Sackets Harbor, NY Lat: 43° 56.952 Long: 076° 07.225 |
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DESCRIPTION In its early days, Sackets Harbor was an important ship building center on Lake Ontario. Settled in 1801, the village became a major U.S. Navy base during the War of 1812. This naval base was maintained until 1948. Many of the buildings and fort structures have been restored and, for the history buff, there is a lot to see and experience. This is a well-protected harbor and the village is an interesting and very pleasant place to visit. |
APPROACHES The approach into Sackets Harbor is straightforward. Entering Black River Bay, keep Horse Island on your starboard beam. Approximately 2 nm NE, you will see the masts of sailboats docked at Navy Point Marina. The south shore shoals so give it a wide berth as you plan your entrance into the harbor on your starboard. As you approach the entrance, you will see 2 Q Fl YELLOW lights defining the anchoracge area - leave those to your starboard as you enter. |
MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Navy Point Marina 315-646-3364 VHF 9, 68 This is a full-service marina. with transient docking for approximately 3 dozen boats. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pump-out station. The marina is able to carry out engine, mechanical, electrical and fiberglass repairs. There are restrooms and showers. Laundry services are available. There is a small marine store. Other amenities include picnic and BBQ areas. There is internet access. Madison Barracks Marina 315-646-3374 VHF 13 This marina is located approximately 1/2 nm NE of Navy Point Marina. This is a resort community built around the historic Madison Barracks establishment. They have approximately a dozen transient slips available. There is no fuel dock or pump-out station. Restrooms and showers are available as are laundry facilities. Other amenities include a swimming pool, and picnic area and a health club (for a minimal fee). Anchorage There is a mooring area off the east end of Navy Point. |
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Navy Point Marina (see above) is the principal repair and maintenance facility. West Marine has a store in Watertown, about 10 mi/16 km east of Sackets Harbor. If you need something that is not in stock locally, West Marine can have it shipped quickly from another store. Harbor Market is the main place for provisioning. It is located at Madison Barracks Watertown Savings Bank is located in the village center. There is an ATM there. |
MEDICAL SERVICES Sackets Harbor Family Health Center (315-646-2023) is located within the village. Samaritan Medical Center (315-785-4000) is the nearest hospital, located in Watertown, about 10 mi/16 km east. Target Pharmacy (315-786-2541) is located in the Watertown, about 10 mi/16 km east. |
PLACES TO EAT Sackets Harbor has a number of good restaurant options. The Boathouse has a lovely deck that overlooks the harbor where you can enjoy one of the many craft beers they stock. The Barracks Inn is located right at Madison Barracks. This family restaurant gives diners the option of enjoying a spacious airy indoor dining room or a pleasant table on the patio overlooking the water. Docking is available for guests. Goodfellas is a wine bar known for its very good brick-oven pizzas, all served in a comfortable, exposed-brick dining room. Karen's Cafe shares the property with The Boathouse. It has a great patio overlooking the water and the menu offers classic cafe fare. Tin Pan Galley is a delightful setting to enjoy a very good menu. Its leafy, shaded garden patio also features entertainment. |
THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Sackets Harbor is a great place for a cruising sailor to visit. Its roots are firmly set in the history of Lake Ontario. Sackets Harbor played a significant role in the War of 1812 and that history is all around you. Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is a few minutes' walk from the public dock. It details the role Sackets Harbor played during the War. Static displays are complimented by a living history camp and re-enactments. Navy Yard features a hands-on exhibit about the brig Jefferson, something I am sure most sailors would enjoy. Many other well-preserved historical buildings dot the village. The Pickering-Beach Museum was once home to the Pickering Brothers - successful ship builders and merchants. The Seaway Trail Discovery Center, located in Union Hall (built about 1817) showcases the history and environment of the peoples who have lived along the New York coastline. Each summer, the days are filled with antique shows, concerts and community celebrations. It is certainly worth the time to stop and visit. A quick look at this Sackets Harbor tourism site will give you many ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return to Home Page Return to Lake Ontario |