oswego

To the north of the Finger Lakes on the shores of Lake Ontario, you will find the Port City of Oswego, the first Port of Call on the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean. Oswego’s strategic location has given the city a rich place in United States history, from the days before European settlement and continuing through the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Abolition era’s Underground Railroad activities and World War II. It all comes to life in the city’s museums and historic sites. Oswego’s historic lighthouse is part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, which was named a “Top 9 Great American Drive.” It connects other historic lighthouses, villages, wineries and great outdoor activities along the way. Oswego is the home of SUNY Oswego, the Oswego Speedway and one of summer’s most popular festival events, Harborfest. Restaurants, shopping and a stroll along the River Walk in the Historic Maritime District also make Oswego a great place to spend happy days of summer.

Between W. 8th and Ontario Streets, Oswego Breitbeck Park is a great place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, with beautiful views of Lake ontario and the lighthouse. it is especially loved for being a special place to take in the sunset over the lake.

7 W Bridge St, Oswego 315-216-6387; cmoo.org Located in the center of downtown oswego, the exhibits in this interactive museum focus on aspects of current and historical local significance, imaginative play, the arts, science, and mathematics – but most of all – having fun! cMoo caters mostly to children up to age 10. reservations are required for play sessions. call for details, hours, admission and coViD restrictions.

1 East 4th St., Oswego 315-343-4711; parks.ny.gov/regions/central/default.aspx Star-shaped Fort ontario is built on the ruins of three earlier fortifications dating from the French and indian War, revolutionary War, and War of 1812. the fort was occupied by the U.S. army through World War ii. there are two Guardhouses, a Powder Magazine Storehouse, enlisted Men’s Barracks, and windswept ramparts featuring magnificent views of Lake ontario. call or check website for summer hours, admission fees and coViD protocols.

1 West 1st St., Oswego 315-342-0480; hleewhitemarinemuseum.com Located in oswego’s Historic Maritime District at the end of West First Street Pier, this museum maintains a fleet of historic vessels and 12 exhibit rooms highlighting 400 years of maritime history. the centerpiece of the collection is a Lt-5 tug that was used during the normandy invasion of WW ii. check the website or call for summer hours and special event dates.

300 E. Albany St., Oswego 315-342-0646; oswegospeedway.com oswego Speedway is a 5/8-mile semi-banked pavement racing oval located off the shores of Lake ontario. the Speedway’s 70th anniversary schedule features 13 race weekends headlined by 10 different divisions, the return of King of Wings, two appearances by the ground pounders of the naScar Whelen Modified tour and in a move like none other before in oswego history; two classic Weekends held in just over three months. call or check the website for complete weekly schedule and ticket details.

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Safe Haven HolocauSt Refugee SHelteR MuSeuM, Oswego

135 East 3rd St., Oswego 315-343-1342; rbhousemuseum.org the richardson-Bates House is one of the most intact house museums in new York State, and features an extensive archival collection and exhibit space documenting the history of oswego county. the opulent interior and decor of this 1867 Victorian Mansion reflect the tastes of well-to-do 19th century residents. call or visit the website for hours, admission fees and coViD restrictions.

2 E. 7th St., Oswego 315-342-3003; safehavenmuseum.com the Safe Haven Holocaust refugee Shelter Museum is dedicated to keeping alive the story of 982 european refugees who were allowed into the United States as “guests” of President Franklin D. roosevelt during the Holocaust in World War ii. they were temporarily housed at Fort ontario in oswego, new York from august 1944 – February 1946. Admission: adults, $5; children & Students, $3. Hours: 11a.m.-4p.m., thursday-Sunday, Labor Day to Memorial Day. call to confirm hours and check on coViD protocols.

oswego Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation located off the coast of oswego. it was built in 1934 to replace an earlier light constructed in 1880. it stands at the end of a 2,000-foot-long breakwater at the mouth of the oswego river, extending .5 miles out onto Lake ontario. the H. Lee White Museum (listed above) offers Lighthouse Boat tours; call for schedule and booking details, 315-342-0480.