fort ontario state historic site

We stopped by during a day of Oswego attractions to see. It was slightly off season, so we didn't have a guide, but it was easy enough to walk through and know what things were for. It's beautifully maintained and you can imagine the inhabitants day to day life: being right on the lake, MUST have been quite chilly most of the time. Not much to do during spare time: not much to clean! People say it's haunted and they do have ghost tours. Right next door to the museum housing people escaping from The Safe Haven Museum and close to Richardson Bates House Museum. Also in town is the Oswego Railroad Museum (miniature trains) and <a block from there: H. Lee White Marine Museum also on the water. Make a day of it, like we did. I don't remember a fee for this, but check ahead for hours, etc. Go to AOL's search engine page and find "Oswego NY Museums" On season, they do have reenactments and people dressed as they did way back when. We were offered coffee when we visited: didn't see food for purchase.

Only viewed from the outside as it is closed on weekdays off season. Sits on the Lake on extensive ground so would be nice place for a picnic!

This fort is a collection of buildings set in Oswego; easily accessed. Each building was fitted with furnishings and descriptor plaques. One room had a brief video of the fort history and books with writings of soilders who seved there. The soilder information was very interesting to me.There was a fort gift store and inside bathrooms. Parking was free but there was a small admission fee to the fort.

Relatively small fort but I think the owners made as much as they could of this place. Although modest, the expositions inside some buildings of the fort were well-documented and covered all the historic periods that this fort went through. You could tell that the expositions were made by some professional historians (or at least some very skilled amateur historians). The view on Lake Ontario is amazing. Even if you're not a fan of history I would still recommend this site only for the view.We were an adult couple and it took us about 2 hours and a half to visit the fort, but we read a lot of this information at each display. If you have less time, the fort can be visited in an hour.

We visited Fort Ontario July 2014. We spent a couple hours wandering around the fort, went in all the buildings and read most of the information offered at each display. Were interested to learn the history of the fort and the area. Spoke with a young man in the 'mess hall' he graciously offered to answer any questions we had. He and other staff we came in contact with were very knowledgeable and friendly.

Got there during a reenactment. Everyone was awesome. Very authentic!! Would recommend this experience.

There for living history event, which we'd previously attended. Fort Ontario events are activity and learning events for the whole family

I have explored the south but not the north, so neat to see a fort up here. It is beautiful sitting on the water as it is, and most of the grounds/buildings are open. While many rooms were empty, there was still much to be learned. I enjoyed that they had an exhibit going on that payed tribute to when it was used as a place for refugees post war. The underground bunkers were the best part, but you have to climb up over the buildings to get down to them; terrain is a little steep and steps a little small for those that aren't as mobile or have little ones. Staff was friendly and helpful. I thought the overall exhibit told a story, both of the refugees and the soldiers before them. Really cool to see the ledgers and what things cost and how they were done back then.

We arrived when they were setting up for the French & Indian re-enactment. Beautiful, well-kept grounds with a wonderful view of Lake Ontario. If driving through the area, it is a great place to take out a chair and sit by the lake and have a little picnic. Mini-vacation awaits.

Most forts are pretty much similar, but I enjoy them all. We stopped here on a beautiful day and toured the interior of this fort. Very interesting to learn how this fort was used to house refugees during WWII.

I have taken my grandkids here and they really liked it. Fireworks are great from the grounds too. Of course we like the little gift shop too and the kids always get something when they visit.

This was a spur of the moment visit and well worth the time. We found the grounds well kept. The volunteers were all very friendly and knowledgeable. Each of the buildings have informational posters that help to understand their importance to the fort. The weather had been quite wet for the past few days however the grounds were dry enough to see the entire fort - even the young folks were able to stay dry.

Fort Ontario is a beautifully restored historic site that shows us just what this military landmark looked like many years ago. The walls and structures have been re-built, but care has been taken to use original materials and built to original dimension and appearances. There are also re-enactments that take place at the fort, but you need to know when they are scheduled, so look it up online before you go. Also, you should know that this place closes at 4:30 PM during the week, so get there early enough to view the interior of the fort. Otherwise, there just isn't enough to see to make it worth the visit.

Small fort on beautiful Lake Ontario-visit the life of the encampment by touring through the houses & post. Drive to the outlook for a view of the lighthouse. Interesting museum of weapons.

Fort Ontario is filled with lots of interesting history. There are re-creations of life back in the early 1800s when the fort was used to defend the border.