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
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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.
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.