Cayuga Nature Center
The Cayuga Nature Center provides indoor and outdoor programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and understand the natural history of the Cayuga Lake Basin as part of the regional and global ecosystems.
Enjoy miles of trails through woods and fields along gorges and streams, surrounded by natural habitats on our 100 acres.
The Nature Center’s 100 acres of woodland and old field overlooking Cayuga Lake are home to a six-story treehouse, live native animals, a gorge and waterfall, and more than 5 miles of walking trails. The historic main lodge, built by the WPA in 1939, houses the largest public aquarium in the Finger Lakes – highlighting the fish life of Cayuga Lake past and present – as well as exhibits on local forest ecology, wildlife, and climate.
The Nature Center was founded in 1981 to provide nature education opportunities to area youth, principally through summer camps. In 2013 it merged with the Paleontological Research Institution and expanded its onsite exhibits and programs.
Cayuga Nature Center is cultivating awareness, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world.
Climb our six-story tree house and get a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy!
See exhibits on the ecology of the Cayuga Basin in our historic Lodge.
Pay-what-you-wish, donation-based admission. Thank you for your continued support!
1420 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-6260
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 15-0554849
