Unique Feature: Nature Center
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Nature Center
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. The large interpretive nature center building has three floors with a huge variety of learning opportunity and hands-on exhibits for children. There are informational signs, interactive displays, live animals to view, and the third… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Nature Play Area
ocation: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. One great spot in this nature center is the nature play area. Follow the painted animal prints on the paved path to a beautiful wooded area with large animals to climb on, wooden logs… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Outdoor Areas
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. There are several hiking trails as well as hands-on activities inside of the nature center. There are also some beautiful spots to visit just outside of the nature center building, including a birds of… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Overlook Trail
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. The Overlook Trail is a 0.6 mile long loop blazed with blue circles. The paved, stroller-friendly section of Overlook Trail takes you past ponds to the Blue Heron Overlook. The rest of the trail… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Spatterdock Trail
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. The Spatterdock Trail is a 1 mile loop trail blazed with orange squares. The trail passes by ponds, goes through both hemlock and hardwood forests, and leads to a photo blind and a side… Read more
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Cayuga Nature Center – TreeTops Treehouse
Location: Ithaca, NY We had so much fun visiting this nature center 1.5 hours south of Rochester! We especially enjoyed climbing the six-story treehouse in the woods! To reach the tree house, walk through the gate to to the left of the lodge and walk around back. Then follow the gravel path that winds back… Read more
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Clark Reservation State Park – Cliff Trail
Location: Jamesville, NY This state park is located 1.5 hours east of Rochester, NY near Syracuse. This park has restrooms, an interpretive center, gardens, a nature theme playground, and nature trails. The Cliff Trail is a 0.62 mile trail that starts near the main parking area by the interpretive center. It can be made into… Read more
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Clark Reservation State Park – Interpretive Center
ocation: Jamesville, NY This state park is located 1.5 hours east of Rochester, NY near Syracuse. This park has restrooms, gardens, a nature theme playground, nature trails, and an interpretive center. The interpretive center is small but has a lot of great information, displays, and interactive activities for adults and kids. Map: Trail Map Official… Read more
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Clark Reservation State Park – Nature Play Area
Location: Jamesville, NY This state park is located 1.5 hours east of Rochester, NY near Syracuse. This park has restrooms, an interpretive center, gardens, nature trails, and a nature themed play area. The play area has a traditional playground structure as well as natural elements and informational signs for kids. Map: Trail Map Official Website:… Read more
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Genesee Country Village & Museum – Historic Village
Location: Mumford, NY GCV&M is located 30 minutes west of Rochester, NY. It is the largest living history museum in New York State spanning 600 acres. The village and museum offer an immersive experience of 19th-century American life. It features 68 relocated and restored buildings from the Genesee Valley region, representing three time periods: Pioneer… Read more
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Genesee Country Village & Museum – Nature Center
Location: Mumford, NY GCV&M is located 30 minutes west of Rochester, NY. Next to the historic village is a nature center and trail system. The nature center has a peaceful pond out front with benches, a bridge, flowers, a picnic pavilion, and a little free library. Inside the nature center are some live turtles and… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center
Location: East Bethany, NY This outdoor learning center is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. The ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center is located right next to the Interpretive Center. There is a wildlife observation deck, gazebo, benches, large field, sensory garden, “messy materials” area, “discovery trail”, and more! I can’t wait to check this out… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Forestry Trail
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful 0.61 mile loop trail is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. The Forestry trail is connected to many other trails in a large network. We accessed the trail via the 0.08 mile connector trail past Turtle Pond starting from the Interpretive Center parking lot, but there are other… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Interpretive Center
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful interpretive nature center is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. There are numerous displays including interactive dioramas, animal taxidermy, birds nest matching, a working honeybee hive, and a live turtle. The children’s room includes many interactive and hands-on activities including fossil digging, puppet theater, scavenger hunt, books, puzzles,… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Plantation Trail
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful trail is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. It is a 0.5 mile loop through several tree plantations planted throughout the late 1960’s. Larch, Norway Spruce, Red Pine, and White Pine. In some areas the trees are planted in perfect rows which is beautiful to look at! A… Read more
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Helmer Nature Center
Location: Irondequoit, NY This beautiful nature center is part of the West Irondequoit Central School District and is located 15 minutes north of Rochester, NY. There are wooded trails, meadows, wetlands, a stream, and a pond. In addition there are some bridges, benches, and a wildlife viewing area. There are a network of short trails… Read more
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Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge – Visitor Center
cation: Basom, NY This beautiful hiking area is located 1 hour west of Rochester, NY. The visitor center has a sculpture garden and a small picnic area outside and interactive exhibits, a gift shop, live fish, and restrooms inside. Trail Map: Park Map; Interactive Trail Map Official Website: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Other Websites: Day Trips Around Rochester NY Read more
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Letchworth State Park – Autism Nature Trail
Location: Castile, NY The Autism Nature Trail is located one hour southwest of Rochester, NY at Letchworth State Park. According to its website, “The Autism Nature Trail is for everyone—especially those with ASD and those with different levels of abilities—to visit, enjoy and explore nature.” It is a beautiful trail through the woods with sensory… Read more
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Lime Hollow Nature Center – Eric Kroot Art Trail
Location: Cortland, NY Note: There is hunting allowed at Lime Hollow Nature Center. Do your research before visiting these hiking trails and take safety precautions. This 0.32 mile trail is “accessible to wheelchairs during most times of the year, and to strollers and people with mobility challenges throughout the year.” It’s a beautiful flat trail… Read more
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Lime Hollow Nature Center – Trail for All
Location: Cortland, NY Note: There is hunting allowed at Lime Hollow Nature Center. Do your research before visiting these hiking trails and take safety precautions. This 0.25 mile, flat accessible trail is located near the beautiful log cabin visitor center which had accessible parking spots, a ramp, a covered bridge, benches, and restrooms. The trail… Read more
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Mendon Ponds Park – Birdsong Fairy Trail
Location: Mendon/Pittsford, NY This super fun trail located 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY is lined with fairy doors and fairy houses that are painted on and built into the trees. There are other whimsical treasures and informative displays to be found along the path. This trail is stroller friendly with a durable stroller, with… Read more
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Mendon Ponds Park – Log Play Area
Location: Mendon/Pittsford, NY Mendon Ponds Park is located 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The natural log play area is located near Wild Wings Nature Center and birds of prey sanctuary, Sharon’s Sensory Garden, and the Birdsong Fairy Trail. There are large logs to climb over and inside of, a wooden table and several other… Read more
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Mendon Ponds Park – Sharon’s Sensory Garden
Location: Mendon/Pittsford, NY This beautiful garden is located in Mendon Ponds Park, 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY. I obviously did not visit at the right time – this garden would be much better in spring or summer when things are in bloom and not covered in snow! This sensory garden is located right next to… Read more
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RMSC Cumming Nature Center – Gnome Roam (SEASONAL)
Location: Naples, NY 🚨 Read this before visiting!!! This is a seasonal trail exhibit. Check the RMSC Gnome Roam Website to check for open dates 🚨 This 0.75 mile long whimsical trail is located at RMSC Cumming Nature Center, one hour south of Rochester, NY. The Gnome Roam is only open in winter (mid December… Read more
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RMSC Cumming Nature Center – Natural Play Area
Location: Naples, NY RMSC Cumming Nature Center is located an hour south of Rochester, NY. Near the visitor center is a natural play area. There is a wooden play house, stone frogs and turtles, and logs for climbing. This play area is located near the famous red pine stand and many other hiking trails. $$… Read more
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RMSC Cumming Nature Center – Visitor Center
ocation: Naples, NY RMSC Cumming Nature Center is located an hour south of Rochester, NY. The visitor center includes accessible restrooms, a multi-purpose space downstairs, permanent exhibits located in the main lobby, a nature play room full of hands-on, educational activities for kids, the Riedman Theater with a movie screen and seating for up to 100 people, and the… Read more
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Sterling Nature Center – Eagle’s View Trail
Location: Sterling, NY This nature park is located 1.25 hours east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. This hike leads to the most beautiful view of bluffs high above Lake Ontario. We parked at the end of McIntyre Road and walked the path a quarter mile to the “eagle’s view” of Lake… Read more
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Sterling Nature Center – Forest Ecology Trail
ocation: Sterling, NY This nature park is located 1.25 hours east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. According to the official website, the Forest Ecology Trail is a 0.6 mile loop that “circles through several contrasting forest types including a conifer plantation, northern hardwood sugar maple, and a beech-hemlock lowland forest on… Read more
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Sterling Nature Center – Interpretive Center
Location: Sterling, NY This nature park is located 1.25 hours east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. The interpretive center is small but a very nice space with restrooms, chairs, live turtles, informational signs, a detailed map with trail info, and taxidermy animals. Rules (from the Official Website): Trail Map: Trail Map Official Website: Sterling… Read more
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Sterling Nature Center – Lakeview Trail
Location: Sterling, NY This nature park is located 1.25 hours east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. The Lakeview Trail is a short, accessible stone dust path that leads from the interpretive center down to an observation deck looking out over Lake Ontario. There is also a wildflower meadow with benches. The… Read more
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Tinker Nature Park – Grounds
Location: Henrietta, NY This park is located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY. If you park in the main parking lot, you can find some really nice spots. There are the Demonstration Gardens, beautiful wildflower meadows with benches and picnic tables, honeybee house, memorial labyrinth, Hansen Nature Center, and the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum.… Read more
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Tinker Nature Park – Hansen Nature Center
Location: Henrietta, NY This park is located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The Hansen Nature Center has a mix of live animals (some birds, turtles, and more) as well as taxidermy animals. There are some informational signs and maps as well as a touch station with bones, antlers, rocks and more. The nature center… Read more
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Tinker Nature Park – Woodland Trail
Location: Pittsford, NY This is a beautiful park located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The woodland trail is the outer loop, shown in the map below. The loop is 1.2 miles via the exercise path or 0.78 miles long if you take the cut through path along the boardwalk next to the pond. The… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Beaver Pond Trail
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. The Beaver Pond Trail is located behind the interpretive center. It goes through the woods to the short of Beaver Pond where there are some wooden platforms… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Bypass Trail
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. There is an unnamed trail heading west along the road starting at the Arboretum parking lot. There is a beautiful evergreen grove here and a small bridge.… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Fairy House Lane
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. A short walk from the interpretive center is the fairy house lane. This very short trail has fun and whimsical structures, fairy houses, and artwork. The nature… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Interpretive Center
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. The interpretive center has both live and taxidermy animals, informational signs, and play areas for kids of various ages. The nature center has a carry-in/carry-out policy –… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Jenny Glen Boardwalk
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. A quarter mile down the road from the interpretive center is the Jenny Glen Boardwalk with its own parking area. This 0.3 mile accessible boardwalk makes a… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Nature Playground
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. A short walk from the interpretive center is the nature play area. There are some neat features for kids such as a swing, a willow tunnel and… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Storybook Trail
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. A short walk behind the interpretive center was a short storybook trail. It was partially on the grassy path and partially in the woods on a dirt… Read more