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American Maple Museum – The Adirondacks is known for beautiful fall foliage due to the large number of Maple trees.  The same trees produce plentiful sweet syrup.  The museum provides educational exhibits, artifacts and photos depicting the evolution of the North American Maple Syrup industry including a logging camp set and a sugar house. 

 

The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park – Historic Thompson Park is high on a hill overlooking Watertown and is an Olmsted design.  A focal point of the park is an opportunity to learn about New York’s ecosystems.  The New York State Zoo exhibits species that are, or at one time, native to the state, including many threatened or endangered animals within 32 beautifully landscaped acres. 

 

Minna Anthony Common Nature Center – Located within Wellesley Island State Park, the Nature Center is the largest for more than 100 miles.  A museum showcasing the animals and habitats of the 1000 Islands is a key feature but the 8 miles of year round hiking trails provides many opportunities to explore.  The Nature Center is host to education and recreational programs as well as seasonal festivals.

 

The Wild Center  - The 31-acre campus has several marked hiking trails, amazing multi-media shows and live animal exhibits.  A highlight is the Glacial Ice Wall and its moving story of the formation of the Adirondacks as we know them.  Presentations, special events and activities are always on schedule. 

 

Ausable Chasm – During the last Ice Age, the Ausable River rushed across the land, cutting into the sandstone that formed during the Cambrian Age over 500 million years ago to create the Chasm.  Today the Chasm is an education center on the natural history of the Adirondacks and a premier recreation center combined.  Five miles of self-guided trails through and above the chasm are enhanced by float tours, tubing, rappelling, a new Adventure Trail cable course and more to explore.

 

High Falls Gorge -- In the shadow of Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge features nature walks with views of the Ausable River as it spills over ancient granite cliffs.  Sturdy bridges, walkways and groomed paths provide safe access to breathtaking views and photographic vantage points.