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Oswego County made its unique mark in the history of New York State and America due to its strategic location on Lake Ontario and the waterways that emptied into the Great Lake. The area has been a destination since the days of the Native American tribes who once used the land and water in everyday life. The first European explorers arrived in the 16th century and discovered the wealth of natural resources the area had to offer in the infancy of the new world. The area first began to develop in the early 18th century when it served as a military post on the American border. The importance of the area can be seen through the history of the three major forts built in Oswego during this time. The British built forts here seeking to maintain control of this important region. Fort Ontario still remains today as a monument of the important military history of this region.

Oswego:

Fulton:

Pulaski:

Mexico:

Four seasons of fun:

No matter what time of the year it is, it’s never hard to find something fun to do in Oswego County. Within our borders, you’ll find sandy beaches, vast forests, white water rivers and serene lakes, and some of the most spectacular fishing in the Northeast.

The waters and tributaries of eastern Great Lake Ontario lure both veteran and novice anglers with species such as walleye, coho and chinook salmon, steelhead and brown trout.

During a typical spring migration, 40,000 hawks may pass over Derby Hill Bird Observatory in Mexico. In the spring of 1995, a world-record 19,531 red-tailed hawks were counted between March and May.

Salmon River Fish Hatchery is the major stocking source of several strains of salmon and trout for Lakes Ontario and Erie.The hatchery is open to the public from April through November.

Oneida Lake Fish Cultural Station is the largest walleye hatchery in the U.S. It is open to the public from April through September.

Rice Creek Field Station is located to the south of SUNY Oswego’s campus. The building is used for research and teaching of biological and earth science. The grounds also provide nature trails, as well as forests, ponds, and streams. The facility features a 7,600 square-ft. main building and an observatory with a 12.5-inch telescope.

Derby Hill Bird Observatory is one of the premier hawk watches in the Northeastern United States.

There are nearly 100 hiking trails within Oswego County. You can find them in State Parks and State Forests, as well as within the cities of Oswego and Fulton.

The Leadership Oswego County program explores community trusteeship, leadership skills, current issues and networking with a diverse group of community residents. Graduates of the program are better prepared to serve the community in the roles of board member, citizen, employee or volunteer with organizations that serve Central New York.

There are many volunteer opportunities in Oswego County, whether your passion is animals, people, nature or history.