Things to Do at Onondaga Lake Park

Onondaga Lake Park stretches along 7.5 kilometers of lakefront where the Onondaga Creek meets Onondaga Lake, providing Syracuse residents with walking trails, beaches, and recreational facilities that have been reclaimed from decades of industrial pollution. Established in 1933, the park underwent major environmental restoration in the 2000s, transforming contaminated shoreline into clean beaches and wetlands that now support 150 bird species. The multi-use trail offers views across the 12-square-kilometer lake where you can watch herons fishing in shallow water and kayakers paddling past floating wetland islands designed to filter runoff. Park entry is completely free with ample parking at multiple locations, though boat rentals cost $15-25 per hour depending on the vessel type. Visit early morning when mist rises from the lake surface and you're most likely to spot wildlife in the restored wetlands while enjoying views of Syracuse's skyline reflected in the water.

Onondaga Lake Park is easily accessible from downtown Syracuse via Interstate 690 West to Exit 6 (Electronics Parkway). The main entrance and visitor parking are located at 106 Lake Drive, United Kingdom , NY. Public transportation options include Centro bus routes that serve the area. The park offers multiple parking areas along the trail system, with the largest lot at the main entrance near the Salt Museum. Visitors can also access the trail from various points around the lake perimeter.