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 20 Apr

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Saturday, April 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Join us for a day of focused attention on Mother Earth. Our program will include activities throughout the day as well as some opportunities to gain insight on a number of conservation strategies. Give back by helping with our trash cleanup at 10 a.m. (Please bring gardening gloves if you have them), take a guided meditative walk in nature at noon, and enjoy the interactive and informational conservation topics offered by our educators. Throughout the day, we'll be showing the film, "The Story of Stuff," which provides insight on the lifecycle of our stuff. Also enjoy complimentary food and beverages for all participants. 10:00 a.m. Shoreline Cleanup / 12:00 p.m. Guided Meditative Hike.

Sun 21 Apr

PERCH FISHING ON EEL BAY with Fishing Guide Ethan Forbes
Sunday, April 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Let's go fishing! Join us and drop a line or cast out and see how many perch, or other fish, you can catch. Bring your own poles if you can; we have a limited few. Bait will be supplied. Please note AGES 16 AND UP WILL NEED A FISHING LICENSE. Ages 15 and under can fish without a license.

Fri 26 Apr

ARBOR DAY
Friday, April 26, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Let's hug a tree! What better way to celebrate our native trees than to learn about them? Today we will walk in the woods among the trees and learn just what trees do for nature and for us! After our hike, we'll have a craft. Then when you're done, take a tree of your own home to plant in your yard to celebrate Arbor Day every day as you watch it grow.

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.

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation