Birthday Parties

Natural Birthday Parties at Beaver Lake are parties with a purpose and seasonally appropriate themes for children ages 5-12. Choose from topics such as Snowshoeing in Search of Wildlife Clues (Winter), Maple Sugaring (March), Exploring Life in a Pond (May-September), Raptors and Songbirds, and Wildlife of Beaver Lake  (Year Round). The two hour party includes a guided walk and critter talk (except during Maple Sugaring) and allows for cake and present time. 

Cost is $150 per group ($135 for Friends of Beaver Lake members.) Call (315) 638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net for details and to schedule your next party.

Canoeing / Kayaking

Enjoy a leisurely paddle on your own across Beaver Lake. Explore the lake’s edge and search for beaver lodges, turtles, herons, and osprey. Rental is on a first-come basis from Mid-May until Labor Day. Since Beaver Lake Nature Center reserves the right to close the lake at any time, especially during hazardous weather, please call for current information. At least one person, aged 18 or older, must accompany each group.

Cross-Country Skiing

Beaver Lake offers 7 miles of ski trails. All ski trails are rated easy with the exception of the Three Meadows Trail which is rated moderate. Trails are one way on weekends. Ski rentals are not available.

• Lake Loop Trail 3.0 miles (4.8 kms)
• Deep Woods Trail 1.4 miles (2.3kms)
• Woodland Trail 1.1 miles (1.7 kms)
• Three Meadows Trail 1.5 miles (2.4 kms)
• Pine Meadow Trail 0.5 miles (multiple use)

Click here for the latest ski condition report.

Gift Shop

Whether you are at the Center or at home on the couch, browse Beaver Lake's Gift Shop, inspired by nature.  You'll find educational toys & books, plush animals, decorative accessories, jewelry,  t-shirts, hats and mugs, seasonal items such as maple syrup and more.  We're a wonderful resource for teachers, parents and grandparents!  We have something for all ages. Click here to shop online.

Nature Programs

Beaver Lake Nature Center offers close to 400 nature programs and workshops a year, including guided birdwalks, classes on tree identification and guided canoe tours. Click here for a complete list of all programs and events.

Walk 100 Miles at Beaver Lake
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise! Register at the front desk and receive a log book to record your walking progress. After each walk, stop by the desk to stamp the date in your book and record trail mileage. T-shirts, hats, bags and pins are awarded for different goals from 100-1,00 miles.
Registration is $5.

100 Bird Challenge
Spring is the ideal time to start Beaver Lake's 100 Bird Challenge! New migrants arrive nearly every day. Whether you are just starting or are a veteran birder, this program encourages you to watch  for birds at Beaver Lake. After registering at the front desk you will receive the Nature Center's Checklist. Every time you see (or identify by song) a new species at the Nature Center write down the date it was observed in the booklet. When you have reached 100 bird species, you will be rewarded with a T-shirt proclaiming "I Saw-whet at Beaver Lake, 100 birds."
Registration is $10.

Picnic Areas

Enhance your visit by having a picnic at one of the many sites at the Nature Center.  No fires or grills of any kind are permitted at the Nature Center.

Rentals: Boats

Canoes and kayaks are available to rent seasonally on a first-come, first-served basis for $10 per hour.
Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times.
Click here for current date information.

Rentals: Snowshoes

Snowshoe rentals are $5 per hour, weather permitting. Rentals are available from 9am-3:00pm, snowshoes must be returned by 4 pm. 

School/Group Tours

The standard tour takes a discovery approach with the guide introducing a wide variety of plant/ animal interactions in the forest and bog communities.  Click here for more information.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoers can enjoy 3 separate trails, the Northern Exposure (1.4 miles) & the Southern Exposure (2.2 miles.) While the Southern has more hilly spots, the Northern offers a flatter trail and both go through open fields and wooded areas. The Pine Meadow Trail (0.5 miles) is also available to snowshoers.

Take the Try Snowshoeing clinic offered on Saturdays & Sundays in January & February at 12:30pm for $5 per person. Folks with little or no snowshoe experience will especially enjoy this one-hour introduction. Registration is required beginning at 8am on the day of the clinic, call (315) 638-2519.

Weekend Guided Walks are offered year round every Saturday & Sunday. In December the topic is Winter Wildlife Homes and in January & February the topic is Tracking Wildlife on Snowshoes. The program is free with park admission. Registration is required beginning at 8am on the day of the January & February walks, call (315) 638-2519.

Snowshoe rentals are $5 per hour. Rentals are available from 9am-3:30pm, snowshoes must be returned by 4:30 pm. 

Trails (Walking/Hiking)

Over 9 miles of maintained walking trails across gentle and varied terrain invite you to restore your connection to the earth. Beaver Lake's 600 natural acres are the perfect setting for family fun or solitary renewal. Click here for more information.

Wellness Programs

Several programs occur throughout the year at Beaver Lake including:

Yoga
A variety of yoga programs are offered throughout the year. Click here for current program dates or contact the Nature Center at (315) 638-2519 or blnc@ongov.net.

Wellness Walking Group
Meet for a morning exercise walk on the trails around Beaver Lake. The group walks a few miles, either combining different trails or taking the 3 mile Lake Loop.
Every Monday and Wednesday, year round. April-November 9am; December-March 10am. For more info, contact the Nature Center at (315) 638-2519 or blnc@ongov.net.