Cayuga Nature Center

The Cayuga Nature Center is an environmental education museum situated on 40 acres of land featuring forests, meadows, gorges, and streams along the western shore of Cayuga Lake. The property includes a visitor lodge with exhibits about regional ecology and an extensive network of trails connecting different habitats throughout the grounds.

The center opened in 1981 as an educational facility dedicated to environmental learning and scientific research on the site. Since its founding, it has grown into a key venue for nature conservation and community education programs in the Ithaca area.

The center houses more than 30 rescued animals that visitors can observe while learning about local wildlife and their habitats. These animals demonstrate the diversity of species living in the region and their connection to the surrounding ecosystems.

The trails spanning over 8 kilometers are accessible from sunrise to sunset, while the visitor lodge with its exhibits is open during regular operating hours. The paths cover varying terrain, so visitors should wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the season when exploring the grounds.

TreeTops is a six-story wooden structure built by students from Ithaca High School that allows visitors to observe the forest from multiple elevations. This unusual feature offers views of forest ecology that cannot be experienced from ground level.

Location: New York

Inception: 1981

Website: http://cayuganaturecenter.org

GPS coordinates: 42.51880,-76.55490

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27