The Fort Rickey Children's Discovery Zoo is located nine miles north of Verona via Highways 31 and 46. Over 30 species are exhibited from around the world. Focus is on interaction with animals through a petting zoo, maternity ward, pony rides, animal shows and staff presentations. Recreational facilities includes a children's play area with ball crawl, tunnels, slides, pedal boat rides, water play, inflatables and a club house.
Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Seasons passes, group rates and seniors discounts are available. The site is wheelchair accessible. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May through September. A Fall Fun Festival runs weekends-only late September through October, with pumpkin painting, wagon rides, a hay bale maze and more.
Fort Rickey Children's Discovery Zoo
5135 Rome-New London Road
Rome, NY
315-336-1930
fortrickey.com
Located on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, Verona Beach State Park is a 20-minute drive west of Verona via Highway 31, turning right at Highway 13. The park presents year-round recreational opportunities in a diverse aquatic habitat that includes the lake, Black Creek, hardwood swamps and cattail marshes.
Activities include swimming, biking, horseback riding, fishing and ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Eastern sections offer seasonal hunting for waterfowl, small game and deer in season. Park facilities offer a beach, bridle path, pavilions, campsites with full RV hookup, nature trails and concessions. Firewood is available for purchase.
Verona Beach State Park
Box 245
Verona Beach, NY 13162
315-762-4463
nysparks.state.ny.us
The Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site is a 20-minute drive northeast from Verona on Highway 365, taking the NY-69 E exit south of Rome. The site is a memorial to the Battle of Oriskany, known as "Bloody Oriskany", a significant turning point in the War of Independence.
A trail system with appropriate signage offers play-by-play markers recounting events during the battle fought August 6, 1777. The park offers educational and group tours, hiking, a museum and picnic areas with scenic views. Open May to October.
Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site
7801 State Route 69
Oriskany, NY 13424
315-768-7224
nysparks.state.ny.us
