Onondaga Lake Park

Onondaga Lake Park

"The Central Park of Central New York"

OLP MAP2023UPDATED

Download the Onondaga Lake Park map

Looking for the latest trail closures/alerts...Click on the "CLOSURES" tab above.

The "Central Park of Central New York" is a 8+ mile linear greenway, featuring four great trails - East Shore Recreation, Shoreline Walking Trail, Lakeland Nature and the West Shore - bustling year-round with social interaction, special events, waterfront picnics and the region's premier skate and dog parks. Wegmans Landing, a ten-acre venue, includes a newly opened (2023) Pickleball Court ComplexWegmans Playground, a colorful mecca with climbers, swings, play houses and slides while the 16,000 sq. ft. concrete Onondaga Lake Skatepark, open to skateboarders, BMX bikers, and inline skaters, features the challenging Liberty Bowl, volcano, quarter pipes and fun boxes. Explore a bit of Syracuse history at The Salt Museum, built on the site of an original salt boiling block.

The area also features the Griffin Visitor Center with courts for shuffleboard, bocce, and volleyball. The Equipment Rental Shop offers bikes of all sizes and various recreational equipment. Shaded picnic areas, ballfields, waterfront lawns, table games, observation area, a fishing pier and the hub of the trail system can all be found here.

The north end of the Park is anchored by the Wegmans Good Dog Park, an award- winning haven providing a fenced waterfront playground where dogs of all sizes can run free, with sections for small and large canines. In addition, several picnic areas and shelters (available by reservation), Syracuse University and Syracuse Chargers rowing facilities and archery range are located in this area of the park.

Across the Long Branch Bridge is Long Branch Park, site of ethnic festivals, large group picnics and family reunions and along the west side of Onondaga Lake, the Haley West Shore Trail and Lakeland Nature Trail.

Interested in Metal Detecting at the park? Click here for more information.

Other Resources

 ___________________________________________________________________

skanohpic

Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center

As of January 1, 2013, the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) took over management of the Onondaga County facility formerly known as "Sainte Marie among the Iroquois" located on the eastern shore of Onondaga Lake. In November of 2015, the site reopened as Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center, a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Heritage site. Skä•noñh, is an Onondaga welcoming greeting meaning Peace and Wellness.

Click here for more information about the center.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Onondaga Lake Park

  • Archery

    Archery

    Onondaga Lake Park has archery Excelsior bales that are available for public use in the Willow Bay section.  Bring your own equipment and target.  Enter off of Long Branch Road.  The bales are on your left before the bridge.  Please: No broadheads.

  • Boat Launch

    Boat Launch

    The Onondaga Lake Park Marina features the only paved, public boat launch on Onondaga Lake. Click here for more information.

  • Bocce

    Bocce

    A popular ball sport in southern Europe for many centuries, Bocce has become popular around the world as an easy to play sport that anyone can participate in.  The two stone dust courts at Onondaga Lake Park are located directly outside the back door of the Griffin Visitor Center.  The courts are open to public use, and Bocce balls are available for rental at McKie’s Rental Shop for $1/half-hour. 

  • Bike Trails

    Bike Trails

    Bike usage is permitted on the East Shore Recreation Trail between the Griffin Visitor Center and the Cold Springs section, as well as the West Shore Trail.  Bicycles are not allowed on the Shoreline Walking Trail.  For an “off-road” trail, utilize the Lakeland Trail located on the west shore of Onondaga Lake.  Please exercise extreme caution and prudent speed when riding your bike on these popular trails. Click here for more information.

  • Skatepark

    Skatepark

    For adventurous BMX riders, the Onondaga Lake Skatepark offers 16,900sq.ft. of concrete ramps, bowls, stairs and quarter pipes to “get air” on.  Click here for more information. 

  • Canoeing / Kayaking

    Canoeing / Kayaking

    Park patrons are permitted to launch their personal recreation watercraft anywhere along the shore of Onondaga Lake within Onondaga Lake Park, EXCEPT at the Marina (unless paying the $10 daily launch fee), the Syracuse University floating docks and the Syracuse Chargers floating docks.

    A free kayak launch site is available just north of the Syracuse Chargers boathouse, on the Onondaga Lake outlet. The launch, which is ADA compliant for kayaks, is available seasonally Memorial Day - October 1, and offers a gravel site that gently slopes into the water suitable for canoes and kayaks.  Public parking is located just steps away from these new launch options.  You may access this area of the park by entering Cold Springs Trail at the Wegmans Good Dog Park, 59 Cold Springs Trail.  The launch site is ½-mile south of the Dog Park.  Click here for a map.

    Another popular launching spot is under the Long Branch Bridge on the west side of the Onondaga Lake outlet.  This area is at the beginning of the West Shore Trail has nearby parking, and offers an improved gravel site, gently sloping into the water.  The parking lot is located at 395 Long Branch Road, Syracuse. Click here for directions.  

  • Cross-Country Skiing

    Cross-Country Skiing

    Enjoy Cross Country Skiing on the Shoreline Walking Trail, the Long Branch Park loop or on the West Shore Trail.  Rentals are not available.

  • Dogs Allowed

    Dogs Allowed

    Dogs are allowed on the Shoreline Walking Trail but they are not permitted on the East Shore Trail (wheels only) during the peak season of April to October and they are not allowed on the tram. In accordance with New York State law all dogs, where allowed, must be restrained by a leash or chain not more than six feet in length, every dog owner must have a dog license tag attached to their dog’s collar and it shall be the duty of each dog owner or person having possession, custody or control of a dog to remove any feces left by his or her dog on any public park property.

    The very popular Wegmans Good Dog Park can be found at the northern end of the park. Click here for more information.

  • Fishing

    Fishing

    Onondaga Lake has a surprising number of fish species present, and you never know what species you may end up catching next. Click here to learn more about fishing in Onondaga Lake.

  • Food

    Food

    During the warmer months visitors usually find ice cream and other private food vendors/food trucks outside the Griffin Visitor Center, located at the south end of the park. Subject to change. There are several local eateries and a supermarket located right in the Village of Liverpool, a short walk from the park, that offer a variety of food options to suit all tastes. 

  • Historic Sites

    Historic Sites

    • Skä•noñh Center – Great Law of Peace Center
      A Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Heritage Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York. School and group tours available by appointment.
    • Griffin Visitor Center
      Griffin Visitor Center located in the Wegmans Landing section of Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool, explains the 1928 foresight of community leader Joseph A. Griffin, whose ideas and leadership led to the creation of one of America’s top ten heritage parks.
    • Butterfly Garden of Hope
      Butterfly Garden for Hope along the Onondaga Lake Parkway is a beautiful memorial created and maintained by Hope for Bereaved volunteers. 
    • Long Branch Park
      Long Branch Park was a destination amusement park during the resort era of the late 1800’s and early 20th Century and the original home of the beautifully restored carousel of Syracuse’s Destiny USA (formerly known as Carousel Center.)
    • Mud Lock
      Mud Lock, located in the Cold Springs section near Wegmans Good Dog Park, Route 370, allowed passage to the Oswego Canal and was the site of the Mud Lock Tavern.
    • Salt Museum
      Discover the industry that created the City of Syracuse and supplied the entire nation with salt! School and group tours are available by appointment.
  • Inline Skating

    Inline Skating

    Inline skates are permitted on the East Shore Recreation Trail between the Griffin Visitor Center and the Cold Springs section, as well as the West Shore Trail.  Inline skating is not allowed on the Shoreline Walking Trail.  Inline skates are available for rent at McKie’s Rental Shop.  Please exercise extreme caution and prudent speed when inline skating on these popular trails.  Click here for more information.

  • Marina

    Marina

    Spend a night or the summer at beautiful Onondaga Lake Park Marina. Click here for more information.

  • Picnic Areas

    Picnic Areas

    There are two main public picnic areas within Onondaga Lake Park.  The Willow Bay area of the park offers dozens of picnic tables and charcoal grills amongst acres of beautiful trees along the northern shoreline of Onondaga Lake.  The Cold Springs area of the park also has picnic tables and charcoal grills available for public use, in a quieter setting along the shore of the Seneca River.  Click here for more information about shelter reservations.

  • Playgrounds

    Playgrounds

    Wegmans Playground
    The 35,000 sq. ft. area boundless playground is open daily and includes three large sections: Playhouse (2-12 yrs), Pre-School Age (2-5 yrs.) and School Age (5-12 yrs.). Click here for more information.

    Willow Bay and Long Branch Park Playgrounds
    There are also three smaller playgrounds located in the Willow Bay and Long Branch Park areas of Onondaga Lake Park.

  • Rentals: Bikes & Skates

    Rentals: Bikes & Skates

    McKie Sports "Cuse Cycle" Rental Shop - Located next to the Griffin Visitor Center at the south end of the park.

    Hours
    April 14 - The Friday before Memorial Day • Monday-Friday 3-7pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am-7pm
       (last rental is at 6pm, all rentals must be returned by 7pm)
    Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day • Daily 10am-8pm
       (last rental is at 7pm, all rentals must be returned by 8pm)
    Day after Labor Day - October 31 • Monday-Friday 3-6pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am-6pm
       (last rental is at 5pm, all rentals must be returned by 6pm)

    All hours are weather permitting

    Weather Policy
    The rental shop will be closed if: The temperature is below 60 degrees, the forecasted chance of rain is greater than 60% or the forecasted winds are greater than 20 mph.  Please call ahead to confirm the shop will be open, (315) 453-6718 or (315) 453-6712.

    Bike & Skate Rental Rates

    Inline Skates

    $15 per hour

    Bicycle

    Three Speed Bicycle - $15 per hour
    One Speed Bicycle - $10 per hour
    Three Wheeler - $20 per hour
    Tandem (built for 2): $25 per hour
    Bike with child traveler attachment: $15 per hour
    prices include helmet

    Surrey Quadricycle

    2 pedal: $25 per hour
    4 pedal: $35 per hour

    Amtrykes & Wheelchairs

    Free

    Protective Gear

    $5 per hour


    Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express accepted. Cash will NOT be accepted. All prices include tax and are subject to change. 
    Proper ID required for all rentals. One person in group must be 18 years of age or over to rent equipment. 
    For more information, call (315) 453-6718 or (315) 453-6712.
     

  • Rentals: Equipment

    Rentals: Equipment

    McKie Sports Rental Shop is located next to the Griffin Visitor Center at the south end of the park.

    Weather Policy
    The rental shop will be closed if: The temperature is below 60 degrees, the forecasted chance of rain is greater than 60% or the forecasted winds are greater than 20 mph.  Please call ahead to confirm the shop will be open, (315) 453-6718 or (315) 453-6712.

    Recreation Equipment Rental Rates

    Recreation Equipment

    Shuffleboard, Bocce Ball, etc.: $1/half-hour; $2/hour

    Cash ONLY. Prices include tax and are subject to change. For more information, call (315) 453-6718 or (315) 453-6712.

  • School/Group Tours

    School/Group Tours

    Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center, a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Heritage Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York offers school and group tours by appointment. Click here for more information.

    The Salt Museum which tells the "salty" history of Syracuse and Onondaga County offers school and group tours by appointment. Click here for more information.

  • Shuffleboard

    Shuffleboard

    A popular game involving cues and weighted discs pushed along a narrow court.  There are two shuffleboard courts located in the Wegmans Landing area of Onondaga Lake Park, directly outside the back doors of the Griffin Visitor Center.  Equipment rentals are available at McKie’s Rental shop for $1/half-hour.

  • Skateboard riders will be right at home at the Onondaga Lake Skatepark.  With 16,900 sq.ft. of concrete obstacles to ride, the skatepark is the place to go for skateboarders in Onondaga Lake Park.  Click here for more information.

  • Snowshoeing

    Snowshoeing

    Enjoy snowshoeing on the Shoreline Walking Trail, the Long Branch Park loop or on the West Shore Trail.  Bring your own equipment.

  • Trails (Walking/Hiking)

    Trails (Walking/Hiking)

    Four Great Trails at Onondaga Lake Park! Whether it's in-line skating, bicycling, walking or running, Onondaga Lake Park has the perfect trail for visitors of all ages. Click here for more information.

  • Tram

    Tram

    2023 Days of Operation: Monday - Friday (excluding holidays), May 15 - October 6 (subject to change)

    The Onondaga Lake Park Tram is electric and solar powered making for a comfortable, environmentally-friendly ride for all. The tram travels on the East Shore Recreational Trail which runs along the shoreline of Onondaga Lake. The tram operates Monday-Friday (except holidays) and departs from the Griffin Visitor Center at 9am, 10am, 11am & 12pm. The tram is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call (315) 453-6712 or email olp@ongov.net.  

    Tram2015

  • Volleyball

    Volleyball

    A regulation sized beach volleyball court is located in the Wegmans Landing area and is open to the public for use, first-come, first-served.  The court can also be reserved ahead of time for $4/hour. 

  • Wellness Programs

    Wellness Programs

    Fit for the Next Fifty
    2024 days/hours: TBA

    Total Body Workout: Aerobic exercise, functional fitness movements, strength training, flexibility, balance and more. All fitness levels welcome. 

    FREE to attend. Participants should being water and light weights (1-5 lbs.) and are required to complete a waiver prior to participating. Classes will take place behind the Visitor Center.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Onondaga Lake Park

Park Hours
April-October - 6am-sunset plus 1/2 hour
November-March - 6am-sunset. During Lights on the Lake, the entire park closes at 4:30pm. 

Visitor Center Hours
April 1 - October 31:
8:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday
10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday

November 1 - March 31:
8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday

2023 Restroom Hours
January 1 - February 11: 7:30am-5pm (WB & GVC only)
February 12 - March 11: 7:30am-6pm (WB & GVC only)
March 12 - April 8: 7:30am-7pm (WB & GVC only)
April 9 - May 6: 7:30am-8pm (WB & GVC open, all others opening TBD)
May 7 - August 12: 7:30am-8:30pm (all open)
August 13 - September 16: 7:30am-8pm (all open)
September 17 - October 14: 7:30am-7pm (all open)
October 15 - November 4: 7:30am-6pm (WB & GVC open, all others closing TBD)
November 5 - December 31: 7:30am-5pm (WB & GVC only)

Attention West Shore Trail Users:  The gates near the Lakeview Amphitheater are closed for all scheduled concert/events, beginning at dusk the night before a concert/event through dawn the day after the concert/event, from the Orange Parking Lot to the Nine Mile Creek Bridge. Click here for concert dates. 

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Onondaga Lake Park

Main Entrance
(off of Route 370/Onondaga Lake Parkway)
106 Lake Drive
Liverpool, NY 13088

T: (315) 453-6712
F: (315) 453-6764
olp@ongov.net

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Closures

Please be aware of the following trail closures at Onondaga Lake Park: None

Adjust cookies
Essential cookies
Session cookies,
Performance cookies
Google Analytics,
Functional cookies
Targeting cookies
We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.
You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Accept
close