To reach Wellesley Island and Wellesley Island State Park (Exit 51 off I-81, 315/482-2722, $6–8 parking) you must travel over the Thousand Islands International Bridge, a slim suspension expanse that seems to lead straight up into the sky. Built in 1938, the bridge extends over five spans and stretches seven miles.
At the end of the first span lies the 2,636-acre state park, featuring hiking trails, swimming beaches, a campground, nine-hole golf course, playground, and great views of the river.
Covering 600 acres of the park is the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center (44927 Cross Island Rd., 315/482-2479, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily, extended hours in summer, free admission), which includes both a museum and a wildlife sanctuary laced with trails. In the museum are live fish and reptiles, mounted birds, and an observation beehive.