FAQs
Beaver Lake Nature Center's trails are designed for nature study and observations. What are the policies:
- No Smoking
- No Pets
- No Bicycles
- No Collecting of Any Kind
- No Fires (including grills)
- Please walk, never run, by another visitor
Is Beaver Lake open year round?
Beaver Lake is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Beaver Lake is open from 7:30 am until dusk (call for exact time). The visitor center is open at 8:00 am until 15 minutes before closing time.
How much does it cost to enter Beaver Lake?
A per vehicle admission is charged as you exit the Nature Center. Click here for the current prices. Admission is free for Friends of Beaver Lake - Click here for Friends of Beaver Lake membership information.
Please note: During select special events there is a per person admission charge for everyone entering the Nature Center, this includes Golden Harvest Festival and Enchanted Beaver Lake.
Do I have to pay the park fee if I just come to shop at the gift shop?
No, if you shop at the gift shop you will be able to exit for free. Please note: During Golden Harvest Festival there is a per person admission charge for everyone entering the Nature Center.
Can I park at the overlook?
The overlook parking area on Vann Road is open during the day during the spring and fall migration. This is not a point of access to the trails.
Is fishing allowed on Beaver Lake?
Fishing, as well as hunting, is not permitted at Beaver Lake. Being a Nature Center, Beaver Lake is considered a wildlife sanctuary.
When is canoeing and kayaking allowed on Beaver Lake?
Canoeing and kayaking is permitted on weekends (9 am – 5pm) beginning in early May (around Mother’s Day weekend) and ending Labor Day weekend. (Weekdays (9am – 4:30 pm): starting after school is out until Labor Day weekend.) Canoes and Kayaks are available for rent for $10 an hour. View Canoeing & Kayaking current schedule.
Can I bring my own canoe or kayak to Beaver Lake?
Private canoes and kayaks are permitted on weekdays only (with the exception of holidays). You must check in at the front desk first and register for the ‘lake steward’ program. This program instructs you how to clean your vessel at our washing station before launch. This program aims to eliminate the risk of introducing invasive plants, animals or pathogens to the lake.
Can I use a paddle board or paddle boat on Beaver Lake?
No, canoes and Kayaks are the only water vessels allowed on the lake.
Is swimming allowed at Beaver Lake?
Swimming is not permitted at Beaver Lake.
Does Beaver Lake rent snowshoes?
Beaver Lake rents snowshoes for $5.00 per hour. You also can bring your own pair to hike the trails. There are two trails specifically designated for snowshoeing and others that are shared with hikers. Trails are opened for snowshoeing when there is at least a 6 inch base of snow.
Snowshoes are rented weather permitting.
Does Beaver Lake rent cross-country skis?
Beaver Lake does not rent skis. When there is sufficient snow, several trails are designated for cross-country skiing only. These trails are maintained using a track setter.
Can you bring your dog to Beaver Lake?
Dogs are not permitted at Beaver Lake. Dogs are not allowed as they can have an adverse effect on the Nature Center’s wildlife and other visitors that come for nature study.
May I run on the trails at Beaver Lake?
Beaver Lake’s trails are intended for nature study (i.e. Bird Watching) and walking.
Are bikes allowed on the trails?
Bikes are not permitted on the trails at Beaver Lake.
Are there any wheelchair accessible trails at Beaver Lake?
The 0.3 mile Lakeview trail is specifically designed to be accessible to wheelchairs.
Are the trails easy to walk on at Beaver Lake? Do they get muddy?
The trails are good for beginners, as there are only gradual inclines. They are also mulched which makes walking easier and prevents them from getting muddy.
Can I grill at Beaver Lake?
Fires and grills are not allowed. There are several picnic tables and a pavilion where you may enjoy a cold picnic.
Is alcohol permitted at Beaver Lake?
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at Beaver Lake.
Can we rent the large assembly room or pavilion for functions?
The assembly room may be rented but only after 4 pm when available. The pavilion, council ring and classrooms may also be rented. Call for current pricing. The gazebo is not rented.
Do you offer Birthday Parties at Beaver Lake?
Beaver Lake offers ‘Natural Birthday Parties’. Click here for more information.
During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.