Sackets Harbor Battlefield

New York


Check the website for a full list of events that happen throughout the season at this historic battleground, including the War of 1812 Living History Weekend, usually at the end of July, when the battle reenactments are staged by locals in uniforms – you can practically smell the cannon smoke as old shooters are wheeled around to take aim at the retreating Red Coats.

At other times of year, the grounds with their heritage buildings make for an attractive stroll along the shoreline of Lake Ontario.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New York attractions

1. Antique Boat Museum

20.09 MILES

There are some gorgeous examples of boat-making craft on display at this waterside museum, where you can view the still-working antique boats and try your…

2. Thousand Islands Museum

20.21 MILES

This small museum has warehoused all kinds of photography and writing about the islands dating from the 1800s. There are also rotating exhibits of local…

3. Thousand Islands Arts Center

20.28 MILES

This arts center includes a museum dedicated to handweaving and a pottery studio. If you don’t consider weaving an art, you’ll know better by the time you…

4. Wellesley Island State Park

24.94 MILES

This 2363-acre park, at the southern tip of the eponymous island, is full of wildlife and has a nature center and a beautiful swimming beach. To reach it…

5. Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

25.12 MILES

A focal point of the Wellesley Island State Park, this nature center includes a museum and miles of hiking trails, including ones to the shoreline, as…

7. Fort Henry National Historic Site

25.62 MILES

This restored British fortification, dating from 1832, overlooks Kingston from its hilltop perch. The postcard-perfect structure is brought to life by…

8. Pump House Steam Museum

26.11 MILES

The one-of-a-kind, completely restored, steam-run pump house was used from 1849 to 1952. Today the warehouse features all things steam-related, including…