What to See & Do: Oswego & 1000 Islands

Fort Ontario State Historic Site
Step into the haunting history of Fort Ontario, the revered "Guardian of the Northern Frontier." Constructed in 1839 atop remnants dating back to the French and Indian War, this star-shaped bastion witnessed the demise of countless soldiers and civilians. Their lingering spirits are said to manifest in eerie phenomena—mysterious lights and ethereal melodies, the visage of a woman glimpsed in an upper window, and the plaintive cries of a ghostly child searching for his beloved feline companion. Bring your ghost-hunting team to explore or take a guided tour, by appointment. 

Located In Oswego, NY. Step back into the present with a fast-paced night at the Oswego Speedway! The “steel palace” hosts small Block, 350, and Big Block super-modifieds on Saturday nights from May-September. Over Labor Day weekend, the Speedway hosts the Budweiser International Classic and then transforms into a dirt track each October for NAPA Super DIRT Week.

Haunted Oswego Tour
Trek through the streets of Oswego and hear about the spectral residents that haunt the tunnels, homes and businesses of the Port City. From ghosts influencing renovations to one making daytime appearances, these tales are intriguing for paranormal enthusiasts of all ages. This 90-minute tour begins at dusk and takes place May-October. 

Located in Oswego, NY. Take a different kind of tour when you visit the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, one of the foremost attractions in the area found on the coast of downtown Oswego. Hosted by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, this boat tour highlights the long heritage of the lighthouse and the role it still plays as an active aid-to-navigation for Lake Ontario sailors. Boat tours run from mid-June to September each year.

Casey’s Cottage at Mexico Point State Park
Casey’s Cottage underwent a remarkable transformation into a medieval manor under the stewardship of Dr. William C. Casey, but following his passing in 1978, the cottage lay abandoned for years until its recent restoration. Local lore speaks of a tragic tale—a young woman buried beneath a tree on the property, with witnesses encountering her ghostly apparition and hearing cries for help near the lake. Reports of spectral sightings, moving furniture, and inexplicable phenomena further enhance the allure. Ghost hunts, tours, and investigations are available by appointment.

Located in Mexico, NY. A six-minute drive from Casey’s Cottage, stop by Derby Hill Bird Observatory, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The observatory covers 57 acres of land, which includes several hiking trails in Oswego County and multiple bird viewing spots. The official hawk viewing season is March through May for the most popular birds to spot, but the center is open year-round and bird watching changes based on the season.

Starr Clark Tin Shop and Underground Railroad Museum
Renowned as a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, this refurbished premises now house compelling exhibits and artifacts showcasing its abolitionist legacy. Paranormal investigators have deemed the site as "highly intriguing," with witnesses recounting encounters of shadows, disembodied voices, and eerie sensations of being touched. This location is open by appointment only, so call ahead to uncover the stories that await.

Located in Mexico, NY. Book a night at Tailwater Lodge, a premier hotel resort located just 20-minutes from Starr Clark, along The Salmon River in Upstate New York. The lodge features updated accommodations, a restaurant and bar, spa, woodshed gift shop, and four season fishing and recreation for visitors.

The Paddock Mansion
The Paddock Mansion, erected in 1878, once belonged to Olive and Edwin Paddock, prominent figures in Watertown's history. Now serving as the Jefferson County Historical Society, it harbors more than just artifacts. Legend has it that Olive's spirit roams the halls, and locals claim to have seen figures in the upper bedroom window and front parlor, adding to the mansion's eerie aura. With its mysterious atmosphere, the Paddock Mansion has become a hotspot for local paranormal investigators.

Located in Watertown, NY. Visit in the spring, summer or fall, and get up close and personal with the Black River through a white-water rafting adventure! Located just a four-minute walk from the Paddock Mansion and historical society lies several tour companies offering whitewater experiences. The river includes 14 sets of challenging rapids rated Class III and IV.

Thompson Park Vortex
Within this beautiful park in Watertown lies a chilling secret: a time vortex shrouded in mystery. Whispers among locals speak of a haunting phenomenon, where unsuspecting wanderers are whisked away to another location within the park's boundaries. Witnesses swear that the spot of this sinister portal shifts and wavers, evading capture and leaving those who stumble upon it in a state of perplexed dread. Dare you venture into its depths and risk becoming lost in time forevermore?

Located in Watertown, NY. Also at Thompson Park, visit Zoo New York, the world’s only zoo dedicated to New York’s wild animals and wild places. Located in the heart of the historic park, the Zoo works to conserve nature in the Empire State through science-based natural and cultural experiences. Animals include wolverines, black bears, eagles, mountain lions, Canada lynx, grey wolves and more.

“This project is supported through the Tourism Matching Funds program, administered by Empire State Development and I Love NY, New York’s Division of Tourism.”

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