With 43 miles of Great Lake Ontario shoreline, Oswego County is rich in maritime history.
While visitors can explore the depths of this heritage at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, one of the fascinating Oswego attractions, one of the more unique things to do in Oswego, NY is to visit a scenic lighthouse!
Take a boat tour to the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, one of the foremost Oswego, NY attractions, or drive out to the Salmon River (formerly Selkirk) Lighthouse in Pulaski, one of the county’s hidden gems.
Hosted by the museum, the boat tour of the Oswego lighthouse highlights its long heritage. Built in 1934 as part of an extensive enlargement of the Oswego harbor, Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse is situated at the west arrowhead breakwater, nearly a half mile offshore in Lake Ontario.
Today, it remains an active navigational aid for sailors on the Great Lake and boat tours to the lighthouse are available mid-June through September each year.
The Salmon River (formerly Selkirk) Lighthouse was constructed in 1838. It is one of only four remaining in the U.S. that retained its original “birdcage” design. Since its deactivation in 1859, the lighthouse went on to serve as a private home and hotel complex. More recent upgrades include the addition of a marina with a new boat and state-of-the-art floating docks.
Now known as the Salmon River Lighthouse and Marina, the site welcomes visitors to view an interesting piece of history, enjoy a local fishing charter out of the marina or book a stay at this historic inn.
