North Country Attractions & Events

Between the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River, and on both sides of the border, there are plenty of things to see and do around the north country.

Destinations

Canada

  • Ottawa: Canada’s capital has a wealth of activities, attractions and things to do. Website
  • Upper Canada Village: Discover Upper Canada Village, and step back in time over 130 years to experience life in a bustling 1860s community. 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg ON K0C 1X0; 1-800-437- 2233; Website
  • Prescott: Visit the town of Prescott Website for more information on Events and Area Attractions: Website
  • St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival: 2011 Sandra S. Lawn Harbour. (613) 925-5788 ;Website
  • Brockville: Hometown charm, world class business. Website
  • Fort Wellington:vFort Wellington was built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route between Montreal and Kingston from possible attack by the United States. 1-877-737-3783; Website

Canton

  • St. Lawrence University: St. Lawrence University, a leading liberal arts college of inspiring faculty, serious students and accomplished alumni. Romoda Drive, Canton Website
  • Brush Gallery Website
  • SLU Theatre: SUNY Canton: Northern New York’s two- and four-year college for technology, health, management and public service. 34 Cornell Drive, Canton (315) 386-7011; 1-800-388-7123; Website
  • St. Lawrence County Historical Society Silas Wright House: 3 Main Street, Canton(315) 386-8133; Website
  • Upstairs Galleries: 67 Main Street, Canton, New York, 13167; (315) 379-9526
  • TAUNY (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York) Gallery: 53 Main Street, Canton, New York 13617; (315) 386-4289; Website

Massena

  • Massena Power Project: The Moses-Saunders Power Dam spanning the St. Lawrence River between the U.S. and Canada can produce more than 900,000 kilowatts of electricity, more than enough to light a city the size of Washington, D.C.
  • The Frank S. McCullough, Jr. Hawkins Point Visitors Center and Boat Launch offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and state-of-the-art hands-on exhibits.Website
  • St. Lawrence Center: Shop any of the over 55 stores, including a year-round ice arena. 6100 St. Lawrence Centre, Massena, New York, 13662; 315-764-1001; Website
  • The Massena Aluminum Historical Association: The Massena Aluminum Historical Association preserves the aluminum heritage of Massena and honors the people in the industry by the collection of aluminum and printed materials. 200 East Orvis Street (rear wing) Massena Website
  • The Akwesasne Cultural Center and Library: The Akwesasne Cultural Center began with the founding of a library in 1971, in order to curb the dropout rate in the community. In 1972, cultural classes started and donations to the center began the museum collections. The board of directors, and the staff of the library and museum are Akwesasne Mohawk community members. 321 State Route 37, Hogansburg, New York 13655 Website
  • Seaway Locks: The Seaway system is connected by 6 short canals with a total length of less than 60 nautical miles. There are 19 locks, filled and emptied by gravity.
  • Mohawk Casino: The north country’s favorite playground. 873 State Route 37, Hogansburg (Akwesasne), New York, 13655; 1-877-992-2746 Website
  • Mohawk Bingo Palace: 202 State Route 37, Hogansburg (Akwesasne), New York, 13655; (518) 358-9161; Website
  • Nature Center at Robert Moses State Park: The Nature Center is located at Robert Moses State Park along the St. Lawrence River in Massena. The park is one of 28 in the 1000 Island State Park Region and consists of more than 2300 acres. (315) 769-8663 Website

Ogdensburg

  • Remington Museum: The mission of the Frederic Remington Art Museum is to collect, exhibit, preserve and interpret the art and archives of Frederic Remington. Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington Street, Ogdensburg; (315) 393-2425 Website
  • Remington Arts Festival, Last Weekend in September
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral: 415 Hamilton Street, Ogdensburg, New York 13669; (315) 393-3930; Website
  • Bridge to Canada: Ogdensburg Command Performances George Hall Auditorium
  • Ogdensburg Free Academy: 1100 State Street, Ogdensburg, New York 13669; (315) 393-2625 Website
  • Edgar A. Newell II Memorial Golden Dome: 1100 State Street, Ogdensburg, New York 13669; (315) 393-5320
  • Fort La Présentation at Lighthouse Point: Site of 18th century French Fort. Commerce Street, Ogdensburg, New York 13669; Website
  • Founder’s Day, Founder’s Day weekend – French and Indian War reenactments

Potsdam

St. Lawrence Seaway

Clayton

  • Clayton Arena
  • Annual Decoy & Wildlife Art Show & Auction
  • The Antique Boat Museum: 750 Mary Street, Clayton, NY 13624; (315) 686-4104; Website
  • Antique Boat Show – first weekend in August

Attractions

General

  • Amish: Amish life is rooted in agriculture, but one finds a variety of cottage manufacturing and retail industries, These communities illustrate how diverse the Amish are in the 21st century, for they differ in a variety of ways, including the German dialect they speak at home, the style of clothing they wear, the approved haircut for boys, and the type of buggy they drive.
  • The Arts: Visits galleries, artist studios, enjoy concerts, theater, and a multitude of art and arts events in the North Country. Visit the St. Lawrence County Arts Council Website for more information.
  • Antiques: Antiques abound from the intriguing small shops to wonderful country auctions there are many places to explore. Dekalb Junction is the self-proclaimed Antiques Capital of St. Lawrence County – visit and judge for yourself.
  • Boat Tours: Water is the way for many people. With more than 200 lakes, rivers and ponds in St. Lawrence County, boating is an enjoyable spring, summer and fall activity. A few boat tours are available for visitors who do not have their own boat in tow. The two main tours are both located on the St. Lawrence River.
  • Lake St. Lawrence Boat Tours/Artworks Gallery: 2 Main St., Waddington
  • Morristown Tour Boat Lines: 375-8213
  • Professional Go-Cart Racing:  NY race Complex in Morristown,  just minutes from our property.
  • Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Collegiate Sports

  • Clarkson University: Clarkson students can compete in 14 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, while the men’s and women’s hockey squads participate in Division I. Many of Clarkson’s teams have participated in postseason play both in the ECAC and NCAA tournaments.
  • Clarkson Athletics Website
    • Men’s: Alpine Ski, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, Nordic Ski, Soccer, Swimming
    • Women’s: Alpine Ski, Basketball, Cross Country, Hockey, Lacrosse, Nordic Ski, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball
  • St. Lawrence University: St. Lawrence Athletics Website
    • Men’s: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Riding, Skiing-Alpine, Skiing-Nordic, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track/ Field
    • Women’s: Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Riding, Skiing-Alpine, Skiing-Nordic, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track/Field, Volleyball
  • SUNY Canton: SUNY Canton Athletics Website: Completing its inaugural year as a four-year athletic program, SUNY Canton is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a competes in the Sunrise Conference.
    • Men’s: Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball.
    • Women’s: Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Softball.
  • SUNY Potsdam: SUNY Potsdam Athletics Website: Teams participate in the NCAA at the Division III level; member of the SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
    • Men’s basketball team is considered a Division III powerhouse, captured two national championships and achieved a two-year, 60 game winning streak.
    • Men’s: Cross Country, Equestrian, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Volleyball.
    • Women’s: Basketball, Cross Country, Equestrian, Golf, Hockey Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Volleyball.

Recreation

  • Golf: St. Lawrence County features 15 golf courses from par three to meticulously groomed challenging courses along the St. Lawrence River. Most of the courses open as spring arrives in late April or May and remain open through early fall. Details
  • Fishing: Wherever you are in St. Lawrence County, great fishing is only minutes away. From the foothills of the Adirondacks to the St. Lawrence River, the North Country offers fishing opportunities for everyone. Dozens of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams offer peaceful surroundings, a variety of species, strong fish populations, and good public access. Despite the outstanding fishing, though, county waters receive relatively light angling pressure. Details
  • Biking: One thing the North Country certainly doesn’t lack for are back roads and wooded trails that are perfect for short or long bicycle rides. Choose from leisurely road trips or challenging mountain bike rides. Biking is a great way to both exercise and see the area up close. Details
  • Camping: Whether your idea of camping is pulling the RV into a space with modern amenity hook-ups, or roughing it with a tent and nature, St. Lawrence County offers something for everyone. Get away from it all or make an active visit filled with festivals, fun and attractions. Details
  • Canoeing: Canoeing in St. Lawrence County At one time the small rivers of the North Country were the focus of commerce. Today, the rivers are quiet, the surviving mills are no longer the center of activity. Few if any other areas can offer so many rivers with such easy and numerous access points. Details
  • St. Lawrence Co Kayaking: 769 Peabody Rd, Gouverneur Website
  • Cross-Country Skiing: Cross-Country Skiiing Once the snow hits the ground every trail turns into a cross country skiing trail. Find access here
  • Horseback Riding: A & J Riding Stable, 342 County Route 1 Hammond 324-6042
  • Spencer Valley Farm: 28925 Rogers Road, Redwood 783-4339
  • Running
  • Nature Center Wildlife Refuges: The Robert Moses State Park Nature Center located on Barnhart Island State Park offers an interpretive museum, mounted and live animals, a touch room, two classrooms and a warming room with a fireplace. 10 miles of trails are available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent. Website
  • At Fish Creek Nature Center near of Black Lake. Almost 100 acres of softwoodand 93 acres of open grassland. Expect to see a variety of birds, whitetail deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, grouse, as well as waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, mink and otter.
  • State DEC or Details

Seasonal Events

Spring

  • Maple Sugaring Season: A sure sign of spring is the sight and smell of the “sugaring” season. Throughout St. Lawrence County, visitors can see maple syrup being made from sap. New York State ranks third for maple syrup production with more than a third of the state’s syrup coming from St. Lawrence, Lewis, and Jefferson counties. Details
  • Norwood Village Green Concerts – May – August: Free outdoor concert series held at the the Norwood village green from the first Thursday after Memorial Day until the first Sunday in August. Event presents variety of noted and local performers. Website
  • Gas and Steam Exhibition, Madrid – June: The St. Lawrence Power Museum offers two special weekends in the spring and fall geared toward lovers of old gas and steam powered engines and the old-time days on the farm. Website
  • College Lacrosse: College Athletics websites are listed at the bottom of the page
  • College Baseball: College Athletics websites are listed at the bottom of the page

Summer

  • Madrid Bluegrass River Festival – June: Three day festival of bluegreass music held the last weekend in June in Madrid Website
  • Ogdensburg Seaway Festival – July: Week-long celebration of life on the St. Lawrence River, capped by a huge parade the second Saturday.Details
  • Potsdam Summer Festival – July: Live music, crafs, antique car show, Local Heroes Parade, side walk sales, vendors selling special goods and more. Website
  • Fort la Présentation Founder’s Day Weekend – July: See battle reenactments from the French and Indian (Seven Year’s) War at this colorful two-day event at the site of a French missionary fort built in the mid 1700s – a pivotal point in three wars. Website
  • St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament, Waddington – August: Carp Tournament is open to youth age 11-18 in this catch and release event. Held on the St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Waddington Details
  • St. Lawrence County/Gouverneur Fair – August: Ag displays, midway rides and games, food and family fun. Details

Fall

  • Gas and Steam Exhibition, Madrid – September: The St. Lawrence Power Museum offers two special weekends in the spring and fall geared toward lovers of old gas and steam powered engines and the old-time days on the farm. Website
  • Remington Arts Festival – September: Visitors can stroll back in time to the 1880s and enjoy artistic, musical and historical activities as conducted in the era of famed artist Frederic Remington, who was born and raised in the Canton, NY area. Details
  • Fall Foliage Tours: Fall color is striking throughout the area and no-where more so than in the northwestern Adirondack Mountains. Details
  • College Football: College Athletics websites are listed at the bottom of the page

Winter