Wellesley Island State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wellesley Island State Park |
|
|---|---|
View from the shore of Wellesley Island in Wellesley Island State Park.
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Type | State park |
| Location | 44927 Cross Island Road Fineview, New York |
| Nearest city | Alexandria Bay, New York |
| Area | 2,636 acres (10.67 km2) |
| Created | 1951 |
| Operated by | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Visitors | 204,017 (in 2014) |
| Open | All year |
| Website | Wellesley Island State Park |
Wellesley Island State Park is a huge park covering about 2,636-acre (10.67 km2) of land. It's located on Wellesley Island in the amazing St. Lawrence River in Jefferson County, New York. This park is special because it's split into different areas all around the island.
It's also home to the biggest camping area in the famous Thousand Islands region! You can even find special campsites by the river that you can only reach by walking or by boat. Good news: the park is open all year long, so you can visit anytime!
Contents
Discovering Wellesley Island Park's Past
When Did Wellesley Island Park Open?
The Thousand Island State Park Commission started buying land on Wellesley Island in 1951. Just a few years later, in 1954, Wellesley Island State Park officially opened its doors to visitors.
Older Parks on Wellesley Island
Did you know that Wellesley Island had other state parks even before Wellesley Island State Park? Two parks called Dewolf Point and Waterson Point were set up way back in 1898! They were part of a bigger area known as the St. Lawrence Reservation.
A Top Campground in the Nation
In 2004, a group called Reserve America recognized Wellesley Island State Park as one of the top 100 campgrounds in the entire country. That's a pretty big deal!
Fun Things to Do at Wellesley Island Park
Exciting Activities for Everyone
Wellesley Island State Park offers tons of fun activities! You can go swimming at a beach with lifeguards, explore nature on hiking trails, or even go hunting and fishing in special areas. When winter comes, you can enjoy cross-country skiing. Biking is also a great way to see the park.
Nature and Boating Adventures
The park has a cool nature trail and the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center. Here, you can learn all about the local plants and animals. If you love being on the water, there's a marina and three places to launch your boat. Power boats are welcome here!
Sports and Camping Fun
For sports fans, there's a nine-hole golf course. If you want to stay overnight, the park has cabins and lots of camping spots. You'll find showers, picnic tables, and a playground too. There's even a food stand with a recreation area if you get hungry.
Exploring Eel Bay Trails
Many of the hiking trails in the park give you amazing views of Eel Bay. It's a beautiful spot to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. In certain parts of the park, you can also do archery and use muzzle loading firearms.
