A Guide to Skaneateles Lake

What Makes Skaneateles Lake Special?

If you're wondering if Skaneateles is worth visiting, the answer is yes. This place is a real treasure in the region. It's known for its natural beauty and a historic village that feels perfectly preserved.

The lake is famous for its sparkling blue-green water. It's so clear that people often compare it to the Caribbean. The main reason for this is that the lake provides unfiltered drinking water for the city of Syracuse.

This guide will show you two sides of Skaneateles: the lake itself and the village on its shore. The lake is a 16-mile-long natural wonder, and it's one of the cleanest lakes in the country. The village is like something from a postcard, with historic buildings and great shops.

Visiting Skaneateles is more about relaxing than doing a lot of high-energy activities. Because the lake is a protected water source, the village has also stayed well-preserved and charming. This guide will help you plan your visit with useful tips and information.

The Super Clear Water of Skaneateles Lake

To really get Skaneateles, you have to understand its water. The lake's famous purity comes from its location, its geology, and a lot of hard work to keep it clean.

Facts About the Lake

Skaneateles Lake is located about 23 miles west of Syracuse. It's the fifth largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. At 863 feet above sea level, it is also the highest.

The name "Skaneateles" comes from an Iroquois word for "Long Lake," which makes sense since it's 16 miles long. But it's also very narrow and deep, plunging down to 300 feet. Scientists call the lake oligotrophic, which is a key reason why it's so clear.

Why is the Lake So Clean and Clear?

The lake's cleanliness isn't an accident. It's carefully managed because it's a public water source. This important job shapes everything about the lake, from its beauty to its rules.

The lake provides unfiltered drinking water to over 220,000 people in and around Syracuse. It's one of only six water systems like it in the United States. This special status is kept up through a mix of natural factors and human effort.

1. Natural Advantages:

• Nutrient-Poor Water: Being an oligotrophic lake means it is naturally low in nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients feed algae and weeds. Since there are very few nutrients, the water stays clear instead of getting cloudy.
• Helpful Geology: The lake is very deep and its water is cold, which also helps stop algae from growing. The land that drains into the lake is pretty small compared to the lake's huge size. This helps limit the amount of pollution and runoff that gets into the water.

2. Active Human Protection:

The City of Syracuse spends over $2 million a year on a program to protect the watershed. A team of inspectors monitors the properties around the lake. They also work with local farmers to reduce runoff from their fields.

The strict rules are what make the lake so beautiful. The need for pure drinking water means there are tight environmental controls. These controls sometimes limit public access, but they also preserve the amazing scenery.

It is important to know that the lake can still have problems. In recent years, it has had some harmful algal blooms. This just shows how important it is to keep protecting this fragile ecosystem.

Things to Do at Skaneateles Lake

Most activities are centered in the walkable village at the north end of the lake. Other things, like hiking and visiting wineries, will require a short drive.

On the Water: Boating, Swimming, and Fishing

The strict rules to protect the water quality mean public access is limited. But the options you do have are very good.

Swimming

For visitors, there is only one official public swimming spot, which is at Clift Park in the village. It is not a sandy beach. Instead, concrete steps lead into a small, roped-off swimming area. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer, and non-residents have to pay a small fee.

Boating

• Public Launches: Public access for boats on trailers is limited. The main one is the NYS DEC Boat Launch, 2.5 miles south of the village. It has limited parking, so it can fill up quickly on busy days.
• Paddling (Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs): It's much easier to get on the water with a non-motorized boat. The village has a handy launch site in Clift Park right next to the gazebo.
• Rentals: You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from a few local shops. For safety, some places will not rent them out if the lake is too choppy or windy.

Boat Tours: A Critical 2024 Update

Taking a boat tour is the best way for most people to see the lake. For a long time, the most popular tour was the Mailboat Cruise, which delivered mail to homes along the lake.

Please Note: As of 2024, the historic boat for that tour is no longer in service due to safety reasons.

However, the company, Mid-Lakes Navigation, still offers a full schedule of great cruises from its dock in Clift Park. These tours are on its larger boat, the Judge Ben Wiles. Here are some of the cruises they offer:

• 50-Minute Narrated Scenic Cruise: This is the most popular choice. It's a relaxing trip where you'll hear about the lake's history and see its beauty.
• Dinner Cruise: This is a 2.5-hour evening cruise that includes a three-course dinner.
• Lunch Cruise: This is a 2-hour cruise with a buffet-style lunch.
• Specialty Cruises: They also have cocktail cruises and other themed boat rides.

Fishing and Wildlife

The lake's deep, cold, and clear water makes it a great spot for fishing.

• Key Species: The lake is known for its lake trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon.
• Other Catches: You can also find smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel.
• A New Challenger: Walleye were illegally introduced to the lake and their population is growing. Some local anglers think this is affecting the trout and perch populations.
• Stream Fishing: In the early spring, Grout Brook at the south end of the lake is a popular spot to catch rainbow trout.

Exploring the Shoreline: Parks, Hiking, and Views

People often ask, "Can you walk around Skaneateles Lake?" The answer is no. The road around the lake is 32 miles long, and there is no walking path that follows the shore. The best walks are in the village, while real hiking requires a drive.

Village Lakeside Parks

• Clift Park: This park is the center of public life in the village. It has the famous pier and gazebo, plenty of benches, and green space for relaxing. It's also where you'll find the public swimming area and the dock for boat tours.
• Thayer Park: Right next to Clift Park, this spot is usually a little quieter. It offers a peaceful green space with benches and the same great lake views.
• Shotwell Memorial Park: This park is also part of the beautiful downtown park system along the water.

Nearby Hiking and Nature Preserves

• Charlie Major Nature Trail: This is an easy, flat walk, not a tough hike. The 0.8-mile path is in the village and follows Skaneateles Creek on an old railroad bed. It's a perfect, peaceful stroll.
• Bahar Preserve and Carpenter Falls: This is a must-see for hikers, located on the southwest side of the lake. The main attraction is the 90-foot Carpenter Falls. An accessible boardwalk leads to a viewing platform for the falls.
• Hinchcliff Family Nature Preserve: If you're looking for great views of the lake, this preserve on the eastern shore is the best spot. The trails can be steep in some places. They lead through forests to clearings with amazing views of the lake below.

A Scenic Drive Around the Lake

A great way to see the area is to take the 32-mile scenic drive on the roads around the lake. The drive takes about an hour without stopping. You should plan for two to three hours to have time for photos, food, and wine.

The drive takes you through rolling fields and offers classic Finger Lakes views. Key stops along the way include:

• Wineries (West Shore): Anyela's Vineyards is a popular stop. It's on a hillside on West Lake Road and offers wine tastings and amazing views of the lake.
• Farm Stands (West Shore/Auburn): The drive has many farm stands, especially on the west side. One great stop near Auburn is Elderberry Pond, an organic farm, market, and restaurant.
• Scenic Views (South End): The southern end of the lake is the most rural and hilly part of the drive. It offers beautiful views. This is also where you'll find the trailheads for hiking.

The Charming Village of Skaneateles

While the lake is the main attraction, the village is the perfect place to spend your time. For most visitors, the village is where you'll find the most to do.

Discovering the Historic Downtown

Skaneateles has one of the best downtowns in the Finger Lakes region. The heart of the village is Genesee Street, which runs along the northern shore of the lake. The area's appeal comes from a few key things:

1. Historic Architecture: The entire downtown is a Historic District. A great activity is to just walk around and admire the restored 19th-century buildings and beautiful homes.
2. Boutique Shops and Galleries: Genesee Street is filled with unique shops, antique stores, and art galleries.
3. Lakeside Access: Unlike many lake towns, the downtown is right on the water. The beautiful pier and gazebo in Clift Park are the social center of the village.

Where to Eat: Top Restaurants in Skaneateles

The food scene in Skaneateles is a big draw. It has a variety of restaurants that you might expect to find in a small city. This table gives you a quick guide to some of the best places to eat.

Table 1: The Skaneateles Dining Guide: At a Glance

A Little Bit of History

The village's charm today comes from its interesting history.

• Founding: The story starts after the Revolutionary War. The land was given to soldiers as payment for their service. The first settler, Abraham Cuddeback, arrived in 1794.
• Incorporation: The Town of Skaneateles was formed in 1830, and the Village was incorporated three years later in 1833.
• Industrial Past: Before it was a tourist town, Skaneateles was an industrial center.
  1. Mills: Early settlers used the power from Skaneateles Creek to run woolen mills, paper mills, and distilleries.
  2. The Teasel Industry: For many years, the local economy was driven by growing teasel, a thorny plant. The dried heads were used to gently raise the fuzz on woven wool.
  3. Boat Building: The village was also known for making canoes, motorboats, and sailboats, including the famous Lightning and Comet classes.
• The Pivot to Tourism: In the 1890s, the City of Syracuse gained the rights to the lake's water. This took water away from the creek, causing the mills to close. At the same time, the village's beauty helped it become a popular resort for wealthy families.
• Museums and Landmarks:
  • The Creamery Museum: The best place to learn about this history is at the Skaneateles Historical Society. The museum is in an old creamery building from 1899. It has exhibits on the teasel industry and a collection of old boats built in Skaneateles.
  • Underground Railroad: The James and Lydia Canning Fuller House, at 98 Genesee Street, was a station on the Underground Railroad. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Planning Your Trip to Skaneateles

A great trip to Skaneateles involves a little planning, especially when it comes to timing your visit and parking.

When's the Best Time to Go?

Skaneateles is a great place to visit any time of year. Each season offers something different.

• "What are the best months to visit?" For summer activities like swimming and boating, the best time is from late June to early September.
• Summer (July–August): This is the busiest season, when the town is full of energy. The water is warm enough for swimming, and there are events like free concerts in Clift Park. Just be ready for bigger crowds and higher hotel prices.
• Fall (September–October): Fall is a beautiful time for a different kind of trip. The crowds get smaller, and the focus shifts to seeing the colorful leaves, apple picking, and wine tasting.
• Winter (Late November–December): Many lake towns quiet down in the winter, but Skaneateles becomes a top destination. This is all thanks to its world-famous Dickens Christmas festival.
  • The Event: This event turns the village into a year-round attraction. Every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas, the village feels like a storybook. Charles Dickens and over 40 costumed characters fill the streets.
  • Activities: The festival includes horse-drawn wagon rides, live caroling at the gazebo, and free roasted chestnuts.
• Spring (April–May): This is the quiet "shoulder season." It's a great time for a relaxing spa trip and to enjoy the village as it comes to life before the summer crowds arrive.

Where to Stay: Hotels, Rentals, and Camping

Places to stay in Skaneateles range from fancy hotels to cozy inns. They are often in high demand and can be expensive.

Table 2: Skaneateles Accommodation: At a Glance

Getting There and Around

Getting There

• By Air: The easiest airport to fly into is Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).
• By Car: Skaneateles is a simple 30- to 40-minute drive from the Syracuse airport. You will need a car to explore the area, as ride-sharing services are not always available for trips around the lake.

Getting Around: Parking in the Village

Parking can be the biggest challenge for visitors in the busy village.

• On-Street Meters: You can find metered parking on Genesee Street and other streets downtown. The meters are strictly enforced, and most spots have a 2-hour limit.
• Municipal Lot: There is a "Pay & Display" parking lot behind the shops on Genesee Street. It costs $0.75 per hour or $6.00 for the whole day.
• A Tip for Free Parking: You can find free, all-day parking at the Austin Park Pavilion, which is a short 3-block walk from downtown. Visitors should plan to park there and walk into the village.

"How many days do you need?"

A weekend trip, or about two days, is the perfect amount of time to experience Skaneateles. This gives you one day for the village activities like shopping and a boat tour. You can use the second day for a scenic drive, a hike, or a winery visit.

Common Questions About Skaneateles

This section answers some common questions that visitors have about the area.

Is Skaneateles a Fancy Town?

"Is Skaneateles a wealthy area?"

Yes, Skaneateles is one of the wealthiest communities in Upstate New York. This isn't new. It became a resort destination for wealthy families back in the late 1800s after the mills closed. You can see this wealth in the upscale shops and restaurants.

"What celebrity lives on Skaneateles Lake?"

The area's beauty has always attracted well-known residents. The most famous is David Muir, the anchor of ABC World News Tonight, who owns a historic home on the lake. There are often rumors about other celebrities buying property there, which adds to the town's exclusive reputation.

Other Interesting Facts:

• Iroquois Legend: An Iroquois legend says the Finger Lakes were formed when the Great Spirit laid his handprint on the earth.
• The Teasel Industry: An important part of the village's economy in the 1800s was growing the teasel plant.
• Sailboat History: Skaneateles was known across the country for building wooden sailboats.
• Early Tourism: The first steamboat on the lake, launched in 1831, was one of the first tourist boats in the entire Finger Lakes region.
• A Key Local Employer: Besides tourism, Skaneateles is the headquarters of Welch Allyn, a major company that makes medical equipment.

Recap: What is Skaneateles Known For?

In the end, Skaneateles is known for the relaxing experience you get from a few key things:

1. Its crystal-clear, pure water, which is protected as a drinking water source.
2. Its beautifully preserved historic downtown, which is a great place for shopping and dining.
3. Its status as a popular, year-round luxury destination, with fun events like the summer boat show and the magical Dickens Christmas festival.