Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
1-800-843-BIRD (1-800-843-2473)
clo_events@cornell.edu
Request a reservation (for groups of 10 or more).
The Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary is open every day, dawn to dusk.
Visitor Center Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Saturday: 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Sunday: 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Hours may change due to special events. We are closed on some holidays.
Holiday Hours
Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and December 24-January 1. Open 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Open until 4:00 P.M. November 23.
Adelson Library Hours
Monday-Friday: 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Where to Stay
Located just minutes away from the Cornell Lab, the Courtyard by Marriott offers Lab visitors special reduced rates. This rate is based on availability and subject to change. Free shuttle service is available to and from the Cornell Lab by appointment on the hour from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Please call 866-541-3600 and ask for the Lab of Ornithology visitors' rate, or visit the Courtyard by Marriott website.
Admission is free. We appreciate donations and member support to help with trail maintenance and local outreach programs.
How to Get Here
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Come visit us in Sapsucker Woods, conveniently located just minutes away from Cornell University, Cayuga Lake, and downtown Ithaca.
Directions and Travel Options
By Car
From Ithaca:
Take Route 13 north. Look for the sign for Sapsucker Woods, the first intersection after Warren Road. Turn right onto Sapsucker Woods Rd. and follow signs to the visitor parking area.
From Syracuse:
Take Route 81 south to exit 12, follow Route 281 south to Route 13 south. In Dryden turn right at the 4-way stop then travel about 6 miles (still on Route 13). Continue straight through the traffic light at Route 366, then turn left onto Hanshaw Rd. at the next traffic light. Turn right at the stop sign to continue on Hanshaw Rd., and turn right again onto Sapsucker Woods Rd. after about 1 mile (look for binocular signs as you approach.) The Johnson Center is about a mile down Sapsucker Woods Rd. on the left.
From Cornell University:
Take Warren Road north from Forest Home. Turn right at the four-way stop onto Hanshaw Road. Continue 0.8 miles, turn left onto Sapsucker Woods Road, follow to the end. Follow signs to the visitor parking area.
By Public Transit
Bus service to the Lab is provided "on demand" via Route 41—this requires prior day notice, so be sure to plan ahead. You can also request "subscription" service if you travel to the Cornell Lab on a regular schedule. Contact TCAT at 277-RIDE to learn more about these options.
By Shuttle from Cornell Campus
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Shuttle is a free service for students traveling to and from the Cornell campus and the Lab of Ornithology. Faculty, staff, and visitors of the Lab and Cornell are also welcome to use the shuttle if seats are available after students are aboard.
Please note that the shuttle leaves from the front (Tower Rd.) entrance of Corson-Mudd. It does not leave from the bus stop.
From January 24 through May 17 the shuttle schedule will be as follows:
| Leaving Cornell Lab |
Leaving Corson-Mudd |
| 8:30 AM |
8:45 AM |
| 10:30 AM |
10:45 AM |
| 12:00 PM |
12:15 PM |
| 1:30 PM |
1:45 PM |
| 2:30 PM |
2:45 PM |
| 4:30 PM |
4:45 PM |
| Fridays only: |
| 8:30 AM |
8:45 AM |
| 10:30 AM |
10:45 AM |
| 12:00 PM |
12:15 PM |
| 1:30 PM |
1:45 PM |
| 3:30 PM |
3:45 PM |
This schedule is subject to change with little or no notice in the event of staff shortages, weather, or closure. The shuttle runs only when classes are in session.
Questions? Contact Loretta Bennett
607-351-5686 (cell)
607-254-2402 (office)
llb29@cornell.edu
Hotel Discounts
Located just minutes away from the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity and the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, the Courtyard by Marriott offers Lab visitors special reduced rates starting at $109.00 per night. This rate is based on availability and subject to change. Free shuttle service is available to and from the Cornell Lab by appointment on the hour from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Please call 866-541-3600 and ask for the Lab of Ornithology visitors' rate, or visit the Courtyard by Marriott website.