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, March 30, 2019 09:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Learn to weave a traditional pack basket from start to finish. The cost of the programs includes all materials. Each participant will leave with a completed basket. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. Preregistration is required by calling the Nature Center at 315-482-2479.
$65 for members, $75 for non-members
Saturday, May 4, 2019 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Register
Start time for all projects: 9am
End time for all projects: 3pm
Meeting Location for all projects: MAC Nature Center Parking Instructions: Please park at the Nature Center. Ages for all projects: All ages welcome
Volunteer Project #1: Help us get our gardens and yard ready for the summer season and pot plants for our Memorial Day Plant Sale. Please bring: Garden gloves, trowel, water
Volunteer Project #2: Help us clean up our trails from winter storm damage. Please bring: If possible, a pair of loppers
Volunteer Project #3: Help us paint two new trail bridges on East Trail and North Field Loop. Please bring: Water
***Please note***We will have other projects like window washing and shoreline cleanup that will be taking place at the Nature Center from. These projects are both suitable for older children and adults.
We can accommodate: Large Groups, small groups, college student groups, Boy or Girl Scouts Questions?Call: 315-482-2479 Email: kimbrie.cullen@parks.ny.gov