Plan your trip
Explore
Learn
Give back
Additional information
Search Parks or Historic Sites..
Search Parks or Historic Sites..
Search Parks or Historic Sites..
Search Parks or Historic Sites..
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Home / Nature Center / Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Open Now
Wednesday, 10am - 3pm
Amenities
Biking
Gift Shop
Accessible
Hiking
Picnic Area
Accessible
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Tours
Visitor Center
Accessible
Amenities
Biking
Gift Shop
Accessible
Hiking
Picnic Area
Accessible
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Tours
Visitor Center
Accessible
Amenities
Biking
Gift Shop
Accessible
Hiking
Picnic Area
Accessible
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Tours
Visitor Center
Accessible
Overview
The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center opened in July 2001 and is located in Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. The center offers year-round educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields.
Please note fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center
Learn more, watch WMHT's documentary:The Great Ledge
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Overview
The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center opened in July 2001 and is located in Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. The center offers year-round educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields.
Please note fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center
Learn more, watch WMHT's documentary:The Great Ledge
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Overview
The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center opened in July 2001 and is located in Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. The center offers year-round educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields.
Please note fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center
Learn more, watch WMHT's documentary:The Great Ledge
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Hours of Operation
Nature Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Snowshoe rentals by appointment only
Hours of Operation
Nature Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Snowshoe rentals by appointment only
Hours of Operation
Nature Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Snowshoe rentals by appointment only
Fees & Rates
Snowshoe Rentals
$10.00 all day
$5.00 four hours or less
Fees & Rates
Snowshoe Rentals
$10.00 all day
$5.00 four hours or less
Fees & Rates
Snowshoe Rentals
$10.00 all day
$5.00 four hours or less
Education
Incredible Insects (April-September)
Butterflies, bees, and all kinds of bugs are an important part of nature. Discover what makes them special, and what you can do to support biodiversity in your backyard. Then, take to the fields and forest to see how many insects you can find.
Awesome Aquatics (April-September)
Discover the different parts of a habitat, and what animals need to thrive. Then, borrow nets and see how many lake creatures you can catch! Dress for wading.
Indian Ladder Trail Tour (June-October)
Descend through the entrance of the Indian Ladder Trail to view the amazing rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. This one mile hike offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east.
Hibernation Investigation (November-March)
Explore mammal skulls and skins to learn about the many adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Then, take to the trails to search for signs of wildlife. The hike will be lead on snowshoes, weather permitting.
Snowshoeing (January-March)
We'll strap on snowshoes and take an invigorating walk on the trails or in your schoolyard. Learn to look for evidence of animal life while you take in the quiet beauty of winter. Warm, waterproof footwear, and snowpants recommended.
Animal Superpowers (All Year)
Meet some of our animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations that help them thrive in their habitat. Then, take a hike to search for some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Fun With Fossils (All Year)
400 million years ago, New York was submerged under a tropical sea! Explore the geological history of the park, and examine fossils of ancient sea creatures.
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Grant Program is designed to connect students in New York State with nature and history. Each grant can provide reimbursement for field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish hatcheries, and outdoor recreation areas for districts with at least one Title 1 school.
Additional programs can be designed to meet your group's specific interests. To schedule a field trip or outreach program in your classroom, please call 518-872-0800 or email ThacherEducation@parks.ny.gov.
Education
Incredible Insects (April-September)
Butterflies, bees, and all kinds of bugs are an important part of nature. Discover what makes them special, and what you can do to support biodiversity in your backyard. Then, take to the fields and forest to see how many insects you can find.
Awesome Aquatics (April-September)
Discover the different parts of a habitat, and what animals need to thrive. Then, borrow nets and see how many lake creatures you can catch! Dress for wading.
Indian Ladder Trail Tour (June-October)
Descend through the entrance of the Indian Ladder Trail to view the amazing rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. This one mile hike offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east.
Hibernation Investigation (November-March)
Explore mammal skulls and skins to learn about the many adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Then, take to the trails to search for signs of wildlife. The hike will be lead on snowshoes, weather permitting.
Snowshoeing (January-March)
We'll strap on snowshoes and take an invigorating walk on the trails or in your schoolyard. Learn to look for evidence of animal life while you take in the quiet beauty of winter. Warm, waterproof footwear, and snowpants recommended.
Animal Superpowers (All Year)
Meet some of our animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations that help them thrive in their habitat. Then, take a hike to search for some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Fun With Fossils (All Year)
400 million years ago, New York was submerged under a tropical sea! Explore the geological history of the park, and examine fossils of ancient sea creatures.
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Grant Program is designed to connect students in New York State with nature and history. Each grant can provide reimbursement for field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish hatcheries, and outdoor recreation areas for districts with at least one Title 1 school.
Additional programs can be designed to meet your group's specific interests. To schedule a field trip or outreach program in your classroom, please call 518-872-0800 or email ThacherEducation@parks.ny.gov.
Education
Incredible Insects (April-September)
Butterflies, bees, and all kinds of bugs are an important part of nature. Discover what makes them special, and what you can do to support biodiversity in your backyard. Then, take to the fields and forest to see how many insects you can find.
Awesome Aquatics (April-September)
Discover the different parts of a habitat, and what animals need to thrive. Then, borrow nets and see how many lake creatures you can catch! Dress for wading.
Indian Ladder Trail Tour (June-October)
Descend through the entrance of the Indian Ladder Trail to view the amazing rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. This one mile hike offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east.
Hibernation Investigation (November-March)
Explore mammal skulls and skins to learn about the many adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Then, take to the trails to search for signs of wildlife. The hike will be lead on snowshoes, weather permitting.
Snowshoeing (January-March)
We'll strap on snowshoes and take an invigorating walk on the trails or in your schoolyard. Learn to look for evidence of animal life while you take in the quiet beauty of winter. Warm, waterproof footwear, and snowpants recommended.
Animal Superpowers (All Year)
Meet some of our animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations that help them thrive in their habitat. Then, take a hike to search for some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Fun With Fossils (All Year)
400 million years ago, New York was submerged under a tropical sea! Explore the geological history of the park, and examine fossils of ancient sea creatures.
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Grant Program is designed to connect students in New York State with nature and history. Each grant can provide reimbursement for field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish hatcheries, and outdoor recreation areas for districts with at least one Title 1 school.
Additional programs can be designed to meet your group's specific interests. To schedule a field trip or outreach program in your classroom, please call 518-872-0800 or email ThacherEducation@parks.ny.gov.
Upcoming Events
Sat 08 Jun
Caves & Karst
Saturday, June 8, 2024 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor Center Participants will come to understand the development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes and the terms associated with them. We will observe the limestone layers and the resurging underground streams, and visit the active sinkhole and other unique areas. Each participant is expected to
Sat 08 Jun
New Moon Hike
Saturday, June 8, 2024 08:45 PM - 10:45 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Old Stage Road Trailhead Take a hike on the High Point Trail to learn about the importance of darkness for amphibians, birds, and other animals! We'll travel two miles round-trip over moderate terrain on one of the darkest nights of the year. Ages 13+. Headlamp or flashlight recommended.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Jun
Make Your Own Fossil
Saturday, June 15, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor CenterDrop by this table to learn how Thacher Park's fossils formed over 420 million years ago and make your own to take home! All ages.
Sat 15 Jun
Overlooking the Geology
Saturday, June 15, 2024 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Weather permitting, meet at the Thacher Park Overlook, where on a clear day at least four different landscape regions are visible. Learn how and when they formed and about the many different rock types of which they are made. No registration required.
Upcoming Events
Sat 08 Jun
Caves & Karst
Saturday, June 8, 2024 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor Center Participants will come to understand the development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes and the terms associated with them. We will observe the limestone layers and the resurging underground streams, and visit the active sinkhole and other unique areas. Each participant is expected to
Sat 08 Jun
New Moon Hike
Saturday, June 8, 2024 08:45 PM - 10:45 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Old Stage Road Trailhead Take a hike on the High Point Trail to learn about the importance of darkness for amphibians, birds, and other animals! We'll travel two miles round-trip over moderate terrain on one of the darkest nights of the year. Ages 13+. Headlamp or flashlight recommended.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Jun
Make Your Own Fossil
Saturday, June 15, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor CenterDrop by this table to learn how Thacher Park's fossils formed over 420 million years ago and make your own to take home! All ages.
Sat 15 Jun
Overlooking the Geology
Saturday, June 15, 2024 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Weather permitting, meet at the Thacher Park Overlook, where on a clear day at least four different landscape regions are visible. Learn how and when they formed and about the many different rock types of which they are made. No registration required.
Upcoming Events
Sat 08 Jun
Caves & Karst
Saturday, June 8, 2024 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor Center Participants will come to understand the development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes and the terms associated with them. We will observe the limestone layers and the resurging underground streams, and visit the active sinkhole and other unique areas. Each participant is expected to
Sat 08 Jun
New Moon Hike
Saturday, June 8, 2024 08:45 PM - 10:45 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Old Stage Road Trailhead Take a hike on the High Point Trail to learn about the importance of darkness for amphibians, birds, and other animals! We'll travel two miles round-trip over moderate terrain on one of the darkest nights of the year. Ages 13+. Headlamp or flashlight recommended.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Jun
Make Your Own Fossil
Saturday, June 15, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor CenterDrop by this table to learn how Thacher Park's fossils formed over 420 million years ago and make your own to take home! All ages.
Sat 15 Jun
Overlooking the Geology
Saturday, June 15, 2024 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Weather permitting, meet at the Thacher Park Overlook, where on a clear day at least four different landscape regions are visible. Learn how and when they formed and about the many different rock types of which they are made. No registration required.
Park, Recreations, and Historic
Preservations
Inside our Agency
About Us
Regions
Employment
State Council of Parks
Natural Heritage Trust
Inside our Agency
Friends & Support
Resources
Public Documents
Publications
Accessibility
Grants
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Master Plans
Doing Business
Privacy Policy
News
Press Releases
Public Meetings
Press Contacts
Parks Blog
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Master Plans
Quick Links
Contact us
Park Police
Permits
Park Store Apparel & Gifts
Gift Cards
Donate
Content Submission Agreement
Language Access
Español - Spanish
中文 - Chinese
Русский - Russian
אידיש - Yiddish
ংলা - Bengali
한국어 - Korean
Kreyòl Ayisyen - Haitian Creole
Italiano - Italian
العَرَبِي - Arabic
Polski - Polish
Français - French
اردو - Urdu
Connect with Us
Twitter/X
Youtube
Flickr
RSS Feed
Services
Events
Programs
Agencies
App Directory
Counties
Translation Services
This page is available in other languages
English
Español
中文
繁體中文
Русский
יידיש
ংল
한국어
Kreyòl Ayisyen
Italiano
العربية
Polski
Français
اردو
Park, Recreations, and
Historic Preservations
Inside our Agency
About Us
Regions
Employment
State Council of Parks
Natural Heritage Trust
Inside our Agency
Friends & Support
Resources
Public Documents
Publications
Accessibility
Grants
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Master Plans
Doing Business
Privacy Policy
News
Press Releases
Public Meetings
Press Contacts
Parks Blog
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Master Plans
Quick Links
Contact us
Park Police
Permits
Park Store Apparel & Gifts
Gift Cards
Donate
Content Submission Agreement
Language Access
Español - Spanish
中文 - Chinese
Русский - Russian
אידיש - Yiddish
ংলা - Bengali
한국어 - Korean
Kreyòl Ayisyen - Haitian Creole
Italiano - Italian
العَرَبِي - Arabic
Polski - Polish
Français - French
اردو - Urdu
Connect with Us
Twitter/X
Youtube
Flickr
RSS Feed
Services
Events
Programs
Agencies
App Directory
Counties
Translation Services
This page is available in other languages
English
Park, Recreations, and
Historic Preservations
Inside our Agency
About Us
Regions
Employment
State Council of Parks
Natural Heritage Trust
Inside our Agency
Friends & Support
Resources
Public Documents
Publications
Accessibility
Grants
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Master Plans
Doing Business
Privacy Policy
News
Press Releases
Public Meetings
Press Contacts
Parks Blog
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Master Plans
Quick Links
Contact us
Park Police
Permits
Park Store Apparel & Gifts
Gift Cards
Donate
Content Submission Agreement
Language Access
Español - Spanish
中文 - Chinese
Русский - Russian
אידיש - Yiddish
ংলা - Bengali
한국어 - Korean
Kreyòl Ayisyen - Haitian Creole
Italiano - Italian
العَرَبِي - Arabic
Polski - Polish
Français - French
اردو - Urdu
Connect with Us
Twitter/X
Youtube
Flickr
RSS Feed
Services
Events
Programs
Agencies
App Directory
Counties
Translation Services
This page is available in other languages
English