We visited the fort on a beautiful Indian Summer day. The grounds for the park were open, but the actual fort was closed for the season. The website indicates they open at 10am but that was incorrect. Grounds are well maintained and beautiful.
This fort sits in a picturesque bluff on the edge of Lake Ontario. Its history ranges from the Seven Years War to its days as a refugee camp during World War II. The small fort is perfect for a quick educational afternoon for adults and kids alike.
So much history all in one place. Volunteers dressed the period and were very friendly and informative. Price is outstanding for all you get to see and experience!
Very picturesque, especially at sunset. Markers describing major historical events were conveniently placed, as were benches to take in the view
This was a good experience, looks like things have been well preserved. Its a small piece of history that everyone must see.
Visited Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York on Lake Ontario this morning. The fort has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War, but more notably the fort was the only place in the United States that accepted Jewish refugees at the conclusion of WWII. A token 900 plus refugees were temporarily housed at Fort Ontario before ultimately integrating into the general population. Water navigation from the Great Lakes down the Oswego River leads to the Hudson River and out to the Atlantic Ocean, hence the early strategic importance of the fort.
As the day we visited was the Monday, it was closed. But we can go around to see it from outside. It is closed on Tuesdays too.The beacon is seen far away from the fort.We paid a visit on another day. There was also a group of High School students and their teachers for excursion of the State Historic site. The responsible persons explained the story of the fort and at that time the group was escorted by the guards wearing military costumes of that time. I loved to see it.
If you have never been here before, this is the place of you like history. Lots of interesting things to see and do and great for children to learn about our historic past. The museum of comfort is also interesting to show how Jewish refugees stayed here and eventually joined the American society. Check it out!!
Must stop spot if youre visiting Oswego. I circuit ride my bicycle every other morning. During baseball season, you can enjoy some Little, Minor & Major League Youth games in the evenings along with a cool lake breeze & concessions.
For the price of $4 I was a less to take a self guided tour of the fort. There were several people among the buildings to answer questions. Over looking lake Ontario, Fort Ontario was a strategic fort during the war of 1812. The grounds are vast and have several memorials around. I highly recommend a visit here .
We visited on a day when the Fort was closed, however, the grounds were beautiful and well kept.
Very beautiful place, detailed in history. From what I could see. Online said it was open got all the way there the fortress gates were locked and closed. Assuming for the dumb covid. Maybe this place will get itself together so people wont waste their gas and time coming.
Great day to explore, the museum employees were great to me and my dog Wynne.
Great learning experience. Well taken care of. Beautiful views of Lake Ontario and the lighthouse.
Wish it was open will definitely come back when this whole Covid lockout is done...its beautiful
Beautiful scenery, Fort looks great. No demonstrations this year because of Covid, but still nice to visit.
Unlike other forts in the area it covers how the fort was changed and used even thru the world wars. Great trip!
A nice outing to learn about our Nations history.
Historic site boasts great victory in the Revolutionary War beautiful scenery of Lake Ontario
Beautiful views of Lake Ontario and nice cemetery gives tribute to some of the United States’ earliest veterans. Several plaques give the history of the fort. We did not actually visit the inside of the fort, but we highly enjoyed walking the grounds and exploring the cemetery.
Fun and educational experience. Our kids loved exploring the tunnels around the fort. The staff dressed in uniform were very knowledgeable and excited to share what they knew.
Very interesting. Lots of important history.
I love this place. It is rich with history and beautiful.
Cool spot. Friendly and knowledgeable staff
For anyone that like history, lake view and going for a walk. This is a great combination of all.
Beautiful views of Fort and lake. Fabulous sunsets!!!!
Has a beautiful view of the lake
Beautifully peaceful and serene place to watch the most amazing sunsets!!
Great staff with interesting information... well maintained, too...
Guides were very knowledgeable and friendly!Well maintained!
Grew up in Oswego. I brought my son back to see the fort and he had a blast! I was very happy to see how it was being maintained and the friendly staff!
Quiet, expansive...historic, it was a beautiful day
Fort Ontario is an interesting place. This was my first time going to upstate NY. First time to Lake Ontario. The Fort was so remote and rugged in its time of use. Winter is Coming.
Love the views and kite flying here!
Well kept, gave alot of information
Great sites from there
My dogs and I enjoyed it
Great experience. Learned so much.
Very well taken care of after years of being underwhelming. This is by far one of my favorite places in New York State.
Great place to fly a kite!
Fabulous views of Lake Ontario
Really good displays. Informative and interesting. Its a great location to spend an hour or two on a fine day whether the history interests you or not.
Never a bad visit! Ghost tours, holiday open house, Madeline festival... all great visits!
I like this place, staff is friendly
Love the sunset from here.
Ou etrf family enjoyed going to the forte and walking around. Its worth the price they charge for admission.
If youre a history buff, this hidden gem is fantastic! The old navy fort is open for touring, there are a lot of signs to tell you exactly what youre looking at. We took a picnic lunch with us and sat on the grass to eat. It was a hot day but the breeze from the lake was nice. When here, you dont feel like youre on the edge of the city.
Awesome place to go when its nicer weather outside. Its very affordable to get in, around $4-5 per adult last time I went. They give you a binder with a self tour path and details on everything but you are free to explore how you want. The coolest part for me was definitely going under ground into the Forts walls and exploring. Last time I went alot of exhibits were under construction. But, there was a nice display of a era specific musket being loaded and shot. A great way to learn a little about our history with plaques and information panels everywhere. Of course the views of Lake Ontario, the lighthouse, harbor, and surrounding park is beautiful. Definitely worth at least one visit while youre in Oswego.
Very interesting if you love history, plus beautiful views.
Love the fort the history is spelled out nicely and a great place to walk
This place is a beautiful location. A wonderfully maintained historical site with a rich history. Definitely worth checking out.
Very interesting. 150 years ago. Makes you wonder where were going to be in another 100 if we dont screw it up.
This place is beautiful
Great place to walk the dogs and see the sunset
If I leave a bad review they probably wont let me do my NHS hours there
It was really cool to walk around in and see the people who worked there dressed in that era
One of my favorite places to go, especially to watch the Lake and see the sunset. But its more than that. The staff and exhibits all make history real to someone who never liked it. I have been at both of the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the coming of the 982 Jewish refugees to Oswego during WWII. Few people even know about this and it was the only place in the US that refugees were living. The second celebration was to celebrate when the refugee camp hosted an open house for the towns people. It was held partly to squelch rumors that the refugees were living lavishly and eating steak all the time. This, of course, was far from the truth. Both ceremonies were wonderful and it was a blessing to be able to hear some of the original refugees speak. Of course, the ones alive today were mostly children when they came to Oswego. Watch for ads about their upcoming Ghost Tours. Ive been on one and it was fabulous. Its generally held in October I believe. Take the kids to the Fort, theyll love the casements. Bring grandma or whatever family members are visiting you. They will definitely find it interesting. The gift shop is great too if you want something for the hard to buy for person. Oh, and the Fort is dog friendly. And camera friendly of course.
It was Exciting to visit this place, I took lots of pics, but my phone couldnt hold all the pics I wanted ro take. Great place to see!!
Good place but some of place have trash
Watch history come to life in this wonderful state historic site. Reenactments and interactive exhibits tell you all about the history of this great structure.
Great place to explore early American History. The staff, who were dressed in period clothing, were fantastic! It is a must see if you are in the area!
The reenactment was fun had a great time
AMAZING Fort!! Loved the experience!! Everyone should go and learn his history!!
I thought it was great. I visited it back in 86 with parents. Saw the uss stark in port then. Got to tour it. Was good to remonis. Theres a cemetary there thats part of our heritage b4 we was actually a country. Its good to look at
Great history
I visited the Fort on a beautiful Summers day! I didnt want to leave.
A relaxing place to hang out with a great view of the harbor
Nice place, wonderful view. Great price
Very interesting! There is a lot of history connected to this fort. Definitely worth the stop.
Fort Ontario offers a glimpse into the early history of the USA. From the Revolution to the War of 1812.. from the War Between the States and even WWII. This site offered the only refugee camp in the USA for European Jews escaping Hitler .
It was informative and fun. Very clean and definitely educational
Beautiful
This site was a wonderful visit for my family. My kids particularly enjoyed looking through the buildings and across Lake Ontario from atop of the earthen works. The site is quite well kept and maintained, the staff are knowledge and engaging. Plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the buildings the displays inside and the surrounding grounds. Admission is low and it is a great place to visit as a family.
Educational visit. On the banks of Lake Ontario. Took 9 & 10 year old grandkids & they enjoyed it. Time spent about 2 hours. Took a picnic lunch & ate overlooking the lake.
The lighthouse and the breakwaters!!!
Learned alot
Great presentation, plus a nice museum on site.
Beautiful place to visit and just walk around.
Very beautiful here Especially at sunset.
Great place to visit and learn about history.
So much history to be learned here. Put on your walking shoes tho! And bring your camera. Plenty to see and the sunsets are magnificent!
This historic site has spanned time from the French and Indian War to its role in housing the refugee guests of FDR. This park is a must for all, as it offers a glimpse into how American history occurred in Oswego, NY, and how the fort and the city adapted and endured the events which shaped our nation, and how the fort itself now reflects the experiences and how it was changed over the passage of time.
Very nice
I almost dont want to tell everyone my little secret spot but this is a wonderful place to enjoy a breeze and watch the port
The view from the fort is nice and the inside is pretty cool to look around and to learn about history
Very interested and very amazing how it was designed. Im from Oklahoma and if ever come back will visit again.
Love the nearby history and beautiful view of the lake.
Love the Safe Haven Museum and pool.
The wife and I we loved it there is a great place to visit learn history but one thing you have to know that is not Ada friendly.
We had a very good time at the fireworks. The fort was great.
We went to harbor fest, it was amazing ! the people were great, plenty of vendors and the fireworks were spectacular !
Spooky as hell! You can feel the spirits here!!!! FACTS ..
Great place to walk.lots of good informationabout the fort and who controlled it at allthe different battles fought here.
Quaint little Fort thats a lovely little outing. Small but holds a lot of history for this city.
Self guided,set your own pace.Lots to see great time
A great place to visit
Im a huge fan of history and this place is ripe with it. Take a guided tour if you can!