Fort Stanwix National Monument
Website; 100 N James Street, Rome, NY 13440
Prepare for the sound of musket fire echoing over this 1777 frontier fort. Here, you’ll be immersed in the stories of the nations that fought for control of the Oneida Carrying Place, the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America.
Begin at the visitor center, where a ranger and engaging exhibits will orient you to the site. Then follow one of the park’s trails to explore the fort on your own or join a ranger‑led program to deepen your understanding of the events that happened here. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger book and ask about children’s activities at the fort.
Fort Stanwix National Monument has numerous options to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Find details here. The visitor center is Accessibility Verified by Wheel of the World.
Website; 100 N James Street, Rome, NY 13440
Prepare for the sound of musket fire echoing over this 1777 frontier fort. Here, you’ll be immersed in the stories of the nations that fought for control of the Oneida Carrying Place, the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America.
Begin at the visitor center, where a ranger and engaging exhibits will orient you to the site. Then follow one of the park’s trails to explore the fort on your own or join a ranger‑led program to deepen your understanding of the events that happened here. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger book and ask about children’s activities at the fort.
Fort Stanwix National Monument has numerous options to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Find details here. The visitor center is Accessibility Verified by Wheel of the World.
Bellamy Harbor Park
Website; 139 E Whitesboro St, Rome, NY 13440
Head to Bellamy Harbor to see the place where different eras of water transportation meet. Quiet waters of today’s Erie Canal belie the site’s long history as the crucial “Oneida Carrying Place.” Prior to the canal, boats had to be carried miles overland between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek.
During the Revolutionary War, Loyalist American camps set up in this area were attacked and destroyed by Continental soldiers from Fort Stanwix during the British siege of the fort in August of 1777.
The park is just 1.5 miles from Fort Stanwix and is a good place to picnic, fish, or launch a canoe or kayak on the Erie Canal.
- Paddling Option- Put in at Bellamy Harbor Park and paddle upstream as far as you like, then return with the current.
- Cycling Option- Pick up the Empire State Trail here and cycle 5.2 miles to Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, then return to your car in Rome and proceed with the itinerary.
Bellamy Harbor Park is located right on the Erie Canal. Accessible parking is available. There is a gentle slope to the water. At the water's edge, concrete canal walls have a steep drop to the water.
Website; 139 E Whitesboro St, Rome, NY 13440
Head to Bellamy Harbor to see the place where different eras of water transportation meet. Quiet waters of today’s Erie Canal belie the site’s long history as the crucial “Oneida Carrying Place.” Prior to the canal, boats had to be carried miles overland between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek.
During the Revolutionary War, Loyalist American camps set up in this area were attacked and destroyed by Continental soldiers from Fort Stanwix during the British siege of the fort in August of 1777.
The park is just 1.5 miles from Fort Stanwix and is a good place to picnic, fish, or launch a canoe or kayak on the Erie Canal.
- Paddling Option- Put in at Bellamy Harbor Park and paddle upstream as far as you like, then return with the current.
- Cycling Option- Pick up the Empire State Trail here and cycle 5.2 miles to Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, then return to your car in Rome and proceed with the itinerary.
Bellamy Harbor Park is located right on the Erie Canal. Accessible parking is available. There is a gentle slope to the water. At the water's edge, concrete canal walls have a steep drop to the water.
Lunch in Rome? Go Italian!
Italian stone masons and workmen who emigrated to New York in the early 20th century were hired to build the Erie “Barge” Canal. Many settled in the Utica/Rome area where Italian culture and cuisine remain strong.
Be sure to try chicken riggies, a local favorite and delicious blend of chicken, rigatoni, and hot or sweet peppers, served in a spicy cream and tomato sauce. Popular restaurants include Vescio Franklin Hotel and DeSalvo’s Catering and Restaurant.
Italian stone masons and workmen who emigrated to New York in the early 20th century were hired to build the Erie “Barge” Canal. Many settled in the Utica/Rome area where Italian culture and cuisine remain strong.
Be sure to try chicken riggies, a local favorite and delicious blend of chicken, rigatoni, and hot or sweet peppers, served in a spicy cream and tomato sauce. Popular restaurants include Vescio Franklin Hotel and DeSalvo’s Catering and Restaurant.
Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site
Website; 7801 NY-69, Oriskany, NY 13424
Explore the grounds where men fought bravely to protect their homes, their families, and their ways of life during the battle of Oriskany. Fought on August 6, 1777, the battle has been described as one of the bloodiest of the war.
A gravel and paved path lead from the parking area to the monument at the heart of the battlefield.
Website; 7801 NY-69, Oriskany, NY 13424
Explore the grounds where men fought bravely to protect their homes, their families, and their ways of life during the battle of Oriskany. Fought on August 6, 1777, the battle has been described as one of the bloodiest of the war.
A gravel and paved path lead from the parking area to the monument at the heart of the battlefield.
Sample Local Flavor
Drive to Utica for dinner and your overnight stay. See recommended accommodations below.
The City of Utica began with the original settlement of Old Fort Schuyler, a military fort designed to guard the fording place of the Mohawk River during the French and Indian War. The Erie Canal, which once ran through the center of the city, encouraged Utica's industrial development. Textile mills and General Electric were important to Utica's economy. Today, Utica is an ethnically diverse community with over 40 languages and 50 nationalities represented.
You’ll find lots of dining options. Here are a few favorites:
The Tailor and the Cook
A farm-driven, seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients and regional
flavors in a refined but approachable setting.
Chesterfield’s Tavolo
Home of the original Greens Morelle and Chicken Riggies,
offering a true taste of the region’s Italian-American culinary heritage.
Saranac Brewery- 1888 Biergarten & Tavern (pictured)
Enjoy a full menu
along with exclusive brews on tap. Sample the famous Utica Club beer. Brewed locally since 1888 by F.X. Matt Brewing Company--one of the oldest family-run brewing companies in the country--Utica Club was the first beer to be sold legally after prohibition.
Drive to Utica for dinner and your overnight stay. See recommended accommodations below.
The City of Utica began with the original settlement of Old Fort Schuyler, a military fort designed to guard the fording place of the Mohawk River during the French and Indian War. The Erie Canal, which once ran through the center of the city, encouraged Utica's industrial development. Textile mills and General Electric were important to Utica's economy. Today, Utica is an ethnically diverse community with over 40 languages and 50 nationalities represented.
You’ll find lots of dining options. Here are a few favorites:
The Tailor and the Cook
A farm-driven, seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients and regional
flavors in a refined but approachable setting.
Chesterfield’s Tavolo
Home of the original Greens Morelle and Chicken Riggies,
offering a true taste of the region’s Italian-American culinary heritage.
Saranac Brewery- 1888 Biergarten & Tavern (pictured)
Enjoy a full menu
along with exclusive brews on tap. Sample the famous Utica Club beer. Brewed locally since 1888 by F.X. Matt Brewing Company--one of the oldest family-run brewing companies in the country--Utica Club was the first beer to be sold legally after prohibition.
