Onondaga Lake Park | Syracuse

Onondaga Lake Park is one of Central New York's most popular year-round recreational destinations. Located in Liverpool, just northwest of Syracuse, the park stretches along both shores of Onondaga Lake and offers more than 7.5 miles of interconnected green spaces. It's known for its diverse attractions, scenic beauty, and well-maintained trails and facilities.

Trails and Pathways

East Shore Recreation Trail

Length: 2.5 miles

Surface: 20-foot-wide paved trail

Ideal for: Cyclists, inline skaters, strollers

Restrictions: Pedestrians allowed only in non-peak seasons to prioritize wheeled users

Features: Rest stops, lake views, smooth surface

Shoreline Walking Trail

Length: 2 miles

Surface: Paved, pedestrian-only

Accessible to: Strollers, wheelchairs, small children’s bikes

Highlights: Distance markers, benches, close proximity to the lake

West Shore Trail

Length: 4.5 miles

Surface: Paved asphalt

Terrain: Lakeshore woods and open spaces

Connects to: East Shore Trail

Note: Sections may close during concerts at the adjacent amphitheater

Lakeland Trail

Surface: Natural and stonedust

Best for: Jogging, walking, solitude

Features: Secluded path through wooded areas

Recreation and Attractions

Wegmans Landing
Includes a large, modern playground with slides, climbing equipment, and swings. Recently expanded to include pickleball courts and a new 16,000-square-foot skatepark with bowls, ramps, and rails.

Wegmans Good Dog Park
A 40,000-square-foot fenced dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, and water stations.

Willow Bay
A northern park section with reservable shelters, picnic tables, grills, and an archery field. Also offers shoreline access for fishing and walking.

Historical Sites

Salt Museum
Located near the lake’s edge, it explores the history of Syracuse’s salt industry with exhibits like boiling blocks, barrels, and tools used in production.

Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois
A recreated 17th-century French Jesuit mission with costumed interpreters and interactive displays that highlight early French and Iroquois relations. It operates seasonally and during special events.

Events and Seasonal Programs

Lights on the Lake
A wintertime light show that spans two miles with animated displays. The event begins with walk-through nights before switching to drive-through traffic for the season.

Walk with a Doc
A health-focused program combining brief health talks with group walks through the park.

Thursday Night Fun Run
Weekly summer runs hosted by the Syracuse Chargers Track Club. Open to runners and walkers of all levels.

Special Runs and Walks
The park hosts various events such as the Pride 5K, charity walks, and memorial races throughout the year.

Fishing and Boating

Onondaga Lake has seen major ecological improvements and now supports a wide variety of fish species including largemouth bass, carp, and walleye.

Fishing Access
Available throughout the shoreline, especially near Willow Bay and boat launches.

Boat Launches

Kenneth P. Lynch Launch (south shore): Concrete ramp with trailer parking

Onondaga Lake Park Launch (north end): Public access with 40+ trailer spaces

Visitor Amenities

Free parking lots throughout the park

Restrooms and water fountains

Seasonal rentals for bikes and kayaks

ADA-accessible paths and amenities

Park Rangers for assistance and safety

General Information

Location: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool, NY 13088

Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk

Contact: (315) 453-6712

Website: onondagacountyparks.com

Summary

Onondaga Lake Park offers a wide range of outdoor and cultural activities, including trail walking, biking, skating, boating, playgrounds, historical museums, and community events. It is a model for urban park restoration and a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.