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 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 27 Apr

“TIME FLIES” FLY-TYING WORKSHOP with Fishing Guide Ethan Forbes
Saturday, April 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Going fishing? Before you go, join fishing guide Ethan Forbes as he teaches the art of fly tying. Learn the skills of how to make your own flies for fishing and the colors that attract many varieties of fish. This is a workshop all you anglers won't want to miss!

Sun 28 Apr

EYE SPY SPRING
Sunday, April 28, 2024 01:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Come join us in a fun hike while we try to find signs of spring. Please remember to bring your mud boots. This might be a muddy fun hike.

Sun 28 Apr

HOMESTEADING IN THE THOUSAND ISLANDS at River Yoga (234 James St, Clayton, NY)
Sunday, April 28, 2024 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Join us in this presentation on how native edible and medical plants can be used to better you and your environment. We will explore practical methods that you can employ in you daily life to become a more conscious consumer. You are what you eat. If you don't know what you're eating, do you know who you are? Talk and tea time are free, yin yoga $16. Talk 3:00 p.m. / Tea Time 4:00 p.m. / Yin Yoga 5:00 p.m.

Sat 04 May

I LOVE MY PARKS DAY
Saturday, May 4, 2024 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Show your Nature Center some love! Volunteer to spruce up the Nature Center grounds from a long winter. Help us prepare for another busy summer season. This is the day when we get out our mop buckets, sponges, garden trowels, rakes, and clippers, and work to beautify our Nature Center. Lunch will be complimentary for all volunteers. To preregister, visit ptny.org/ilovemypark or call the Nature Center at (315) 482-2479.

Sun 05 May

CINCO DE MAYO: TAMALES WORKSHOP
Sunday, May 5, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

What better celebration of Latino heritage than through partaking in their delicious cuisine? We'll spend the day making tamales from scratch! All participants will take home a bag filled with their luscious creations! $10 materials fee. Space is limited, RSVP required by 5/3.

Registration: Required

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation