Fort Ontario
Oswego, NY
A star-shaped fort above Lake Ontario that later sheltered nearly 1,000 World War II refugees, told at the nearby Safe Haven museum.
Fort Ontario in Oswego, on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York, is a fortress on high ground east of the Oswego River. The first fort was built in 1755 and was destroyed and rebuilt several times in successive wars. The present stone fort, with a pentagonal plan and five bastions, dates mostly from the Civil War era, and work continued until 1870. Today it is open to the public as a State Historic Site.
The fort is best known for a chapter of World War II: from August 1944 to February 1946 it sheltered 982 Jewish refugees who came by way of Bari, Italy, from 18 countries. The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum tells their story and is housed in the original 1905 gatehouse. According to the museum, a reduced winter schedule applies from Columbus Day to May 1, with the museum open Thursday through Sunday (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Oswego, NY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.4661, -76.5072
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Chipmunk LoopCampsite16 mi from Fort Ontario
- Bird LoopCampsite16 mi from Fort Ontario
- Dragonfly LoopCampsite16 mi from Fort Ontario
- Acorn LoopCampsite16 mi from Fort Ontario
- Bears Sleepy HollowCampsite17 mi from Fort Ontario
- Brennan Beach CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Fort OntarioCaravans
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Ontario?
Fort Ontario is in Oswego, NY, at GPS 43.4661, -76.5072. It is about 34 mi from Syracuse.
Can you camp near Fort Ontario?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Chipmunk Loop, about 16 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Ontario?
Fort Ontario is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands.
What is there to see near Fort Ontario?
Places worth a stop nearby: Skaneateles (36 mi), Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (36 mi), Women’s Rights National Historical Park (41 mi) and Tibbetts Point Lighthouse (44 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Ontario?
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)