Make some history this weekend.

From the War of 1812 battle sites to the barracks where a young Ulysses Grant spent two tours as a junior Army officer, this day plan is built for those who want to jump right into history.     

• Print or download your tour map.
• Start your day with coffee and some baked treats from Chrissy Beanz Bakery. 
• Get a feel for the town by exploring the village’s Bicentennial Trail on foot. These footpaths connect directly to Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, creating a six-mile flat walk. In the park, you’ll find costumed interpreters, a restored 1850s Navy shipyard, and a visitor center housing one of the best book selections related to the War of 1812 available anywhere. 
• The Great Lakes Seaway Trail. New York's 454-mile stretch of the Seaway Trail borders Great Lakes Erie and Ontario as well as the Saint Lawrence River. It carries visitors through an exciting and eclectic array of large towns, quaint villages, picturesque bays, and rolling farmland. Harbors, lighthouses, fishing, wildlife, and history all contribute to the trail.
• If you venture a bit further, you’ll find the Army’s former Madison Barracks Administration Building, now operating as the Marina Inn and Suites and Madison Barracks Marina. Some of these historic buildings date back to the War of 1812.
• Other museums in the area include:
  • Sackets Harbor Historical Society Museum offers materials for a self-guided tour of the town's architecture.
  • Pickering-Beach Museum, which offers a peek into the lives of families living in Sackets Harbor across the centuries.
  • 10th Mountain Division & Fort Drum Museum. The museum covers the history of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum. It starts with the native peoples and covers the arrival of the U.S. Army into the North Country of New York.
  • Jefferson County Historical Society. The Society is housed in the historic Paddock Mansion in Watertown, NY. Built in 1876, the mansion contains Paddock family and local history exhibits.
• If you head out of town, there are quirky historical sites to explore, like Robert G. Wehle State Park. The area was long a rifle range and artillery training ground for recruits from regional military installations. But in the latter half of the 20th century, it was owned by the Wehle family, owners of the Genesee Brewing Company, who used it to raise Hereford cattle, breed English pointers, and pursue an artistic calling in sculpture. In fact, visitors can see how many dog statues they can find during their visit.
• On the way back, stop for a delicious lunch or dinner at the Cherry Tree Inn.

Enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!

• Print or download your tour map. 
• Kick off the day with breakfast at Nu Pier Restaurant, where you can choose from five varieties of pancakes.
• Parents and kids alike will love a trip to Wescott Beach State Park on nearby Henderson Bay, which boasts a long sandy beach, playground, and plenty of walking trails. 
• If you’d rather sit down for a meal, grab a gourmet pie at Goodfellas Pizzeria. Enjoy great outdoor seating in good weather.
• Keep the kids active and engaged with a visit to:
  • Old McDonald’s Farm, which has friendly animals, hayrides, mini golf, fresh produce, and more.
  • Fun on the Run, an arcade in the Salmon Run Mall.
  • New York State Zoo at Thompson Park in Watertown, which specializes in animals native to the Empire State.
• Outdoorsy families can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to explore the Black River at B.O.B. Rafting.
• Stop off for ice cream at Strader’s Saturdays, Sundaes & More where you’ll have to choose between delicious flavors of hard scoop and soft serve.
• If you’re hungry for dinner with a view, check out the Sackets Boathouse Restaurant and Bar. From a reasonably priced kids’ menu to craft cocktails and beer, there’s something for the whole family. Closed during the winter.

From antiques to boutiques, we’ve pulled together a plan for historical fun and lasting memories.

• Print or download your tour map.
• Start your day with great coffee drinks and breakfast at The Sandwich Bar.
• A stroll down through downtown will give you plenty of options for retail goodness, including:
  • Handmaiden’s Garden, which features Sackets Soapworks and Tea Thyme shopping areas.
• If you’re open to traveling a little farther afield in search of gourmet bites to bring home, consider the Cheese Store in Watertown or Di Silvestro & Sons Cheese Shop in Adams.
• Wrap up your day with a visit to the Sackets Harbor Brewing Company, one of New York’s first microbreweries, for dinner in the brewpub. Be sure to try the signature 1812 Ale!

Sackets Harbor is teeming with beautiful vistas and charming character, perfect for connecting with your better half. Or take your relationship to the next level with a real outdoor adventure.

• Print or download your tour map.
• Grab some breakfast and stop in at the Sackets Harbor Arts Center. Browse the gallery and gift shop or see if there is an appealing arts class.
• Consider getting out on the water with a charter journey from Sail Ontario. A sunset cruise on the lake is a breathtaking experience.
• The site may have begun its life as a horse farm in the early 1800s, but today the Yellow Barn Winery is serving up red, white, and blush wines in a peaceful setting.
• Enjoy a romantic and delicious dinner at The Barracks Inn. Be sure to save room for their delicious array of desserts!
• If you’re visiting for a summer weekend, bring a blanket out to the Memorial Grove at Sackets Harbor Battlefield for the Sackets Harbor Historical Society’s free Summer Concerts on the Waterfront, held each Sunday afternoon.
• Spend an entire day with your hearts racing by booking a day-long rafting expedition with Whitewater Challengers, based out of nearby Dexter. Grab a bite at Diane’s Coffee Shop or Willie’s Bulldog Tavern beforehand, then spend about four hours on the rapids before wrapping up with a complimentary on-site barbecue.

Before you go

We’ve got some tips and advice for prepping for a visit to Sackets Harbor and surrounding areas, including hours, weather, accommodations, and directions – everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!     

• Check the weather so you know how to pack and what to wear.  
• Learn more about the Battle of Sackets Harbor and the War of 1812.
• Find a place to stay that makes it easy to see as much as possible. You can choose from two historic options downtown: the Marina Inn and Suites at Madison Barracks or Harbor House Inn, formerly a dog biscuit factory and dried fruit packing plant. There are also B&Bs, like the Jacob Brewster House, and plenty of nearby campgrounds, including Bedford Creek, for the outdoorsy.
• The Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation is an outstanding resource to help you plan the details of your trip to this exciting region famous for much more than its namesake salad dressing.