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 Wednesday through Sunday
9am - 3pm (closed daily 12pm - 1pm for cleaning)
*Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving

Sat 25 Sep

Discover Wetlands Tanks Tour
Saturday, September 25, 2021 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Discover what lives in wetlands by joining Jasmine, our animal caretaker, on a tour of our reptile and amphibian tanks. Learn the importance of wetlands and what it takes to properly care for our animal ambassadors.

Please pre-register by contacting the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center at (315) 482-2479

Registration: Required

Sat 02 Oct

What's A Watershed?
Saturday, October 2, 2021 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

(315) 482-2479

Are you curious to see how a watershed works? You might be surprised! Come see for yourself how pollution works on a watershed module.

Registration: Required

Sat 09 Oct

42nd Annual Autumn Festival
Saturday, October 9, 2021 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

(315) 482-2479

Join us at the Nature Center for this family-friendly fall day. Enjoy craft and food vendors, live music, farm animals, arts and crafts, a scarecrow contest, birds-of-prey demonstration, and more! Admission: Children 12 & under $1 or free with non-perishable donation for local food pantry; Adults $3; Military & Seniors $2

Sat 16 Oct

A Story Through Science Experiments
Saturday, October 16, 2021 01:30 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

(315) 482-2479

Come on a journey around the world through science experiments! During this exciting story, discover the challenges humans face keeping our planet clean enough to enjoy.

Registration: Required

Sun 17 Oct

Compost Soil Experiment
Sunday, October 17, 2021 10:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

(315) 482-2479

Learn how to create compost at home! Learn how rich soil can be productive during this interactive experiment!

Registration: Required

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation