for patrons to fish.

Thousands of school children visit the center each year from fall through spring to learn about the environment. Each season features unique programs. Special wildlife sightings include watching for bald eagles on Eel Bay from late November to early January and again in late March and in the summer looking for osprey which nest in the park.

Contact the nature center staff for more information on school programs.

Hours of Operation

The hiking trails are open every day sunrise to sunset year-round
During the winter cross country season the ski trails are open when conditions permit.
Nature Center

Off-Season (After 10/9/2022)
Wednesday - Sunday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
*Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving

Operating Season (May 5th - October 8th, 2023)
Open 7 days a week
9:00am - 3:00pm

Sat 18 May

ARMED FORCES DAY sponsored by the Friends of the Nature Center
Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

In appreciation of our Military Service members and Veterans, join us for this special day. Test your speed and skills on our obstacle course and enjoy a short hike. After all that fresh air, our Military Service members and Veterans will be treated to a 5-minute chair massage by the staff of River Wellness between 11am–1pm. Food and drinks will be provided. RSVP appreciated by 5/16.

Registration: Required

Sun 19 May

OSPREY VIEWING
Sunday, May 19, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Ospreys migrate up to the North Country to return to their nests. Join us on a guided hike along our shoreline and roadside nest platforms to see if we can spot these beautiful birds.

Fri 24 May

AMERICAN FLAG WALL HANGING + CAMPFIRE FOOD
Friday, May 24, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Come celebrate Memorial Day weekend by turning a paper bag into a beautiful American flag wall hanging. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on. Then come grill hotdogs over a campfire... complete with all the fixin's! Program subject to weather. RSVP by 5/22.

Registration: Required

Sat 25 May

MEMORIAL DAY SUMMER KICKOFF + FIELD DAY
Saturday, May 25, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Come up to our field for some awesome summer games! Weather permitting, we'll offer a variety of outdoor games that will be sure to have you primed for summer! Suitable for all ages.

Sun 26 May

PATRIOTIC BARN QUILT WORSKHOP
Sunday, May 26, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Join us, kids and adults alike, for our patriotic barn quilt workshop. The kids will make a 6"x6" star with background and border and the adults will make a 12"x12" flag-themed barn quilt. These classes will run concurrently – perfect for families! Due to the nature of the process, children should be 8 or older to participate. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on! Class size is limited, so please RSVP by 5/20. Materials fees: Adults/$25 and Children/$10

Registration: Required

View all events for Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation