Trailside Museums And Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

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Address
Seven Lakes Pkwy, Appalachian Trail
Bear Mountain, NY 10911

Palisades Region

General Information: (845) 429-2960

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Trailside Museums and Zoo is located within Bear Mountain State Park.

Trailside is located on a short section of the Appalachian Trail overlooking the majestic Hudson River. The paved trail takes visitors by exhibits of native wildlife, which are permanently injured and unable to live independently in the wild. Black bear, eastern coyote, porcupine, bald eagle, and many other native species call Trailside home. Four quaint stone museums are also situated along the trail. The Reptile, Amphibian, and Fish Museum exhibits live specimens, ranging in size from tiny spring peeper frogs to a six-foot black rat snake. The Geology Museum showcases the prehistory of the Hudson Highlands, from its geologic origins to the early iron mining industry. The Nature Study Museum houses historic taxidermy specimens of small animals including insects, birds and mammals. Finally, the History Museum, largest of the four, exhibits artifacts and displays interpreting the history of local Native Americans, colonists, the Revolutionary War, and the founder of the Boy Scouts, Dan Beard. A trip to Trailside is rounded-out with spectacular views of the Hudson River and Highlands.

Please note, pets are not permitted within the Zoo. Please take all non-service animals on the Blue-Blazed By-Pass Trail for access between Bear Mountain State Park and the Bear Mountain Bridge.

For more information visit: The Trailside Museums & Zoo

Mailing Address
Trailside Museums & Zoo PO Box 427 Bear Mountain, NY 10911

Hours of Operation

Open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
April 1 – October 31, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
November 1 – March 31, 10:00 – 4:00 PM
Bears and coyotes go off exhibit 30 minutes prior to zoo closing time. Museums shut 15 minutes prior to zoo closing time.

Fees & Rates

Admission
$1.00/person suggested donation.
Buses
To enter the Bear Mountain State Park via bus, please obtain a permit at least 2 weeks in advance. Call 845-786-2701 ext. 244 for bus permit application.
$60.00 per bus for non-profit organizations with 501 (c) (3) form from IRS.
$100.00 per bus all other groups (family, friends, companies).
Parking
$10/vehicle at Bear Mountain State Park parking lot.
Allow 20 minutes to walk from parking lots to Trailside. Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit at Trailside. The bears and coyotes go off exhibit 30 minutes prior to zoo closing time. Museums shut 15 minutes prior to zoo closing time.

School Visits, Field Trips & Tours

Please contact Trailside Environmental Educator Chris O'Sullivan at 845-942-3861 or chris.osullivan@parks.ny.gov to schedule your school or other group visit, even if you are not interested in a tour. Educational tours may be available for smaller groups. Please make your plans at least 4 weeks in advance of your visit to Trailside.

Fri 16 Aug

Learn About Bats
Friday, August 16, 2024 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Trailside Museums And Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

On August 16th at 7:30 PM, bring a flashlight and join educators from Trailside Museums & Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park for a family-friendly education program about Bats! We'll learn about the fascinating nocturnal lives of our local bats, see them flying overhead as our bat detector identifies them, and have some nighttime fun with bat crafts and games! Registration is Required! For more information and to register, email Sadie.Kuchel@parks.ny.gov

Sat 21 Sep

Biodiversity Celebration
Saturday, September 21, 2024 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Trailside Museums And Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

Learn about Biodiversity & Local Habitats! Get your Biodiversity Passport and visit our Pond, River, Forest, Woodland Pool, Rocky Summit & Grassland habitat stations to learn what you can do to promote biodiversity and help the plants and animals that call these habitats home. Participate in fun educational activities to earn a stamp at each station and earn a prize when you fill your passport!

Sat 26 Oct

Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Trailside Museums And Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

Come to the bear den from 10:30 to 11:00 am to make bear treats, then watch the bears explore their den full of Halloween-themed enrichment at 11:00 a.m. Learn about vultures, owls, bears & other animals. Family friendly activities –pumpkin decorating, matching games & crafts. Wear your favorite not-so-spooky Halloween costume! Rain date Oct. 27th

Sat 21 Dec

Beary Merry Holiday
Saturday, December 21, 2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Trailside Museums And Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

Come to the Bear Den at 10:30 to make tasty snacks for the black bears. Celebrate the holiday season at 11:00 when the bears come out to unwrap their gift boxes full of delicious treats! Bear Mountain also offers a day of fun at ice rink, merry-go-round & on the many hiking trails! Rain/snow date Dec. 22nd

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Amenities Information

Amenities
Visitor Center

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation