Peaceful walks to famous talks, hands-on fun to genealogical research - Ithaca’s Discovery Trail has something for everyone! Eight fascinating sites located within Ithaca or an easy drive from downtown.
photo courtesy of Sciencenter
Cayuga Nature Center
Cornell Plantations
Sciencenter
Discover nature! Hike more than five miles of scenic trails, climb a six-story tree house, see live animals indoors and outdoors, and view nature exhibits. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Lodge hours: Tues-Sun 10am–4pm, closed Mon. Trails and outdoor exhibits open dawn-dusk.
The Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center orients and educates visitors and provides the amenities that enhance your experience while visiting the Cornell Plantations. Designed to achieve Gold LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certification, with the bioswale, green roof, and evacuated tube solar collectors, the Center is a significant step forward in the Plantations’ and Cornell’s commitment to sustainability and will advance the identity of the Plantations as a “Green Garden.”
Hands-on Science Museum, 200+ exhibits, educational programs, an outdoor science park, a Curiosity Corner for toddlers and preschoolers, animal room and a seasonal 18-hole science-themed mini-golf course. Discover the Solar System on the Sagan Planet Walk with an audio tour featuring Bill Nye, The Science Guy. Sept-June: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm, July-Aug: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Admission charged.
(607) 273-6260 1420 TAUGHANNOCK BLVD. (RT 89), ITHACA WWW.CAYUGANATURECENTER.ORG --------
Cornell Lab of Ornithology/ Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
DISCOVERY TRAIL
8 sites in the Greater Ithaca area
explore 800 284 8422
visitithaca.com
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photo Kristian S. Reynolds
Visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. Hike wooded trails, learn bird sounds and watch movies about birds and nature in the observatory. Open Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm, Fri 8am4pm, Sat: 9:30am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Call for holiday hours. (607) 254-2473 159 SAPSUCKER WOODS RD., ITHACA WWW.BIRDS.CORNELL.EDU
photo Charles Harrington
(607) 255-2400 ONE PLANTATIONS RD., ITHACA WWW.CORNELLPLANTATIONS.ORG --------
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
A world of art in an I. M. Pei building. Panoramic views of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. On the Discovery Trail. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm (closed major holidays) Free admission. (607) 255-6464 UNIVERSITY AVE. AT CENTRAL AVE., CORNELL UNIVERSITY, ITHACA WWW.MUSEUM.CORNELL.EDU --------
Museum of the Earth
Explore Earth and its prehistoric past through engaging displays, interactive features, stunning fossils and art at a national-ranked, university-affiliated natural history museum. Admission charged. Mon-Sat 10am-5 pm, Sun 11am5pm, Closed Tues-Wed from Labor Day to Memorial Day. (607) 273-6623 1259 TRUMANSBURG RD. (RT 96), ITHACA WWW.MUSEUMOFTHEEARTH.ORG
(607) 272-0600 601 FIRST ST., ITHACA WWW.SCIENCENTER.ORG - - - - - - - -
The History Center in Tompkins County
Begin your exploration of local history! Learn about how our community grew from early Native American settlements, through the establishment of Cornell University and Ithaca College, to the building of the downtown Commons and more. Did you know that Ithaca was a silent film center from 1914 to 1920? Or step through time and explore Ithaca as it was a century ago on our self-guided downtown walking tour. Open Tues, Thurs, Sat 11am-5pm. (607) 273-8284 401 E STATE ST., ITHACA WWW.THEHISTORYCENTER.NET --------
Tompkins County Public Library
A world of information at your fingertips. Learn to “Navigate a Sea of Resources” with the help of our librarians. Enjoy programming for all ages, from story telling to music on Sundays, from book discussion groups to author readings. Join cultural celebrations and appreciate art displays and other exhibitions. (607) 272-4557 101 E GREEN ST., ITHACA WWW.TCPL.ORG