The Cayuga Nature Center is one of Ithaca’s most inspiring destinations for those who love the outdoors and care about conservation. Located on the west side of Cayuga Lake, it’s a year-round destination where visitors can learn about local wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability. The property features over five miles of scenic hiking trails that weave through forests, meadows, ponds, and waterfalls, making it a must-see stop for anyone visiting the Finger Lakes region.
The Finger Lakes area is filled with opportunities for exploration and relaxation, no matter the season. Visitors are drawn to its rolling hills, vineyard-lined lakes, and charming small towns, each offering a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a romantic winter retreat or an active outdoor getaway, this region has a rhythm all its own. From quiet mornings and scenic drives to evenings spent enjoying local wine or craft beer, the Finger Lakes is a destination that encourages you to slow down and truly enjoy your surroundings.
After your adventures, unwind at our inviting Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes. The Inn at Gothic Eves is the perfect place to relax after exploring the trails and treetops of Cayuga Nature Center. Our convenient location near Trumansburg makes it easy to explore the best of Ithaca and the lakeshore, while our warm hospitality and on-site spa treatments ensure a rejuvenating retreat. Book your stay today!
Cayuga Nature Center & the Best Things to do in Ithaca This Winter
The Cayuga Nature Center is a gateway to discovery and outdoor fun. From hiking to birdwatching, there’s always something to enjoy in every season.
Initially founded in 1914 as the Cayuga Preventorium, this center has evolved over the years into a respected institution for nature education and conservation, becoming the Cayuga Nature Center. Its historic lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. While the lodge itself is currently closed to visitors, the surrounding trails, exhibits, and TreeTops Treehouse remain open year-round from dawn to dusk, offering a peaceful and educational way to connect with nature.
The Cayuga Nature Center spans more than 100 acres of diverse landscapes, featuring over five miles of scenic trails that wind through woodlands, meadows, ponds, and gorges. Many of these trails connect directly to the Black Diamond Trail, creating an easy route for hikers to continue north to Taughannock Falls State Park or south toward the Museum of the Earth. The center is a perfect hub for exploring Ithaca’s natural beauty.
In winter, the center’s six-story TreeTops Treehouse offers sweeping views of the snow-dusted forest canopy. Built by the Ithaca High School Class of 2000 for the Cayuga Nature Center, TreeTops was featured on Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters in 2013. It features cubby holes, cargo nets, ladders, and winding stairs for adventurous climbers of all ages. Crafted by natural materials like rough-cut planks, logs, and forked branches, the structure blends seamlessly into the forest while remaining safely enclosed with wire mesh. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, nearby benches offer a perfect spot to watch the action in the treetops.
Year-round, the Discovery Trail connects eight local attractions, including the Cornell Botanic Gardens, the Johnson Museum of Art, and the Sciencenter, all perfect for curious travelers.
Here are some of the best things to do near Ithaca this winter:
- Located just north of Taughannock State Park, Rice Hill Nature Area is a favorite local spot for winter fun. The long hill offers exciting sledding runs, while two nearby ponds provide space for ice skating. A cozy warming hut with a wood stove offers a place to thaw out. Visitors can also enjoy the multi-use trails surrounding the area, perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing on a crisp day.
- Take a winter hike to Taughannock Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, and witness it frozen in time. Or visit Buttermilk Falls State Park, where icy cascades create an awe-inspiring winter scene. Ithaca is home to a remarkable collection of waterfalls, each offering a stunning view, even in the winter.
- Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Central New York’s largest ski resort.
- Go Birdwatching. The nearby Finger Lakes National Forest is home to more than 160 bird species, making it a winter haven for bird enthusiasts. The trails at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge are open year-round, and the Wildlife Drive is open from April 1 through November 30.
- Celebrate the Season by attending the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls. This nostalgic celebration honors the region’s link to the fictional Bedford Falls.
Relax at Our Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes
After a day of exploring the Cayuga Nature Center and the surrounding trails, return to our Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes for warmth and comfort. Curl up by the fire with a glass of local wine, or take a soothing soak in our outdoor hot tub while the snow falls quietly around you. Each guest room at our Inn features plush bedding, private baths, and inviting spaces for rest and relaxation. It’s the ideal setting to unwind and recharge.
At our Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes, every detail is designed for your comfort. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment or couples’ massage before heading to your elegant guest room. Our historic lodging offers modern luxury, creating a peaceful escape from everyday life. Begin your morning with a hearty, locally inspired breakfast.
Our innkeepers at our Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes take pride in a farm-to-table approach, crafting each dish with fresh, organic ingredients, and offering a luxury level of hospitality. Guests love the way everything comes together during their stay. We can’t wait to host you. Reserve your room now!
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