Things to Do along the Oswego Canal during the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal

Last updated on November 12, 2025.

Since the Erie Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, its the perfect time to acknowledge the legacy of its offshoots as well. Because there are several things to do along the Oswego Canal that are just as interesting and unique as the rest of the canal system. While the Erie Canal connected Albany through to Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, the Oswego Canal connected those cities to Lake Ontario and, subsequently, the St. Lawrence River.

This year I challenge you to journey along the Oswego Canal route, enjoying hiking trails, parks, and restaurants along the way.

The History of the Oswego Canal

The Oswego Canal originally began at the weighlock building in downtown Syracuse (now home to the Erie Canal Museum). But over time the path changed, now meeting the Erie Canal and the Oneida River at Three Rivers Point between Baldwinsville and Phoenix. While a distinct entity from the Oswego River, the Oswego Canal does incorporate the river into its path. But it is important to note that the canal has additional manmade components, including a series of locks.

The Oswego Canal was originally completed in 1828, meaning that it will be celebrating its own bicentennial in just three years. From its origin at Three Rivers Point, the Oswego Canal passes through Phoenix, Fulton, and Minetto, before spilling out into Lake Ontario in Oswego.

Erie Canal Canalway Challenge

For folks participating in the limited-time 200-mile Canalway Challenge, miles along the Oswego Canal count! Kayaking along the Oswego Canal is a great way to get miles, and if you paddle out and back, that’ll be 46 miles – a quarter of the total goal! (And yes, you can definitely break up the miles into shorter trips. Take as many trips as you need as you travel at the pace that is most comfortable for you.)

Interested in joining the challenge? Visit eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge to register and track your miles. It’s free! Available only through the end of 2025, participants who complete the 200-miler of walking, jogging, cycling, or boating along the Erie Canal can earn a commemorative 200 mile patch. In addition to the 200-miler, the other canalway challenges range from just 1 mile to the full 360 miles and are available every year.

Restaurants along the Oswego Canal

Lock 1 Distilling Company
Phoenix, NY

Lock 1 Distilling Company, named after the Oswego Canal lock it abuts, is the outcome of a trio of cousins who shared a passion for craft spirits. Brenden Backus, Stephen Dates, and Kevin Dates are proud to have established the first distillery in Oswego County since the Prohibition. As a designated NYS farm distillery, at least 75% of the ingredients for each spirit must be sourced from within the state. Being so passionate about their local community, Lock 1 strives to use 100% locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a grain to glass experience honoring the natural flavors of the local land.

The distillery hosts a variety of events, including open-mic nights, trivia, live music, and Sunday brunches. The taproom and cocktail lounge is big enough for small events, yet cozy at the same time. Every fall they host “Locktoberfest”, their clever take on an Upstate New York Oktoberfest.

Check out these restaurants for more brunch options in Oswego.

Rooftop Lounge
Oswego, NY

If you’re looking for a romantic spot in Oswego to get dinner with your beau, look no further than Rooftop Lounge. Located on the top floor of the recently renovated Litatro building, Rooftop has great views of the city, the landscape, and – yes – the Oswego Canal. The restaurant comes highly recommended by both locals and visitors alike. And for good reason! The menu is filled with delicious small plates, perfect for sharing on a date. Choose from generous charcuterie boards, seasonal salads, flavorful flatbreads, and more.

On top of that, they have an extensive wine, beer, and liquor selection. Visit on Whiskey Wednesday and pay $10 to spin the wheel and try whichever whiskey you land on – including some rare high-end finds. Plus their cocktails are some of the most creative in Central New York.

So make yourself comfortable on the rooftop, take in the scenic views, and enjoy some live music. Finish off your meal with an espresso martini or a dessert cocktail flight.

Oswego Canal Locks

Just like its parent, the Oswego Canal also incorporates an intricate lock system. Because the water levels vary greatly as you travel along the canal, builders installed locks to help adjust to the change in depth. When boaters, canoers, and kayakers reach a lock, they have to wait for the “gate” to close behind them. Then the lock workers will raise or lower the water levels within the gates to match the level on the other side. Once that happens, the second gate is opened, and travelers continue their journeys. Please note, commercial boats going through the locks need a special permit.

The Oswego Canal includes 7 locks as it drops 188 feet over its 23-mile length up to Lake Ontario. Interestingly, there is no Lock 4. Although it was part of the original plans, the builders decided it was not needed, but they also did not renumber the remaining locks.

Folks interested in learning more about the Erie Canal’s and Oswego Canal’s locks can view this guide from the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor. Also, the Center of Progress building at the New York State Fair has a miniature lock replica that is demonstrated by On the Canals.

Places to Visit along the Oswego Canal

Fulton Speedway
Fulton, NY

Located along the eastern shore of the Oswego Canal in Fulton is the Fulton Speedway. This dirt tracks venue is very popular in the summer, hosting a variety of modified car races as well as special events. Demolition derbies, trailer pulls, boat races, monster trucks, and more are all celebrated at the track.

If you’re planning on a night out at the dirt races, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go. Dress comfortably and be prepared to get dirty. This isn’t the spot to wear open-toed sandals and your cute new white dress. The ideal outside is jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt, plus a hoodie for when it gets dark and chilly. Also, most of the concessions at the racetracks are cash only. There are ATMs onsite, but plan ahead to avoid unnecessary fees.

Most races at Fulton Speedway are $20-$25 for adults, with children 18 and under FREE with a paid adult. Pit passes are also available for an additional fee. Races are typically held on Saturday nights and begin at 7pm, lasting roughly 3-4 hours.

Great Bear Recreational Trails
Fulton, NY

If you’re looking for a great place to stretch your legs along the Oswego Canal, my personal choice would be to visit Great Bear. With an intricate series of interlocking trails, there are several options for your hike. And one of my favorite parts about Great Bear? Each section of the recreation area seems to have a different variety of different trees and unique views. It makes for some truly interesting and beautiful hikes. Even better? The trails are dog friendly.

The recreational trails are midway between Fulton and Phoenix, bordered by the Oswego Canal/River. There are miles and miles of trails, both color coded and named. I recommend taking the purple trail out along the water, and then the white or yellow back. The paths are all well-marked on the trees, and the trails are easily visible on Google Maps and other trail apps. So if you have a smartphone with you, you’re all set.

On their website, you can find designated paths for a 5k, a 10k, and even a fully accessible route.

There are plenty more great places to hike in Oswego County.

H. Lee White Maritime Museum
Oswego, NY

Seeing that Oswego is located along the shores of Lake Ontario, it is no surprise that the water access was crucial to the development of the city. That history is honored at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum.

The museum is named after Oswego-native H. Lee White, a lawyer who studied at Hamilton College and Cornell University. During World War II, he joined the US Navy as a Lieutenant and was later discharged as a Commander. During the 1950s, White served as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.

Today, the H. Lee White Maritime Museum holds over 4,000 artifacts relating to Oswego’s maritime history. This year the museum is also offering Sailor Sam’s Canal to Shore Challenge. For just $16, visitors can purchase a guidebook of 23 places to visit along the Oswego Canal. Perfect for families, participants who visit all 23 stops, write a short note, and take a picture at each, can return to the museum for a special patch and certificate of completion.

One of the most interesting things to see at the museum, particularly this year, is Derrick Boat No. 8. This historic canal boat was originally built in Syracuse and spent nearly 60 years working along the entire New York State Canal System. Visitors can see this boat to get a real feeling for what life was like on the Erie and Oswego Canals. In 2015, Derrick Boat No. 8 was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

While the museum is open all year long, if you visit in the summer you can also do a tour of the Oswego Lighthouse. Admission to both is combined for one low price.

Midway Drive-In
Minetto, NY

There’s something so nostalgic about a summer night spent at a drive-in movie. Luckily, there are a handful of drive-in movie theaters still operating across New York State. Voted the best drive-in in Central New York, the Midway Drive-In has been a family favorite for years. Located in Minetto, the drive-in first opened in 1948. Nearly 70 years later, its still bringing joy to families and friends every summer.

Sunday movies feature open-captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests.

Events along the Oswego Canal

Oswego County Paddlefest
Saturday, July 19

Oswego Paddlefest celebrates its 10th anniversary alongside the Erie Canal’s bicentennial. The event invites canoers and kayakers to venture through a portion of the historic Erie Canal, including 4 locks. Participants will launch in either Minetto, for a 5.5 mile trip, or Fulton, for a 13 mile trip. Both paths end at Wrights Landing in Oswego. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children.

Flotsam River Circus
Tuesday, August 19 in Oswego
Wednesday, August 20 in Phoenix
Thursday, August 21 in Brewerton

Looking for a truly unique way to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial? The Flotsam River Circus is making its way across New York State throughout the month of August, starting in Buffalo on August 1 and ends in New York City mid-September. The performers will be floating through Central New York on their ramshackle raft in the middle of August. The circus performances are FREE to attend (donations are encouraged) and shows are scheduled throughout the entire state.

Locktoberfest
Saturday, October 4

This annual event in Phoenix, New York is something the entire village looks forward to every fall. Locktoberfest, Phoenix’s version of Oktoberfest, is a celebration of local food & culture. Featuring live music, crafters, food & drink vendors, and a variety of vendors, this is a party for the whole community along the banks of the Oswego Canal.