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: Friday, June 26 Join us for a delightful evening "picnic" in the forest as we explore our summer exhibit, A Forest Journey. Socialize with friends, learn more about our exhibit, and enjoy delicious tidbits and local wine. The perfect way to start out the weekend! Purchase your tickets by calling 607.273.6623 x11 or following the link. Tickets $10. More...
Date: Fridays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 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. More...
Date: Saturday, June 27 Explore the ancient seas of central New York with the help of our expert staff. Search for trilobites, brachiopods, and a myriad of other ocean creatures up to 400 million years old! Whether you are an amateur collector of are looking to expand your personal collection, we’ve got the right trip for you! Details about site location and what to bring will be sent one week prior to trip. Book early, as trips tend to fill up fast! (Adult, Student/Senior/Youth) Members: $10, $7, $5. Non Members: $20, $15, $10. Register today by calling 607.273.6623 x12 More...
Date: Saturdays, June 27, July 4, 11, 18 & 25 Enjoy a guided tour through the F.R Newman Arboretum while visiting some of our stunning tree and shrub collections, and diverse ornamental garden plantings. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Free; donations welcome. More...
Date: Saturdays, June 27, July 4, 11, 18 & 25 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, June 27 Luke Donev of Cornell University will set off 750 mousetraps armed with 1,500 ping pong balls! Watch the "explosion" when a single ball triggers the cascade, and learn the physics behind it. More...
Date: Sundays, June 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 Bring out the whole family to Cayuga Nature Center for great outdoor adventures! Each week we will investigate new topics through extraordinary activities and hike different areas of our five miles of beautiful trails. 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: Tuesdays, June 30, July 7, 14, 21 & 28 Learn more about the birds that are breeding in the Ithaca area by going on a guided nest monitoring walk in Sapsucker Woods during May, June, and July (weather permitting). Meet outside the Visitors' Center and dress for the weather. Some binoculars are available to use. We'll be focusing on a group of 10 nestboxes near Kip's Barn, but will also be keeping our eyes open for signs of natural nests in the surrounding environment. There's a chance of a little bit of wet ground (as we'll be off trail), so wear outdoor close-toed shoes. If the weather is bad (raining and/or cold) the walk will be canceled. More...
Date: Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Each Thursday during June and July, a volunteer naturalist will be stationed out on the trails of Sapsucker Woods to answer your questions and to help make sure your visit is as good as it could be! Stop by, say hi, and ask a question; who knows-you just might learn something new! More...
Date: Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Join us Thursday evenings in June and July as we walk along what once were woodland trails, rutted cart-tracks, and cobbled streets, mindful of the rutting deer, trundling wagons, and speeding surreys, as we meet the spirits of the past…. Cost: $10 per person and $5 for children under 10. To purchase your ticket or to arrange a group tour, stop by The History Center on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays between 11 and 5pm, or contact us at: 607.273.8284 or community@thehistorycenter.net More...
Date: Nine performances: July 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 17, 18 and 19 (No performance July 11) Don't miss this summer's Shakespeare at Plantations production in its magical new location in Jackson Grove, in the F.R Newman Arboretum. This year's show is A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by stage and screen veteran J.G. Hertzler from Cornell's Department of Theatre, Film, and Dance. Feuding lovers, mischievous fairies, and the "rude mechanicals" come together in some of the funniest scenes in all of Shakespeare! Please bring your own seating or blankets. Admission is free, but donations to help support the program are urgently needed and encouraged. More...
Date: Saturday, July 4 Come celebrate the opening of our newest summer exhibit, A Forest Journey, with a day of fun for the whole family! Join us for fun forest crafts and learn about plants through interactive activities before you head off to your Fourth of July picnic! More...
Date: Saturdays, July 4, 11, 18 & 25 Join the Sciencenter staff this July as they explore the following topics: Small Size, Big Deal(July 4),Stretch-ology (July 11), Growing Grasses (July 18) and Mini Water Gardens (July 25). More...
Date: Saturdays, July 4, 11, 18 & 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Families can solve real-life challenges together, using simple procedures and safe chemicals. Purify stinky, muddy water, make a battery out of air, and identify mystery solutions. A new activity will be offered each week. Included with admission. 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