On the eastern shore of Onondaga Lake, only a few minutes’ drive from Syracuse, the village of Liverpool is a hamlet built on the salt industry. It’s now the perfect retreat from the frenzy of the city. First settled in the 18th century, it was at its peak during the heyday of the Erie Canal. Get to know Liverpool through its many museums, charming cafés or walks along its lovely waterfront.
Stroll around Liverpool’s quaint downtown, which features architecture from the golden age of salt production in the 1860s. Visit the Lucius Gleason House, a well-preserved structure, whose Italianate façade looks out impressively at the rest of the town. Go inside to the well-staffed Village Museum for its rotating displays about local history. In the summer, linger on the lawn, where volunteers set up the Liverpool Willow Museum, dedicated to the art of basket-making.
Learn about the history of the industry at the free Salt Museum. It has an original salt boiling block on which the salt springs’ brackish water was boiled down.
Explore the past of the original inhabitants of Liverpool, the Onondaga, at the Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center, a small museum on the shoreline that teaches visitors about the history and present of the Iroquois Confederacy.
Relax at Onondaga Lake Park, which offers opportunity for walking, biking, kayaking and fishing, as well as community shuffleboard courts. As you watch the sun set behind the trees surrounding the lake, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the serenity.
Reach Liverpool in 15 minutes from Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which offers connections to other destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Rent a car at the airport to give more flexibility to your visit. Drive to Liverpool in 4.5 hours from New York City.
Located next to the bustling metropolis of Syracuse, Liverpool is the ideal springboard for a larger exploration of the varied attractions of Central New York.
