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DISCOVERY TRAIL Peaceful walks to famous talks, natural history to science and mystery–Ithaca's Discovery Trail has something for everyone. The trail is a collaboration of Ithaca's brainiest and most entertaining educational attractions. Eight Sites to Excite Your Senses explore 800 284 8422 visitithaca.com 12 | 13 photo Kristian S. Reynolds photo courtesy of Sciencenter Cayuga Nature Center Cornell Plantations Sciencenter Discover nature! Climb a six-story tree house. See our live animal collection featuring reptiles, mammals and birds in both indoor and outdoor enclosures. Enjoy our special toddler playroom. Relax in the WPA-era Lodge after hiking more than five miles of scenic trails on 120 acres of natural gorges and native wildlife. Grounds open daily, dawn-dusk. Lodge open daily in summer, closed Mondays fall-spring. Admission charged. Start your tour of Cornell's beautiful public garden, arboretum and natural preserves by visiting the Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center. Awarded Gold LEED Certification (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design), the Center showcases the Plantations' commitment to sustainability and its identity as a Green Garden. Inside you'll find maps, educational material and amenities to enhance your experience touring one of New York's finest public gardens. Grounds open dawn-dusk year-round. Nevin Welcome Center open Tues-Sat. Free. Built by its members, the awardwinning Sciencenter is a family science museum with 200+ hands-on exhibits, educational programs, an outdoor science park and a seasonal science-themed mini-golf course. Try the Curiosity Corner for toddlers and preschoolers or discover the solar system on a tour of the Sagan Planet Walk narrated by Bill Nye "The Science Guy." Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Closed Mon September-June. Admission charged. (607) 273-6260 1420 TAUGHANNOCK BLVD. (RT 89), ITHACA WWW.CAYUGANATURECENTER.ORG -------- Cornell Lab of Ornithology/ Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary 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 daily year-round. Free admission. Call for hours and holiday schedules. (607) 254-2473 159 SAPSUCKER WOODS RD., ITHACA WWW.BIRDS.CORNELL.EDU (607) 255-2400 124 COMSTOCK KNOLL DR., 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 The science and art of Earth history unfold through amazing fossils and enagaging exhibits documenting the evolution of life on Earth. See skeletons of the Hyde Park Mastodon and Right Whale #2030. Marvel at a 500-foot mural tracing the timeline of life. Observe fossil research and preservation in The Prep Lab. Be a hands-on paleontologist in the all-ages Discovery Labs. Mon-Sat.10-5, Sun. 11-5. Closed Tues-Wed from Labor Day-Memorial day. Admission charged. (607) 273-6623 1259 TRUMANSBURG RD. (RT 96), ITHACA WWW.MUSEUMOFTHEEARTH.ORG photo Charles Harrington (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 destination for every age and every stage, the Tompkins County Public Library presents exciting public programs, cultural celebrations, the latest digital resources and museum-quality art exhibits year-round. Internet access and WiFi are free and accessible to visitors and community members alike. (607) 272-4557 101 E GREEN ST., ITHACA WWW.TCPL.ORG