Things to do in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

February 4, 2022 Franklyn Hardiman

New York’s Finger Lakes region takes its name from 11 freshwater lakes placed like a handprint between Lake Ontario and the Pennsylvania border. Skiing, hiking and biking trails traverse the landscape; visitors can also indulge in various wine, cheese and beer trails. The area offers a culinary bounty, with an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. Rich history and culture are found throughout the region, with one attraction more inviting than the next.
Restaurants in Finger Lakes

1. Montezuma Audubon Center

2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146-9528 +1 315-365-3588 http://ny.audubon.org/CentersEdu_Montezuma.html
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Montezuma Audubon Center

2. Sterling Nature Center

15380 Jenzvold Rd, Sterling, NY 13156 +1 315-947-6143 [email protected] http://cayuganet.org/sterlingpark/center/
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Sterling Nature Center

Reviewed By Q7491CHkathyg - Auburn, United States

This was our first time at Sterling Nature Center, but it won't be our last. We took our dog with us. There are numerous trails, each one with different characteristics. There is a stand at the entrance that has trail maps with descriptions and it was refilled while we were there. The lady working at the nature center was very informative and friendly. We spent several hours waking the trails. You can customize your experience by selecting trails that interest you (forest, field, lake, pond, etc.) and keep the distance to your desired length. The trails were groomed well and there were none that we encountered that were too strenuous. Lots of wildlife present - frogs, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, variety of trees and growths, turtles. Some trails are in direct sun - others are under shaded canopies. There are benches along the way and observation points. So much to see!! This is a great place to explore!!

3. Bahar Nature Preserve

3800 Appletree Point Rd., Skaneateles, NY 13152 http://www.fllt.org/protected_lands/protected_lands1.php?id=33
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Bahar Nature Preserve

4. Lazy Acre Alpacas

8830 Baker Rd, Bloomfield, NY 14469-9592 +1 585-455-1203 [email protected] http://lazyacrealpacas.com
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 50 reviews

Lazy Acre Alpacas

PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT (585-455-1203) TO treat yourself to a visit at our 175 year old farm. Our alpaca farm is the largest in the Finger Lakes area. You will have the opportunity to meet our herd of more than 60 alpacas. Learn about the daily care of these interesting animals, view our vintage barns and spend some time in our gift shop. Please call for an appointment as this is a working farm and we would like to greet you on your arrival. 585-455-1203

5. Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area

Baldwinsville, NY 13135 +1 518-408-5850 [email protected] http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/57340.html
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area

6. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

3395 Route 5/20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148 +1 315-568-5987 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/montezuma/
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 232 reviews

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1938 in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, the refuge contains 7,068 acres for the resting, feeding and nesting habitat of waterfowl and other migratory birds.

Reviewed By traveltheworld012 - Rochester, United States

I was very happy to see this large expanse preserved for wildlife. The day we visited it was very hot, in the mid-90s. No one else around when we arrived, but a couple cars drove in while we were there. We walked a trail to the lookout tower and the viewing platform. Not a lot of wildlife to see from there on this day. however, we then drove the gravel road loop and saw an eagle, ducks and geese. The loop is a very quiet drive until you reach the north end which is abuts the busy freeway. Well worth a visit. The visitor center was closed due to the pandemic so we did not get to see what may have been offered there.

7. Genesee Country Village & Museum

1410 Flint Hill Rd, Mumford, Wheatland, NY 14511-9801 +1 585-538-6822 [email protected] http://www.gcv.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Genesee Country Village & Museum

Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York state. Located in Mumford, New York, about 20 miles (32 km) from Rochester, New York, USA. First opened to the public in 1976, the authentic 19th-century Historic Village features costumed historians breathing life into many of the 68 relocated and restored historic homes, farms, shops and other public buildings. When you visit during the regular season (Mother's Day weekend through October 12, 2020) you will find various historic trades and craftspeople as well as historic cooking and agricultural demonstrations. GCV&M is also home to the John L. Wehle Art Gallery, our Nature Center, Silver Baseball Park, a pioneer farm, and several Heirloom Gardens. Numerous special events and classes are also offered throughout the year. In the off-season, join us for special events and classes. See our website for details and tickets.

Reviewed By 294shirleye - Fairport, United States

This was our second time attending Yuletide in the Country and it was once again a unique and lovely experience. The buildings were decorated beautifully for the holidays and the actors did a wonderful job, as did the tour guide. This year’s presentation portrayed the holiday traditions from various countries which was educational and entertaining. I would highly recommend!

8. Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery

1672 Route 321, Elbridge, NY 13060 +1 315-689-9367 http://onondagacountyparks.com/carpenter-s-brook-fish-hatchery/
Excellent
64%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery

9. Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Cicero, NY http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68681.html
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area

10. Rosamond Gifford Zoo

1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204-2590 +1 315-435-8511 [email protected] http://rosamondgiffordzoo.org/
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 880 reviews

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is home to more than 700 animals representing 275 species, many of them endangered or threatened in the wild. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), we are among only 236 zoos and aquariums in the nation proven to meet the highest standards of animal care, conservation and guest experience. We are dedicated to connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging experiences, exceptional animal welfare, and unparalleled conservation education. The zoo is co-operated by Onondaga County Parks and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with the mission to provide guests “the best day ever,” ensuring experiences that excite, memories that endure, and knowledge that inspires world wildlife conservation.

Reviewed By dianewA8715AR - Liverpool, United States

We visited the zoo yesterday and were very fortunate to see animals playing, eating and enjoying their environment. The elephants, bears, tiger with her 3 month old cubs, birds, panda, flamingos, and all the animals made the afternoon observing and reading the posted information about them, definitely a wonderful and educational experience. If you live in the area, visiting or just passing through, stop and visit the Zoo!

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