Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640
- General Information: (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
- 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
Saturday, May 8, 2021 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Bring a lunch and a good pair of hiking shoes for a fun hike along the Eel Bay Trail. Group will stop along the way to eat a socially-distanced lunch overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Program size is limited. Pre-registration required. Please call (315) 482-2479, between 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday, to register. Face coverings required.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Learn about what seeds need to grow, then plant your own to take home!
Program size is limited. Pre-registration required. Please call (315) 482-2479, between 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday, to register. Face coverings required.
Saturday, May 22, 2021 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Remember playing the classic game "I Spy" on long car rides? This fun game can also be played on our trails! We'll visit different habitats to see how many different things we can spy.
Program size is limited. Pre-registration required. Please call (315) 482-2479, between 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday, to register. Face coverings required.
Saturday, May 29, 2021 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
What does a bullfrog sound like? What is that humming sound in the cattails? Join us for a quiet hike to the wetlands around Cottage Trail. While relaxing on our boardwalk, participants will listen and explore the beautiful sounds of the wetlands.
Program size is limited. Pre-registration required. Please call (315) 482-2479, between 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday, to register. Face coverings required.
Saturday, June 5, 2021 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Take a short walk while playing fun games with trees in the forest. Please wear long pants and a pair of good hiking shoes.
Program size is limited. Pre-registration required. Please call (315) 482-2479, between 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday, to register. Face coverings required.