Jefferson County: History, Boats and Nature

Jefferson County offers reasons to visit that go far beyond a single vacation theme: discover history at a historic site and in museums, and enjoy boating experiences ranging from rowing to speedboat rides. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing, a lighthouse where the lake meets the river, and whitewater on the Black River. Which vacation rental suits your plans also depends on which of these experiences interests you most.

History at Historic Sites

Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site was the scene of two battles during the War of 1812 and covers 70 acres. The grounds include a National Recreation Trail, as well as guided and self-guided interpretive programs. Tours explore the restored 1850 Navy Yard and the Commandant’s House. This gives you the chance to learn about the historic site through both a specific building and its interpretive offerings.

The Jefferson County Historical Society also focuses on the county’s history: founded in 1886, it interprets that history through a museum, archives and exhibitions. Its museum is housed in the 1870s Paddock Mansion. For a closer look at the history of a particular place, the Cape Vincent Historical Museum offers another focus. It presents the history of Cape Vincent in one of the town’s oldest buildings, which once housed soldiers during the War of 1812.

The Tibbetts Point Lighthouse offers a striking combination of architecture and landscape. It was built in 1827 where Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River meet. It is the oldest lighthouse in Jefferson County and has the only original, operational Fresnel lens still in its original condition on Lake Ontario. Robert G. Wehle State Park offers a different scale along the lakeshore: it covers 1,100 acres and has more than 17,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline.

Boats, Wildlife and Whitewater

The Antique Boat Museum offers several different ways to experience the world of boats and islands: visitors can row a St. Lawrence Skiff in French Bay, tour George Boldt’s 1904 two-story houseboat, or take speedboat rides through the islands. The museum’s collection includes more than 300 preserved antique and classic boats. This brings active experiences on the water together with a look at historic watercraft.

Zoo New York focuses on the ecosystems of New York State. Conservation, education, scientific research and recreation are central to its mission. Offerings include programs about native species, animal encounters and guided tours with animal keepers. Animals you can see there include wolverines, black bears, eagles, cougars, Canada lynx and gray wolves. This offers a very different focus from the history and technology of boats: here, the emphasis is on animal species and their habitats.

For a more active day, the Black River offers whitewater trips between Watertown and Dexter. The route includes fourteen major rapids sections rated Class II to IV. River conditions vary, and schedules and availability may also differ. These details are especially important if you want to make the trip a fixed part of your travel plans.

Local Produce and Food & Drink

Saint Lawrence Spirits is an agricultural distillery on the St. Lawrence River. It produces small-batch spirits, including vodka, gin, absinthe, moonshine, whiskey and bourbon. The distillery uses 100 percent New York State grain for its moonshine, whiskey and bourbon; much of it is grown in Jefferson County. Tastings and craft cocktails are available in the tasting room in Clayton and at the on-site Saint Lawrence Spirits Château restaurant.

The 1000 Islands region offers another local perspective: visitors can buy agricultural products such as honey and maple syrup directly from participating producers. Old MacDonald’s Farm in Sackets Harbor offers opportunities to meet farm animals and learn about dairy farming. Participating businesses may change.

Choose a Vacation Rental to Suit Your Plans

First, consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: historic sites and exhibitions, boats, wildlife viewing, food and drink, or whitewater each offer a different focus. Search for a vacation rental based on the places that matter to your own plans. If a whitewater trip is part of your itinerary, take changing river conditions into account and check the schedule and availability.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Watertown, Evans Mills, Alexandria Bay, Carthage, Calcium, Sackets Harbor, Cape Vincent, Saratoga.

See the broader travel guide: New York.