Atoms to artifacts, foxes to fossils, robins to rhododendrons, sculpture to storytellers - Ithaca's Discovery Trail has something for everyone!
From peaceful walks to famous talks, from hands-on fun to genealogical research, there's so much to see and do along the Discovery Trail. These eight fascinating sites are an easy drive from downtown Ithaca, Cornell University, Ithaca College, Cayuga Lake and other Finger Lakes attractions.
The Discovery Trail Partnership is a group of educational organizations based in Ithaca, NY. The only organization of its kind, the Discovery Trail promotes awareness and understanding of the connections among art, history, literature, science, and the natural world.
Date: Monday, July 26Mondays in July & August. Bring a fossil to show the Museum and receive $1 off the cost of admission!(Offer good for up to 5 people. Not to be used with other offers.) More...
Date: Tuesday, July 27 Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to explore the world of touch through painting with textured brushes! Smocks will be available. Tactile Time occurs on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Early Childhood Programs in the Curiosity Corner are made possible with the generous support of Wegmans. Programs are especially designed for toddlers and preschoolers and included with admission. Kids under three receive free admission. More...
Date: Tuesday, July 27Join library staff for great stories, music and family fun, and stay for lunch and shopping at the Farmer’s Market. While children of all ages are welcome, books and activities will be most appropriate for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In the event of rain the program will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell room. More...
Date: Wednesday, July 28Moreland the Magician celebrates summer reading with his highly entertaining show that features the pleasure of reading and books. More...
Date: Thursday, July 29Curator of Education Cathy Klimaszewski will explore the exhibition of American quilts. More...
Date: Thursday, July 29TCPL and Clean New York will offer a workshop on the hazardous chemicals found in commonly used personal care items with Katie Kelly, a professional health educator. More...
Date: Thursday - Sunday, July 29 - August 1 The Ithaca Shakespeare Company continues its journey through the great tragedies with Shakespeare's most concentrated thriller, a profound examination of the psychology of guilt and the forces that influence human action. Come early and bring chairs, blankets, picnics, etc. Pay what you can ($10 suggested). More...
Date: Fridays for 5 weeks: July 30Join master painter Jim Hardesty for this Museum favorite. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Fees: $45 Museum Members/ $55 nonmembers plus materials fee: $17 new students/ $7 returning students. Registration/payment are required by 5:00 pm July 14. Please call 607 255-6464. More...
Date: Friday, July 30 Hike our wooded trails, under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Explore who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight. Meet at the lower kiosk at CNC. More...
Date: Saturday & Sunday, July 31 & August 1Join us for guided bird walks for beginning birders! The walks take place on the trails of Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary and usually last about an hour and a half. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. There are a few pairs of binoculars available to borrow. More...
Date: Saturday, July 31Join Museum of the Earth educators in celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity with fun hands-on activities every Saturday in July and August. Examine different foods and track how your lunch affects biodiversity. More...
Date: Saturday, July 31 Check out our many animals at Cayuga Nature Center. We will be feeding our snakes, turtles, birds, fish and our mammals. Our Director of Animals will be around to answer your questions. All ages are welcome! Reservations are not required, but large organized groups are asked to call ahead of time. Cost of program free with admission: Admission: $3 Adults, $2 Students and Seniors, $1 Children (2-11). CNC Members are free, MOTE Members receive a dollar off adult admission. More...
Date: Saturday, July 31Enjoy a guided tour through several theme gardens and discover the beauty and diversity of the Plantations’ botanical collections. Actual tour content will vary from week to week, depending on the plants, season, interests of the group, and whim of the docent. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Offered every Saturday, June 19 through September 4. Free with donations welcome. More...
Date: Saturday, July 31 Join the Sciencenter staff this July as they explore the following topics: Scents and Sensibility (July 3), Flutterby Gardens (July 10), Inside out: Nanoparticles and Biological Imaging (July 17), Nature and Technology (July 24) and Subzero Science (July 31). More...
Date:Saturday, July 31Come see what the full moon brings out to meet you among the summer shadows.... The tour is a one-hour guided walk focusing on the darker aspects of Ithaca's past. Join us as actors pop out along the way to tell the stories of murder, haunting, and some of the more unusual occurrences that have occurred in local history. Cost: $13 (Tickets must be purchased in advance from The Ticket Center Ithaca by calling 607.273.4497 or on-line at www.IthacaEvents.com. Tours require a minimum of 4 participants to run, therefore it is important to sign up in advance.) More...
Cayuga Nature Center
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Plantations
The History Center
Johnson Museum of Art
Museum of the Earth
Sciencenter
Tompkins County Public Library