The Cayuga Nature Center is an educational institution addressing nature and environmental issues. It is located on the west side of Cayuga Lake in Tompkins County, New York.
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Interesting nature center, there was no entry fee, but they do ask for a donation, which I think is perfectly reasonable, I just wonder how that pans out vs. charging entry fees. I suppose a donation takes away the pressure of expectations. The entry has a neat water tank with some local fish, there are some cool exhibits, with taxidermy animals. Outside you can meet some foxes, a turkey vulture named Ichabod (we made friends, either that or it wanted to eat me). There was a horned owl as well hooting, but don't hoot at it, stresses it out. The trails are really nice, we spotted a wild deer while walking the meadows. The tree house tower is pretty cool too, six levels, you can climb stairs or ladders between each level. Some great views, there is a gorge/waterfall It has been a dry fall so not much water to be seen. I don't have a dog, but I did see a sign out there that dogs are not allowed around the animal cages, not sure if that applies to the whole grounds as I did see someone walking their dog on the trails near the tower. Overall the place is a bit older, and probably needs some updating, but the kids loved it and I learned some new things about climate change and lake temperatures. I do recommend stopping in, it's a nice place to get away and enjoy...
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I arrived at 3 pm on a Monday. I was the only visitor in the parking lot. An employee was standing outside of the building. She advise me how to access a couple of the trails and said that the Nature center was closed. 😐 It wasn't supposed to close for two hours. Disappointed in that.
The grounds, especially around the nature center, needs upkeep. What a shame. I don't know anything about this place. Maybe they run on donations and don't have the money/manpower to keep it in top shape? The peeling paint in the rear makes it look derelict.
Taughannock Falls is right down the street and was busy so I was floored that no one else was here for the trail and Nature Center. (She said they are busy in the summer). A couple people showed up as a was leaving.
The adult/kid tree house was pretty neat. Only a short walk from the parking lot.
There seems to be a few trails but I didn't do much hiking on them. Cool gorge and shaded trail.
Nice view from the...
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What a cool place! The nature centre itself was closed, but enter through the gate on the side.
Nature reserve with an incredible six- story tree house (which would have been perfectly terrifying at Halloween). To get to the tree house, walk by and past the animals behind the centre, and keep following the trail for a couple of minutes. It's very well hidden in the trees. Incredible how they made it - well done to the construction team!! So fun with options to climb up ladders or take stairs at each level.
The animals seemed well cared for, there was an owl, two red foxes, Turkey vulture, etc. Great place for a picnic or walk through the forest. Loads of cute chipmunks scurrying around!
(Apologies for any motion sickness watching the hand held video - it shows from the top climbing down to the entrance of...
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