Information
Landmark: Wellesley Island State ParkCity: Thousand Islands
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Wellesley Island State Park, Thousand Islands, USA New York, North America
Overview
Wellesley Island State Park, perched on the edge of the St. Lawrence River, is one of New York’s biggest and most beautiful parks, stretching across the Thousand Islands with trails that dip into pine-shaded coves.Spread across 2,600 acres, it’s rich with outdoor adventures and breathtaking views-think pine-scented trails, quiet coves for paddling, and wide-open spaces where campers, boaters, families, and nature lovers can feel right at home.You’ll find the park at 44927 Cross Island Road in Fineview, NY, spread across roughly 2,643 acres of woods, wetlands, riverbank, and open meadows.It sits on Wellesley Island, reached by the Thousand Islands Bridge, and is run by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.Open all year, it draws nature lovers of every age, protecting everything from marsh grasses swaying in the wind to the island’s varied wildlife.Wellesley Island State Park is packed with natural variety-thick forests that smell of pine, quiet marshes, open meadows, and a stretch of shoreline hugging the St. Lawrence River.The park holds 18 distinct natural community types, offering shelter to everything from white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to ruffed grouse, bald eagles, and osprey that often wheel above the river.Amphibians, turtles, and countless bird species also thrive here, and its spot along the migratory flyway draws birdwatchers each spring and fall.The park boasts over 400 campsites, from roomy spots with electric hookups to quiet, walk-in or boat-in sites where you might wake to the splash of a fish.Whether you bring a tent, trailer, or RV, there’s space to settle in and soak up the wild.We offer twelve rental cottages, many with two or three bedrooms, full kitchens, bathrooms, and porches that overlook the pines-perfect for families or groups craving extra comfort.A few cottages stay open all year, so you can curl up by the fire even in January.You’ll find modern bathhouses with hot showers, handy dump stations, picnic tables under shady trees, fire rings ready for a crackling blaze, and even a few spots where pets are welcome.You can bring pets to the camping areas, but they’re not allowed inside the cottages, even if it’s just a small dog curled up in a blanket.Camping usually runs from May to October, though a few cottages stay open when snow crunches underfoot in winter.Right on the St. Lawrence River, the park’s waterfront invites endless ways to get on the water.Its full-service marina holds 150 boat slips and offers fuel, bait, tackle, ice, and even pump-out service-everything from a cold drink to fresh bait is just steps from the dock.Boaters often start here when setting out to explore the Thousand Islands, watching the docks fade behind them as the river opens wide.Visitors can rent sturdy 14- or 16‑foot fishing boats for a day or a whole week, perfect for casting a line or gliding through quiet, sun‑dappled channels.Fishing’s a big draw here-the river and nearby waters teem with perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskie.Come fall, when the air turns crisp, anglers line the banks in hopes of a lively catch.Swimming: In a quiet, sandy cove, a marked beach provides safe water for swimming, and lifeguards keep watch from late June through late August.At the heart of the park, the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center welcomes visitors with hands-on exhibits, live turtles and snakes, and nature programs that spark curiosity in all ages.The park offers roughly nine miles of marked trails, winding through shady forests, quiet wetlands, and up to overlooks where you can see the river curling past small, green islands.Some trails are short and easy, perfect for a lazy afternoon walk, while others stretch uphill and demand a stronger pace.In winter, the same paths welcome both cross-country skiers and snowshoers, their boots crunching over fresh snow, offering a peaceful way to take in the park’s beauty all year.On-site, you’ll find a nine-hole golf course with a smooth putting green, open to players of every skill level and offering discounts for seniors.Playgrounds: Several spots offer safe, lively places for kids to run, climb, and laugh.Picnic areas are tucked across the park, each with sturdy tables and a grill ready for sizzling burgers-ideal for a family afternoon or a get-together with friends.The camp store’s stocked with essentials, quick snacks, and gear-everything from trail maps to spare tent stakes-so visitors can grab what they need without a fuss.Summer brings boating on glassy lakes, swims in cool water, hikes through pine-scented trails, rounds of golf, and hands-on programs at the Nature Center.Fall brings prime fishing, hills lit with fiery leaves perfect for hiking or snapping a photo, and skies alive with migrating birds.In winter, you can glide across snowy trails on skis, trek through quiet woods on snowshoes, and rent a cozy cottage for a frosty weekend escape.All summer long, the park buzzes with visitors, but in the cooler months it turns into a calm hideaway where you can hear leaves crunch underfoot.The park provides accessible campsites, restrooms, and trails for visitors with mobility challenges, though steep, rocky sections can be harder to reach.You can pick up visitor information at the Nature Center or the park office, where a map still smells faintly of fresh ink.It’s best to book campsites or cottages ahead of time-online or by phone-especially when summer crowds fill the air with the smell of barbecue and sunscreen.Wellesley Island State Park bursts with life, offering everything from quiet pine-shaded trails to wide-open views of the Thousand Islands’ shimmering waters.Thick forests, winding trails, a rugged shoreline, and well-kept facilities make it easy to spend days camping, boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, spotting wildlife, or chasing seasonal adventures.With its mix of wild trails and picnic areas, the park’s a favorite place for families, solo adventurers, and nature lovers to escape into the outdoors any time of year.
