Scenic Drives in New York

Winding Southwest along the island dotted ST. Lawrence River, the coast of Lake Ontario and the banks of the Niagara River, this waterside drive rambles along the edges of the worlds most famous waterfalls. Along the way, you'll be treated to the many sights of some of the oldest dams, power plants and oceangoing ships. These unusual sights contrast beautifully with the sleepy little rural hamlets, bountiful orchards and many historic lighthouses in this area.

Your scenic drive along the Seaway Trail on RTE. 82 begins at Rooseevelttown. This scenic drive then takes you toward Messena on RTE. 37. It was at this spot that in 1959 Queen Victoria and Dwight D Eisenhower stood and dedicated the ST. Lawrence seaway. The visitors approach road passes through a tunnel that burrows under the Eisenhower Lock and provides motorists with a visually terrifying experience when 100-ton tankers pass overhead. Nearby you can also find Robert Moses State park, which is a forested retreat with a beach, various picnic areas, campsites and wetlands that are the harbor for many kinds of migratory birds. Make sure you take a short stroll to enjoy the scenery at this spot before continuing on. Your scenic Seaway Trail drive will eventually take you to the Frederick Remington Art Museum which is located on Washington St. This museum is housed in a beautiful old mansion that contains a collection of paintings, collections, watercolors and sculptures by the famous artist Remington. After taking a while to take in the art by this famous artist, enjoy a shady picnic by the water at Greenbelt Riverfront Park which also just happens to have its own marina. This is the starting point of a walking tour that describes the Battle of the Ogdensburg. The Upper Saint Lawrence River is a lake like expanse dotted with what is called the Thousand Islands. According to Iroquois legend, this collection of islands spilled like flowers from gods basket as he was carrying the earthly paradise back to heaven. The islands range in sizes, with some being just small enough to hold a few trees and others big enough to build huge mansions which are accessible only by boat. One of the islands, which is appropriately called Heart Island is known to be the spot where the notable proprietor of the Waldorf- Astoria hotel had a mansion built to dedicate his love for his wife he even had the islands reshaped to resemble a heart, but when his wife passed away he never set foot on the island again. To enjoy the beauty and serenity of this spot an aerial view is the best way to take it in. After enjoying this beautiful island you'll continue your drive which will take you to the Wellesley Islands.

The campsites at Wesseley Island State Park are very much in demand for their views of the Eel Bay and you will oftentimes find them booked to capacity so if you want to stay at this spot we suggest you call ahead and reserve a camping spot. As your drive continues west on RTE. 12 it comes into the village of Clayton. Cape Vincent in the 1880's was the home of the French community or supporters of Napoleon Bonaparte. At the western tip of the islands, the Tibbett's Point Lighthouse still guides ships into the harbor. South from Cape Vincent, the road continues to twist and winds through bays and inlets which roll across pasture land where you are able to view many dairy cattle grazing. Rte. 82 then swings into the quiet village of Sackets Harbor which was used as a navel base from 1808 until the 1940's. known for its outstanding bathing beach, Southwick Beach State Park is an entry point to the 3,400 acre Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. This area is home to the many muskrats, otters, beavers and herons that live in this region. Here you will also find an extensive area of dunes, some of them at least 60 feet high. The Seaway Trail scenic drive along RTE. 82 is one of the most beautiful areas to be found in this part of the world. During your drive you will be treated to some of the most beautiful and historic sights in this region. To get more information on the Seaway Trail scenic drive visit www.seawaytrail.com. This scenic drive goes on for over 285 miles and you are able to view it year round but the best time of year to make the most of sights is between the months of May and October.