Trailside Nature Museum at Pound Ridge
Box 461
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Routes 35 and 121
Cross River, NY 10518
(914) 864-7322
Official Website

Places Nearby:
Katonah Museum of Art
Muscoot Farm Complex
Westmoreland Sanctuary
John Jay Homestead
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At 4,700 acres, Ward Pound Ridge is one of Westchester County's most beautiful parks. It includes more than 35 miles of hiking trails, with several Self-Guided Nature Trails, as well as Camping Facilities (open-faced lean-tos), Horse Trails (BYOH -- bring your own horse), a beautiful Wildflower Garden, and winter activities such as Cross-Country Skiing Trails and slopes for sled and ski.

The Trailside Museum, in operation since 1938, features Displays and Programs that introduce visitors to the natural environment and human history of the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and the Cross River Area. Exhibits include Taxidermic Mounts of local wildlife, a Weather Station, Historical Relics, and Indian Artifacts intermixed with a variety of Seasonal Displays. During summer months visitors can enjoy live flora and fauna, as well as a Demonstration Bee-Hive.

Throughout the year a variety of Family Programs are offered, including Bird Walks, Guided Hikes, Cross-Country Ski Workshops, Children's Activities, Stargazing Sessions, and other great activities. Call for a schedule. Other services include a Children's Summer Ecology Program, Career Consultation, and an extensive Delaware Indian Resource Center for in-depth studies.

School and other Groups can participate in a number of inter-active educational programs. Past programs have included Stream Life: students explore a section of stream and discover algae, liverworts, sponges, crayfish, mussels, and other animals; Indian Lore: includes a visit to a replicated wigwam as a vivid introduction to the lives of Native Americans; and The Old Leatherman: an interesting examination of the life of a colorful hermit who wandered the area in the late 19th century, including a visit to one of Leatherman's caves. These and other programs are available for Elementary School children. Maximum class size is 30.


Hours: Trails open daily from dawn to dusk. Office open 9am - 5pm, closed from 12 - 1pm.
Museum: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 9am - 4pm. Closed Monday and Friday.
Admission:
FREE. $2.00 donation appreciated. May be small fee for some Family Programs. Call for Horse Trail and Camping fees. Fee charged for parking. Note: All fees are discounted with Westchester County Park Pass.
Groups:
Call for School Program fees.
Group Reservations: At least 8 weeks in advance (School Programs). Some Family Programs may require pre- registration.
Lunch: Picnic areas available. Also room inside for School Groups.
Handicapped Access: Museum accessible.
Directions: I-87 North to I-287 East to I-684 North to exit 6 (Rt. 35). Turn right onto 35 east to Rt. 121 south in Cross River (3.8 miles). Park entrance is first left on 121. Museum is .7 miles after passing guard booth. 1 hour, fifteen minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.