Oswego, NY – The Clever Boater

Location

Region: The Canals
Latitude: 43.4533° N
Longitude: -76.50823° W
Waterway Guide: Oswego, NY

Destination: Oswego, NY

On the south shore of Lake Ontario, Oswego is a bustling port situated off the Oswego Canal, which, along with the Erie Canal, links the Great Lakes to the Hudson River. Many boaters cruise through Oswego en route to their destinations, and all of them appreciate the hospitality and amenities Oswego has to offer. Oswego (Iroquois for “flowing out”) has a rich heritage affected by the influence of Iroquois Indians, French and British armies, several wars, the Erie and Oswego canals, the Underground Railroad, and a Holocaust refugee camp.

For many Loopers, it is the last stop in the USA before crossing Lake Ontario into Canada, and then either heading to Kingston, ON, or continuing on to the Trent-Severn Waterway. Oswego Harbor is a very popular location for mast stepping and unstepping among sailboaters. For those heading into the United States from Canada, it is a common Port of Entry.

Oswego is split into North and South by the Oswego River and the Oswego Canal. The marinas in Oswego, and tie-up walls on the Oswego Canal, are on the North side, with the main section of the city on the South side. There are two road bridges and a pedestrian bridge that crosses the canal and river, making access to either side of town easy.

Where To Eat

I will start by noting that many restaurants in Oswego are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so please call before visiting.

On the North side of Oswego, within easy walking distance of either the marina or the Oswego Canal Lock Wall mooring area, there are several great choices. Dockside Bar & Grill, located at the Best Western (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), is situated right on the river and offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating. Directly across the street and open 7 days a week is The Press Box, a burger and sandwich spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a nice bar. It’s been our go-to spot on both of our visits.

Also within an easy walk is a Subway sandwich shop, Food Chow City, a Chinese restaurant, and Azteca Mexican Grill. We haven’t eaten at any of these but the Azteca was recommended by one of the marina staff.

Slightly closer to the mooring wall, also on the east side, is Oswego Tea Company Cafe and Bakery, open Thursday through Sunday, and is primarily a breakfast spot.

On the west side of Oswego, in the downtown area, there are more options. Birdie Manor (closed on Sundays) is located in an old mill building and offers a menu featuring steaks, seafood, and pasta. If you are staying on the mooring wall, it’s just across the footbridge. Also, just at the end of the footbridge, are Dunkin’ and PJ’s Ice Cream. On the East side of 1st Street in town is The Red Sun Fire Roasting Company, a slightly higher-end restaurant serving American cuisine. Next door to Red Sun is Nora’s Oswego, a cafe serving excellent sandwiches, salads, and soups. Bistro 197 is another higher-end restaurant with seafood, steaks, and pasta.

On the West side of 1st Street (split by Bridge Street), you will find D.P. Dough, a pizza and calzone shop (open 4 pm to 4 am!).

On Water Street, right at the South end of the Bridge Street Bridge, is Old City Hall, a Brewery with a Bar & Grill serving the typical pub fare. Just down the street from there is Riverwalk Bagel, serving breakfast, and Riverwalk Pizza, another pizza choice. And, finally, one block up on 2nd Street is Maria’s Family Restaurant, a local favorite for breakfast and lunch (Open 7 am to 2 pm, 7 days a week).

There are other choices a little farther afield, but these are the main eateries near the marinas.

Shopping Therapy

Oswego is not a shopping mecca. There is a Super Walmart on the North side, just over a mile from the marinas, as well as Aldi and Price Chopper grocery stores, PetSmart, Walgreens pharmacy, Lowes Home Improvement, and Harbor Freight, all in the same general area.

In the downtown area, there is Wayne Drug, a typical local pharmacy, and our favorite stop, Man in the Moon Candies. We also found Murdock’s Bicycles & Sports, which was very helpful with a part for my bike.

Also, just up the hill from the Oswego Harbor Marina is Burke’s Do It Best Home Center, which is primarily a lumber yard but also offers a decent selection of hardware, plumbing supplies, and tools if you need to make a quick fix on your boat.

Getting Around On Shore

You can walk and bike to most of the destinations described. I checked, and there was limited Lyft and Uber service, mostly in the late morning and early evening, as well as local taxi service. There is a bus service between the local communities, but it’s not very convenient for going to the Walmart area.

Keeping Entertained

Fort Ontario State Historic Site – A star-shaped fort that was built for the War of 1812, and later used as a Holocaust refugee camp. We found it very interesting and highly recommend a visit.
Safe Haven Museum – Located next to Fort Ontario, this museum provides more information about Oswego’s role as a refugee center for Holocaust survivors.
H. Lee White Maritime Museum – Is a maritime museum in an old freight house on a pier displaying historic boats & nautical artifacts.
West Pierhead Lighthouse – As you enter or exit Oswego Harbor, you will pass the lighthouse. It is associated with the H.Lee White Maritime Museum and is open for tours.
Children’s Museum of Oswego (CMOO) – Located downtown, right at the south end of the Bridge St bridge.
Richardson Bates House Museum – Situated in Oswego’s historic east side, the Richardson-Bates House Museum invites you to step foot into an authentic, Victorian-era mansion.
Oswego 7 – Movie cinema in the heart of downtown.
Want to learn more about Oswego’s history while getting some exercise? Visit the Oswego Maritime Trail, which features a variety of historic sites and landmarks. Part of the trail crosses the Oswego Canal and River on the old railroad trestle, which is part of a rails-to-trails project. If you walk on the north side of the river (near the canal moorings), the trail passes through a tunnel under some houses, which is very interesting.

Getting There

There are only two routes to Oswego by boat. Either by way of the Oswego Canal from the Erie Canal, or from Lake Ontario, either from the St. Lawrence Seaway, the 1000 Islands area, Clayton, NY, Sackets Harbor, NY, or across the lake from Toronto, Kingston, or the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Marinas and Anchorages

Oswego Canal Between Locks 7 & 8 – This is a very popular spot along the canal wall. Closer to Lock 8, the wall is very rough and there are only bollards, no cleats or rings. Closer to Lock 7, the wall smoothes out, and there are cleats and railings. No power or water is available, but it is free and provides easy access to town. First Come, First Served. Also, if there is wind from the North, it’s much more protected than down in the river or the harbor area, where waves from Lake Ontario can make it very bouncy.
Dockside Bar & Grill – This face dock, located in front of the Best Western Hotel, has room for approximately 5 boats. There are several power pedestals located on the floating dock at the far northern end of the hotel. It can be bouncy if a north wind is coming off the lake. Phone: 315-343-5050
Oswego Harbor Marina – This is our favorite place to stay. They offer Diesel, Gas, and Pumpout services. Clean and secure bathrooms and showers. Be sure to reserve well in advance as this marina fills up quickly. Phone: 315-342-0436.
Wright’s Landing Marina – This marina is on the northwestern side of Oswego Harbor near the Maritime Museum and is run by the City of Oswego. There are bathrooms and showers. They offer pumpout but no fuel. It is well protected by the harbor’s seawall. Phone: 315-343-8430