Cazenovia Lake

CAZENOVIA WEATHER

Cazenovia Lake, located entirely within Madison County, stretches approximately 3.9 miles in length, with a maximum depth of 45 feet, making it a modest yet scenic feature in a region spotted with small glacially-formed lakes. Nestled within the rolling hills of Central New York, Cazenovia Lake provides a tranquil escape, surrounded by a mix of affluent private properties, small parks, and rural landscapes.

The lake is fed by several tributaries, the largest of which is at the northern end forming a significant wetland that contributes to the lake’s water quality. Outflow is at the southern end (near Lakeland Park) at a small canal that feeds into Chittenango Creek, which flows north through Chittenango Falls. While formed through the same geologic processes as the Finger Lakes, Cazenovia is notably different in that it flows north-to-south, while all the Finger Lakes flow south-to-north.

Lakeland Park, located in the village of Cazenovia, is one of the few public areas offering swimming facilities, thanks to its modern bathhouse. However, it lacks a boat launch and primarily caters to residents of the Cazenovia School District and their guests. Nearby, Lakeside Park provides a boat launch for motorized and hand-carried boats, but swimming is not permitted. Other parks, including Helen McNitt State Park, are minimal use, largely undeveloped, and have very limited shorelines for viewing and enjoying the lake.

The surrounding community of Cazenovia adds to the lake’s charm. The village is known for its vibrant small-town atmosphere, with local shops, restaurants, and cultural events contributing to its appeal. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area, enjoy a meal at one of the farm-to-table restaurants, or attend seasonal events like the annual Cazenovia Art Trail. That being said, it’s a small village, that takes no more than an hour to see, and the sole community within close proximity to the lake.

Recreation on Cazenovia Lake includes boating, fishing, and paddle sports. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for anglers. Canoeing and kayaking are common due to the lake’s calm waters and scenic surroundings. However, the limited public access and modest facilities mean that much of the recreational activity is enjoyed by private landowners or those with access through local connections.

Despite its limitations in public amenities, Cazenovia Lake remains a treasured resource for the local community. Its quiet shores and scenic setting make it an excellent destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a connection to the natural beauty of Central New York. The lack of beach access, scenic views and robust hiking trails prevent this from being a recommend day trip if you are traveling from afar. Still, if you are looking to explore another New York lake, and this one is close by or on the way to a greater destination, it’s a quick stop and the village does have some nice places to grab a bite to eat (we were pleasantly surprised by the Lincklaen House).

Cazenovia Lake was formed approximately 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age as glaciers retreated from the region. This glacial activity carved out the basins for the Finger Lakes and surrounding smaller lakes like Cazenovia, leaving behind a long, narrow body of water nestled in a scenic valley.

The Oneidas originally hunted in this region and, prior to white settlers, referred to the lake as “Owahgena,” meaning “the lake where the yellow fish swim” or “yellow perch lake.” While their primary village was to the north in Canaseraga, they travelled a well-worn road down Chittenango Creek to the lake in hunting season. This is now Gorge Rd (NY-13).

John Lincklaen, of the Holland Land Company, surveyed vast tracks of land in the Finger Lakes Region in the 1790s. On October 11, 1792 he came upon the shores of this lake and recorded it. Since then, all early maps of the lake recorded the name “Lincklaen’s Lake.” Lincklaen, despite having his choice to live anywhere across his New York expeditions for the Holland Land company, settled in the village of Cazenovia and became a prominent citizen and developer in the fledging village.

Early settlers were not drawn to the village by the lake, but by the run of Chittenango Creek just north, which drops several hundred feet over a few miles, making it a powerful source of water power for mills. John Lincklaen built the first sawmill and gristmill on this stretch in 1794. One of the most notable businesses in the village was the Cazenovia Paper Mill, built in 1810 by Zadock Sweetland, and produced over a ton of paper per day.

By the mid-1800s, the lake became a popular destination for tourism, with steamboats ferrying visitors across the water and grand hotels lining its shores. These establishments catered to wealthy visitors seeking a summer retreat in the tranquil beauty of Central New York. A few still exist today, such as the Brewster Inn (1890) on Ledyard Ave, the The Brae Loch Inn (1805) on Forman St, and the Lincklaen House (1835) on Albany St.

In the early 19th century, the adjacent village, Cazenovia, named after Theophilus Cazenove, a Dutch agent of the Holland Land Company, and Lincklaen’s boss, became an established tourist spot, leading to the lake being formally named after it. While tourism in the area has diminished compared to its heyday, the lake remains a point of pride and a quiet attraction for those drawn to its historical and natural charm.

Helen McNitt State Park

Description: Helen L. McNitt State Park, established in 1999 through a generous gift from James and Helen McNitt, spans 133 acres in Cazenovia, New York. The park is situated along both Chard and East Lake Roads and boasts diverse natural features, including scenic hardwood and pine forests, rolling farm fields, and 1,300 feet of mostly wetland shoreline along the tranquil Cazenovia Lake. As the largest undeveloped parcel on the lake, the passive-use park offers a serene escape for visitors to enjoy fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and launching small car-top boats. Trailered boats are not permitted, preserving the park’s quiet, passive-use character. A short trail leads from the parking area to the lake. While the majority of the park is uphill from the road, there are no official trails on that side of the park, yet. The state had plans to expand trails and improve facilities as early as 2015, but funding shortfalls have put a pause on those plans.

Seasons/Hours: The park is open year-round, daylight hours.

Directions: Northeast end of the lake off of E Lake Rd. The entrance is not clearly marked and we drove by it the first time. This map will get you there.

Parking: A gravel parking lot on the west side of E Lake Rd can hold 20 cars.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall.

Pets: To maintain safety and cleanliness, the park enforces a pet policy allowing up to two pets per group, which must be supervised, leashed, or crated at all times. Pets are prohibited from certain areas, such as playgrounds, buildings, and guarded beaches, except for service animals. With its natural beauty and tranquil setting, Helen L. McNitt State Park remains a cherished resource for passive outdoor recreation.

Admission: The park does not charge any admission or parking fees.

Handicap accessibility: No special accommodations made. The trail leading down to the lake is gravel, uneven, and has some wooden stairs.

Swimming: Not allowed.

Boat Launch: Hand launch of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats only.

Camping: No camping at this park. The nearest camping facility is at Chittenango Falls State Park.

Accommodations: A port-a-potty, fishing, lake view.

Contact: New York State Parks: (315) 655-3200

Lakeside Park

Description: Located on the north side of the village, this beautiful town park sits on a gentle slope towards the lake, offering arguably the best view, although that’s not saying much. At about 9 acres, it has 570 ft of shoreline, but as an erosion-fighting measure, much of that shoreline is planted, leaving only a few spots to peek through. Much of the park has open fields with 2 softball diamonds, two large picnic pavilions, a playground  and other recreational amenities. The big draw is the concrete boat ramp, which is the only publicly accessible launch on the lake.

Seasons/Hours: Year-round, from dawn to dusk according to the village website. Although when we visited a sign at the entrance said: 6:00am to 9:00pm.

Directions: Southeast side of the lake on E Lake Rd/Forman Rd. Google Maps.

Parking: The park entrance is lined with parking spots leading down to the boat launch. There is a small gravel lot on the right just as you come in.

Best time to visit: Summer.

Pets: Allowed, on a leash.

Admission: Free admission for the park. The boat launch requires a permit, which is a $30 fee for the day.

Handicap accessibility: Unfortunately there were no special accommodations made. Pathways to the pavilions and playgrounds are dirt/gravel.

Swimming:  Not allowed.

Boat Launch: A concrete ramp for trailer launching and a spot for hand launching small craft. Day passes are available Monday-Thursday for purchase at the Village Office. Day passes are $30 and an application will need to be filled out along with a valid copy of your trailer and boat registration.

Accommodations: Restrooms, boat launch, playground, pavilions, picnic tables, volleyball court, kayak rentals.

Contact: Village of Cazenovia: (315) 655-3041; Morse Kayak Rentals: (315) 655-2400

Lakeland Park

Description: A small village park with minimal amenities, but does have swimming. Four acres large, and with about 400 feet of lakeshore, the park is completely developed with a swimming area, bathhouse, lakeside fountain, and unobstructed views of the southern tip of the lake. It’s within walking distance of the village’s main avenue and its several shops and eateries. The park is also the host of many community events, such as the Summer Concert Series, July 4th Concert and Fireworks, and Easter Egg Hunt.

History Tibit: The park is on land previously owned by the Ten Eyck family, who owned mercantile businesses in Madison and Chautauqua Counties. The family constructed a small boathouse on a narrow island in the outlet.

Seasons/Hours: Daily, from dawn to dusk.

Directions: Located within the village of Cazenovia. Take E Lake Road south to the intersection with Albany Street. It is across from Albany St. Google Maps.

Parking: Parking for about 20 cars.

Admission: Free.

Handicap accessibility: Yes. Paved walkways lead to the pier, bathhouse and swimming area, but some trails are gravel. Overall the park is pretty level.

Swimming: Yes. There is no traditional beach here. A concrete platform and steps lead to the general swimming area, while old concrete boat ramps on either side of the pier are covered in sand and serve as a shallow wading zone. Swimming is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day when water quality allows for it.

Accommodations: Swimming; bathhouse; restrooms; picnic tables; benches; EV chargers.

Contact: Village of Cazenovia: (315) 655-3041

Gypsy Bay Park

Description: This 14 acre town park on the south end of the lake is primarily an open field with not much else. There’s roughly 1,000 ft of shoreline, mostly obstructed. On the eastern end there is a little dirt area that leads down to the lake, suitable for hand launching watercraft. On the west end there is a small dock making this probably the only public area to have some space to do fishing.

History Tidbit: This land was previously owned by the Lincklaen family (see the History section above). While their primary residence was in the village, they used this plot for recreation and lake access. Their boathouse used to exist along the shoreline. Across the street to the south is the Lorenzo State Historic Site, a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate.

Seasons/Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk.

Directions: On the south end of the lake on US-20 (Ledyard Ave), west of the village. The entrance is easy to miss if you are coming from the village. Look for a gravel lot surrounded by wooden fence next to a large open field.  Google Maps.

Parking: The gravel lot on the east end can accommodate 20 cars.

Best time to visit: Summer weekends

Admission: Free.

Pets: Allowed on the grounds, on leash, with proof of inoculation.

Handicap accessibility: No accommodations for the disabled at all.

Swimming: No.

Boat Launch: You can hand launch small craft from the shoreline on the side of the parking lot.

Accommodations:  Hand boat launch; open field for doing stuff; small dock; fishing; port-a-potties in summer.

Contact: Town of Cazenovia: (315) 655-9213; [email protected]

Highway Parking Area

Description: Located on the very southern point of the lake, where US-20 passes by, is this small and open parking area. It has no accommodations, but the best unobstructed view of the lake.

Seasons/Hours: Year-round, 24 hours a day. There are no lights at night.

Directions: On the south end of the lake on US-20 (Ledyard Ave), west of the village. Google Maps.

Parking: Paved lot for 20 cars, all facing the lake.

Best time to visit: Year-round.

Admission: Free.

Pets: Allowed, on leash.

Handicap accessibility: Handicap parking spots.

Swimming: No.

Boat Launch: None.

Camping: No.

Accommodations: Hiking trail, hunting, fishing, trapping, fishing, birdwatching. The General Store next door has snacks and there’s also a seasonal ice cream shop.

Contact: None.

Lorenzo State Historic Site

Across the street from Gypsy Bay Park is the Lorenzo State Historic Site, a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate that offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Ledyard family, who resided there for six generations. The centerpiece of the site is the Italianate-style mansion, which is richly furnished with period pieces and original artifacts, showcasing the family’s history and influence. Surrounding the mansion are meticulously maintained gardens, including a formal boxwood garden and a charming wildflower garden, as well as expansive grounds overlooking the estate. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, seasonal events, and exhibits that highlight the cultural and historical significance of the property, making Lorenzo a treasure for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Nichols Pond

Nichols Pond, located just east of the lake in Fenner, New York, was the site of a significant Oneida village during the late 1300s and early 1400s. Strategically positioned atop bluffs and encircled by swampy waters on three sides, the village utilized natural defenses to protect against potential threats. The settlement featured grain pits for storing dried foods like corn and fruit, and a natural spring provided fresh water. Artifacts such as stone tools and remnants of palisaded walls have been discovered at the site, underscoring its historical importance. Now a Madison County park, it features 45 acres of woodland, wetland, and open field habitats with trails and interpretive signs. A historic marker denotes Samuel de Champlain’s 1615 battle with the Onondaga happening here, but  there seems to be little to no evidence of that ever happening; at least not here.

Wild Animal Park

A private zoo located north of the lake in North Chittenango has a few dozen species of wild animals, including an African lion, Bengal tigers, a cheetah, giraffe, and more. It has a petting zoo, a drive through safari, and surprisingly good reviews.

General water concerns:
Region 7 Bureau of Fisheries
Phone: 607-753-3095
E-mail: [email protected]