Overview
Sackets Harbor is a village of 1450 people on Lake Ontario in Northern New York. It was a naval base which withstood two Canadian attacks in battles during the War of 1812; its arch-nemesis was the British fortification at Kingston in Upper Canada.
4 sights · 1 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Sackets Harbor
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
Battlefield with restored 1850s Navy Yard and Commandant's House, exhibits, guided and self-guided tours. In season, soldiers in period uniform re-enact military camp life.
Augustus Sacket Mansion
1801 mansion built by the village's founder. Visitor information, souvenir shop, building tours available.
Pickering Cottage and Pickering-Beach House
Historical museum depicting life in Sackets Harbor in the mid-19th century.
Seaway Trail Discovery Center
Interactive exhibits in former Union Hotel (c. 1817) cover maritime and military history, lighthouses, natural history and agriculture.
Old McDonald's Farm
Working 1200-acre dairy farm and petting zoo, hayrides and pony rides for young kids, playgrounds, mini-golf.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Rochester)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ART Watertown International Airport, Watertown — 6 mi away. Directions
- SYR Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Syracuse — 58 mi away (major hub). Directions
By car, take NY 3 (Arsenal Street) west from Watertown (New York) to Adams Road or East Main Street. Sackets Harbor is about 8 mi southwest of Watertown's airport (ART) in Dexter, NY.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $31–$31 a night (typical $60), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$200.
Options are grouped as Hotels and inns, Bed and breakfast, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Augustus Sacket Mansion, Pickering Cottage and Pickering-Beach House
- Lunch The Boathouse
- Afternoon Seaway Trail Discovery Center, Old McDonald's Farm
- Dinner Chrissy Beanz Bakery
- Evening Sackets Harbor Brewing Company (1812 Brewing Co.)
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
By car, take NY 3 (Arsenal Street) west from Watertown (New York) to Adams Road or East Main Street. Sackets Harbor is about 8 mi southwest of Watertown's airport (ART) in Dexter, NY.
By boat, Sackets Harbor should be a clear shot across Lake Ontario from Kingston.
Get around
As this is a small village, less than a mile from the core to the edge of town, it is possible to tour on foot or bicycle.
See
Sackets has a variety of historic sights and museums relating to the war of 1812. Madison Barracks was an active military base until just after World War II, and many of the buildings have been restored. As a stop along the Seaway Trail there is a local visitors center, and interactive museum.
Do
There are several beaches, museums, shops, and a golf course. Seasonal festivals and events include a brew fest and the Can-Am festival. Fishing is popular on the lake and on Mill Creek with several tournaments annually.
Buy
- Main Street in Sackets Harbor is a protected historic district with several independent boutiques, art galleries, museums, restaurants and bars.
Eat
Eat The Boathouse
Seasonal restaurant and bar in former boathouse. Wings, seafood, waterfront patio, live entertainment.
Eat Goodfellos
Italian restaurant, pizza, wine bar.
Eat Tin Pan Galley
Outdoor garden patio, breakfast, late night live music.
Drink
Drink Sackets Harbor Brewing Company (1812 Brewing Co.)
Brew pub and restaurant with full cocktail bar, live music on weekends. www.1812ale.com
Sleep
Sackets has several charming Bed and Breakfasts and The Ontario Place Hotel downtown. Another smaller hotel is located outside of town on Route 3 next to the Nu Peir diner.
Hotels and inns
Bed and breakfast
Stay Candlelight Bed and Breakfast
Georgian-style historic B&B near Lake Ontario, three rooms, wi-fi, open year round, no smoking, no pets, no kids under 12.
Camping
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