Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

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Address
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640

Thousand Islands Region

Latitude 44.306131

Longitude -76.033448

Directions

General Information: (315) 482-2479

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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.
During the winter cross country season the ski trails are open when conditions permit.
Open Daily
9am - 3pm
*Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving

Sat 21 May

Picnic Hike To The Narrows
Saturday, May 21, 2022 11:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Pack a lunch and join us for a hike to the Narrows! We will sit overlooking the St. Lawrence River and enjoy a picnic lunch. This is a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike over steep and varied terrain. Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

Sat 28 May

Nature “Drawing From Memory” Game
Saturday, May 28, 2022 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Think you have a good memory? Come test your memory skills on our trails. We will take a short hike, find an interesting thing to look at, walk back to the Nature Center, and put your memory to the test. Sound easy? Come try it, it is not as easy as it sounds. Great for all ages. Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

Sat 04 Jun

Bark Art
Saturday, June 4, 2022 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Ruff, smooth, jagged are all different ways to describe tree bark. Take a walk in search of different textures to create a unique work of art. Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

Sat 11 Jun

Swallow-Wort Pull
Saturday, June 11, 2022 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Help us protect our native habitat by removing an invasive plant species called swallow-wort. Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

Sat 18 Jun

Frog Watching
Saturday, June 18, 2022 10:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Join us for a hike to our wetlands in search of bullfrogs, spring peepers, and green frogs! Please wear pants and waterproof hiking boots. We will be exploring off-trail for a chance to spot these awesome amphibians! Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation