Syracuse was once a major stop along New York State's historic Erie Canal. While the canal no longer runs through the center of the city, it still exists in portions in the suburbs. Visitors looking to walk, cycle or run the towpath alongside the canal should head to Cedar Bay Park at the intersection of Burdick Street and Cedar Bay Road. A small museum is there (a much larger Erie Canal museum can be found on Erie Boulevard), and the towpath extends 30 miles to Rome, New York.
Cedar Bay Park
123 Kinne Road
Syracuse, NY 13057
eriecanal.org/OECSHP.html
Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a private institution located on University Hill overlooking downtown Syracuse. The college has several 19th-century Romanesque buildings as well as the Carrier Dome, the largest on-campus sports facility in the country. With 13 schools and colleges, Syracuse, or SU as it's commonly called, offers an open campus and numerous free or low-priced events happening daily. Marshal Street has long been the "go to" street on campus, with numerous eateries, spirit wear shops and bars.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-1870
syr.edu
One of the saltiest lakes in the world, Onondaga was a resort destination in the 19th century, with visitors coming from all over the world to bathe in its saline waters. A century of industrial pollution nearly ruined the lake, which has been making a comeback over the past few decades. Open for boating and catch-and-release fishing, the lake is home to several collegiate regattas. The Seneca River enters the lake at the north end and can be taken up to Lake Ontario.
Several museums are on the shores. The Salt Museum chronicles the history of salt production in the Syracuse area, while the French Fort is a replica of the original French outpost in the area. Visitors to the lake will want to stop in at Heids of Liverpool and enjoy what locals insist are the best hot dogs in the world.
onlakepartners.org
Located just outside of Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is a large wooded forest with a top-rated golf course designed by Trent Jones and two meromictic lakes. These rare lakes are distinctive because the top water and the bottom waters seldom mix, creating a brilliant blue-green color unique to this type of water body. With sandy swimming beaches, rowboat rental and miles of hiking trails, Green Lakes is a popular summer spot. For the truly intrepid, the Erie Canal towpath offers an exit to Green Lakes.
Green Lakes State Park
7900 Green Lakes Road
Fayetteville, NY 13066
(315) 637-6111
nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/172/details.aspx
Clinton Square in the heart of downtown Syracuse once sat along the banks of the Erie Canal as it made its way through the Salt City. The home of several commemorative monuments, Clinton Square becomes a winter wonderland from November to March each year, when the city turns the area into a large outdoor skating rink. Open in good weather, the rink offers inexpensive admission, and rentals are available. Skaters under 12 need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Clinton Square
Syracuse, NY 13201
(315) 423-0129
syracuse.ny.us/PARKS/clintonSquareRink.html
While a cemetery may not seem to be a common tourist destination, Oakwood Cemetery, located next to the Syracuse University campus, is a sight to behold. The 160 acres are punctuated by distinct and often bizarre mausoleums and headstones. Shrouded by a veil of dense oaks and pines, as well as ash, hickory and maple trees, the cemetery is a spooky place to visit, even in the daytime. Be sure to look for the Longstreet pyramid and the elaborate Green family and Gussman family mausoleums. Maps of the cemetery are available on-site for self-guided tours.
Oakwood Cemetery
940 Comstock Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210
(516) 665-0638
shadesofoakwood.com
