Have you been to the Sackets Harbor Battlefield? In this post, find a helpful guide to help you explore this fun and unique historical landmark.
The first time that I visited the battlefield, it was a cold, overcast and windy spring day. I’ll be sure to update this article with more beautiful photos later on, as the ones that I took that day simply don’t do the landscape justice.
The old buildings have been carefully maintained, and you can imagine what it might have been like back in the 1800s and early 1900s when the area was in use as a military installation. There are beautiful views from all points at this historic site.
Where is Sackets Harbor Battlefield located?
Sacketts Harbor Battlefield is located in Jefferson County, New York, bordering the village of Sackets Harbor on the shore of Lake Ontario. You can access the town of Sackets Harbor from State Route 3, a road that runs from just south of Oswego along the general edge of Lake Ontario, north through Watertown, and all across the state to Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh.
The closest international airport is in Watertown, New York, but more flight options are usually offered to Syracuse, which is located a little over an hour south of Sackets Harbor.
How much does it cost to see the battlefield?
It is free to visit the Sackets Harbor battlefield. You can explore the 70-acre property, view the beautiful Lake Ontario, picnic on the grounds, wander between the old buildings of the fort, and walk the trails during daylight hours completely for free.
However, if you would like to go on a tour of the buildings (recommended, when available), there is a small fee for adults. As of January 2023, the fee is $3 per adult, $2 for seniors and students, which is very reasonable.
Touring the buildings, which is typically available during daytime hours from late spring to Labor Day, and on Saturdays until Columbus Day, is extra fun because there are often interpreters wearing period costumes. There are even guided tours available.
There is a very large pavilion that you can use for a picnic, but it can be reserved for the day by someone else. The day use fee is currently $60, and you can reserve this on the Reserve America site for Sackets Harbor.
Is Sackets Harbor in the Thousand Islands?
Yes, Sackets Harbor is in the Thousand Islands region of New York. This means that it is located near lots of fun and beautiful outdoor recreation, including fishing, camping, and boating spots.
Sackets Harbor is located in Jefferson County, where you can find dozens of lakes and state parks. Wescott Beach State Park (6 minute drive), Southwick Beach State Park (19 minute drive) and salmon fishing at the Dexter town boat launch (10 minute drive) are just a few things to do close by.
What is there to do at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield?
Even though there is lots to do outside Sackets Harbor, you will find that there is plenty of fun to be had at the battlefield, too. Obviously, it is a very important historic site, so history enthusiasts will enjoy it right from the start.
People love to walk on the trails, walk their dogs, play frisbee on the open grounds, view sailboats, picnic, and watch the lake from the Sackets Harbor Battlefield. If you go on a sunny day, be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen, as the trails are out in the open and not shady.
The trails are very long, especially the War of 1812 Bicentennial Trail – possibly up to about 5-6 miles to complete the entire circuit. This trail goes through a bit of woods, the historic site, and even some of the very cute neighborhoods of Sackets Habor.
Indeed, many of the local residents use this trail to get their daily exercise. It’s really a great trail.
Who won the battle?
Obviously, we know that the British did not win the War of 1812, since we have an elected president instead of King Charles III. However, most wars are made up of many battles, and the victorious side doesn’t always win every single one, even if they do end up winning the war.
In the case of the War of 1812, the end result was really a tie. This leaves us to discuss the winner of each individual battle.
In the case of the Battle of Sackets Harbor, history buffs and patriots alike will be happy to know that the Americans won.
I always like to know a bit of the background of a place before I visit, especially when I am going to take the family with me. Since I love history, I was inspired to do more research and discovered that my great-great-great-great-great grandfather, Jacob Manchester, served for two months at Sackets Harbor during the War of 1812.
Even though my ancestor wasn’t there during the battle that made this place famous, it made exploring the battlefield all the more interesting!
Places to eat near Sackets Harbor Battlefield
One of the things that I love best about Sackets Harbor is the super trendy and cute downtown area. It has a nice selection of small boutiques and shops, as well as excellent places to eat.
- The Sackets Boathouse, 214 W Main St, Sackets Harbor
- Good Fellos, 202 W Main St, Sackets Harbor
- The Whiskey Coop, 214 1/2 W Main St, Sackets Harbor
- The Battlefied Eatery, 213 W Main St, Sackets Harbor
- Nu Pier Restaurant, 13212 State Rte 3, Sackets Harbor
If you are looking for fast food or chain restaurants, you will find basically anything that you might want on Arsenal Street in Watertown, which is only about a 15-minute drive from Sackets Harbor. To get to Watertown, simply take CR 62 or 75 out of town and go north on State Route 3.
Conclusion
I hope that you learned everything that you wanted to know about visiting this location. It’s a lot of fun, and I highly recommend exploring this unique battlefield and historic site to everyone visiting the Watertown area.
If you have any questions, please let me know below and I’ll try to help.
Thanks for reading today!