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 11 May

CELEBRATING MOMS! in collaboration with River Wellness
Saturday, May 11, 2024 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Join us today in celebration of Moms! We'll host an early hike (weather permitting). Then, for Mom at 10 a.m., we'll have a complimentary yoga class with the folks from River Wellness in Clayton. Following yoga, River Wellness will be offering relaxing chair massages as well. While the moms relax, kids and dads can enjoy games & crafts (make something for Mom!). After relaxation, we'll host a luncheon to top off our day together. Massage sessions will be $10 and are available on a limited basis. RSVP required by 5/5.

Registration: Required

Sun 12 May

AMAZING AMPHIBIANS
Sunday, May 12, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Hop, crawl, or swim on by for a fun 3-mile hike to find and learn about our local amphibians. Please dress for a hike and for possibly getting muddy!

Sat 18 May

ARMED FORCES DAY sponsored by the Friends of the Nature Center
Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

In appreciation of our Military Service members and Veterans, join us for this special day. Test your speed and skills on our obstacle course and enjoy a short hike. After all that fresh air, our Military Service members and Veterans will be treated to a 5-minute chair massage by the staff of River Wellness between 11am–1pm. Food and drinks will be provided. RSVP appreciated by 5/16.

Registration: Required

Sun 19 May

OSPREY VIEWING
Sunday, May 19, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Ospreys migrate up to the North Country to return to their nests. Join us on a guided hike along our shoreline and roadside nest platforms to see if we can spot these beautiful birds.

Fri 24 May

AMERICAN FLAG WALL HANGING + CAMPFIRE FOOD
Friday, May 24, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Come celebrate Memorial Day weekend by turning a paper bag into a beautiful American flag wall hanging. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on. Then come grill hotdogs over a campfire... complete with all the fixin's! Program subject to weather. RSVP by 5/22.

Registration: Required

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation