Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640
- Phone: (315) 482-2479
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
- Open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
From mid-October to mid-June, museum hours are 8 am-4 pm
From mid-June to mid-October museum hours are 8:30am-4:30pm. - The hiking trails are open every day sunrise to sunset.
During the winter cross country season the ski trails are open when conditions permit.
Saturday, August 19, 2017 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Head out on the water to go kayaking with Molly Farrell. Participate in an American Canoe Association Smartstart Your Kayak class, look for signs of wildlife, and explore shoreline communities while paddling the shoreline of Wellesley Island State Park. Molly will teach the American Canoe Association (ACA) course Smartstart Your Kayak, perfect for anyone new to kayaking and will reiterate proper paddling technique for more experienced paddlers. There is a $10 fee per participant. The Nature Center will provide kayaks but you are welcome to bring your own. Preregistration is required as space is limited.
Saturday, August 26, 2017 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
$10 per person. Must be 13 or older to participate. Come learn about how you can become a Riverkeeper Volunteer while brushing up on your kayaking skills! Molly will teach the ACA course Smartstart Your Kayak which is perfect for anyone new to kayaking and will reiterate proper paddling technique for more experienced paddlers. Following the kayak training, Kate Brehany from Save the River will talk about various factors that threaten the health of our river and what you can do to help. You will have plenty of time to look for wildlife and explore our shoreline! Participants will receive a Tshirt and an invasive species guide. Please call for additional information and to preregister.