Welcome to Northern New York!
Jefferson County is located in the northeast section of New York State at the juncture of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The County borders Lake Ontario on the West and the St. Lawrence River on the North. To the northeast is St. Lawrence; to the east, Lewis County; and the south, Oswego County.
Jefferson County is also located directly south of the Providence of Ontario, Canada. The St. Lawrence River and Hill Island are the dividing lines between the United States and Canada. The population of the County is well distributed among 22 towns, 20 incorporated villages, and one city.
The City of Watertown, the county seat, is centrally located on the Black River, 11 miles east of Lake Ontario, 22 miles south of the St. Lawrence River, with no part of the country being over 28 miles away. The county is also the home of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.
Syracuse, a major city in Central New York, is easily reached via I-81 in approximately one hour, a distance of 70 miles.
Below is a list of just a few of the fantastic options for activities you have available to you in the North Country.
WHITE WATER RAFTING AND KAYAKING: The Black River Gorge is the best summer whitewater run in the Eastern United States. Black River has enormous drainage coupled with numerous upstream reservoirs’, which guarantees dependable water levels every weekend throughout the summer. The Black features rapids (and lines through rapids) that appeal to even the expert boater. While and intermediate boater can negotiate the George by choosing sagacious lines and perhaps an easy portage, advanced boaters will still discover a challenging run.
BOAT LAUNCH SITES AND RENTALS: Several facilities are located along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St, Lawrence River. Call the Chamber or the Thousand Islands International Council at 1-800-8-ISLAND for specific information.
FISHING: Major Fishing Tournaments occur every season in the Eastern Lake Ontario and Thousand Islands Region. Major sport fishing species include small mouth and large mouth bass, lake trout, salmon, walleye and muskellunge. Call the fishing hotline for the week's hot spots at 782-2663. For information about licenses, fees and seasons, call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (315) 785-2262.
CHARTER FISHING: There are dozens of fishing guides in the area who offer charters for every type of fishing. For a list of local Charter captains, call the Thousand Islands International Council at 1-800-8-ISLAND.
CAMPING: There are 42 campgrounds in the area, both state and private. Most offer both tent and improved sites. For lists of parks and general information, call the Greater Watertown North-Country Chamber of Commerce or the Thousand Islands International Council, 1-800-8-ISLAND. For reservation information about State Parks, call Keeywaydin State Park (315) 482-2593.
HIKING, BIKING & SKIING: The area offers many trails of varying difficulty. Several trails are dual-purpose: used for hiking and biking in the warm months and for cross-country skiing in the winter. Dry Hill Ski Area offers downhill skiing on beginner and advance trails. The NYS Tug Hill Commission has a guide to these resources, as well as fishing in the area. They are available at Greater Watertown North-Country Chamber of Commerce.
GOLF: Fourteen public golf courses in the area, both 9 and 18 holes. Call Greater Watertown North-Chamber of Commerce at (315) 788-4400 for more information.
PARKS: Watertown has one main park with three smaller parks and numerous playgrounds located around the city. Thompson Park, the main park located on Pinnacle Hill was donated to the City by John C. Thompson at the turn of the century. It now includes 513 acres of land at the southeast edge of the city. The Thompson Park Conservancy had undertaken a major renovation at the Zoo. It is now the home to animal’s, which are native to the North Country. A public swimming pool, tennis courts, exercise trail, playground and an 18 hole private golf course are also located at Thompson Park. While there is a charge to visit the Zoo and to use the golf course, other facilities are open to the public free of charge. For information, call Watertown Parks and Recreation at (315) 785-7775.
Twenty-one State Parks are located in the Greater Watertown area. Almost all offer camping for a fee. Most offer swimming on Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River. Although walk-ins are accepted based on availability, reservations are suggested. Fore information call Keewaydin State Park (315) 482-2593.
PUBLIC POOLS: Three public pools are located in the City of Watertown; one in Thompson Park, one at the Fairgrounds on Coffeen Street and the third, William J. Flynn Pool, is on Division Street in the northeast section of the city. There is also a public pool in the Recreation Park in the village of Clayton.
MUSEUMS: Two are located in Watertown, Jefferson County Historical Society and Sci-Tech Center, which offers interactive exhibits of a scientific nature. Several other museums in the area feature Antique Boats, Maple Syrup, the War of 1812 and the works of Fredrick Remington. Call (315) 788-4400 for further information.
HUNTING: There are several thousands acres of State land available in Jefferson County to hunt both big and small game. For information about licensing and fees, call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at (315) 785-2440.
TENNIS: Outdoor Courts are available to the public at Thompson Park, Watertown High School, North Elementary School and Immaculate Heart Central School. Jefferson Community College courts may at times be available for public use. Call the College at (315) 786-2200. Indoor courts are available at Gold's Gym.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Royal Stables in Adams Center at (315) 583-6429. Lucky Star Estate in Chaumont, NY at 649-5519 and North Star Stables in Chaumont, NY at (315) 649-3500.
ZOO'S: Two zoos are located in Jefferson County: The zoo at Thompson Park in Watertown and Old McDonald's Children's Village in Sackets Harbor.
ATTRACTIONS: Among the many things to do in Jefferson County, our featured attractions include: Boldt Castle, Thousand Islands International Bridge, Natural Bridge Caverns, Antique Boat Museum, Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Champagne Balloon Adventures, Fredrick Remington Art Museum, NNY Agricultural Historical Museum at Stone Mills.
For information on any of these recreational activities, contact the Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce at (315) 788-4400 or visit their website.
