Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center

Overview

A low-key, high-reward stop just north of Bolton Landing, Up Yonda Farm blends a small natural history museum, live animal exhibits, and mellow forest-and-meadow trails into one easy outing. It’s run by Warren County as an environmental education center, so you get friendly Naturalists, thoughtful exhibits, and a clear plan for how to spend an hour—or a whole morning.

Highlights

• Butterfly house (summer) and pollinator gardens where you can linger with monarchs and swallowtails.
• Farmhouse Welcome Center with a live turtle exhibit and engaging museum displays (think kinetic sand, track-and-scat games, and even a visible beehive, per visitor reviews).
• A pond and sensory garden that invite slow exploration—nets are often available for catch-and-release pond critters.
• Quirky extras: a StoryWalk on one trail, geocaches on the property, and maple sugaring demonstrations in March.

Trails & Views

Trails start near the main buildings and fan out through meadows, woodland, and up a small hill to a wide-angle view of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack ridgelines. Paths are well marked and mostly easy; there are steeper options if you want a little workout. Expect birdsong, wildflowers in season, and a peaceful feel that’s rare so close to the lake.

Wildlife You Might See

This place is great for kid-friendly wildlife encounters: frogs, tadpoles, and crayfish in the pond; turtles in the Welcome Center; bees and butterflies working the gardens; and plenty of songbirds along the trails. In midsummer, the butterfly enclosure is the star.

How to Visit

Start at the Farmhouse Welcome Center to check in, pay the day-use fee, grab a trail map, and ask a Naturalist what’s happening that day. Programs run year-round (some by reservation), and the campus has picnic tables but no food service, so pack a lunch. Restrooms and parking are on site.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer: Late June through August for the butterfly house and lush gardens.
• March: Maple sugaring demos at the Sugar House.
• Fall: Colorful foliage and crisp lake views from the hilltop.
• Rainy days: The museum and indoor exhibits make this an easy Plan B. Hours vary seasonally; current listings show daytime operations most of the week—check before you go.