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 03 Dec

WINTER WONDERLAND WALK
Saturday, December 3, 2022 10:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Let's kick off the holiday season with a winter hike and hot cocoa to warm up afterward!

Sat 10 Dec

HOLIDAY BONANZA
Saturday, December 10, 2022 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Come enjoy some holiday cheer at our Holiday Bonanza! There will be live music, craft vendors, food, and crafts. Enjoy chatting with family and friends at this fun, community event.

Sat 17 Dec

FIRST DAY OF WINTER
Saturday, December 17, 2022 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Come listen to a children's story and then feed birds at our very own bird feeder station.

Sat 24 Dec

WINTER DISCOVERIES
Saturday, December 24, 2022 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Stop in for a Winter Discoveries activity sheet and explore the outdoors with the entire family.

Sun 01 Jan

First Day Hike
Sunday, January 1, 2023 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Kick off the New Year in the outdoors! Join us for this annual event held across New York State. Choose your own adventure with two hike options: a guided family-friendly hike around half-mile North Field Loop (1:00 pm) or a self-guided hike on trails of your choice (10:00 am–2:00 pm)! We have 5 miles of winter trails open. Snowshoes will be provided if conditions allow. Preregistration is recommended in case of cancellation due to inclement weather. For more information please call (315) 482-2479.

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation