My Local Guide

Lake Ontario Harbors, Rivers, and Tug Hill

Oswego County, New York

Explore a New York county shaped by Lake Ontario, the Oswego River and Canal, salmon fishing, Tug Hill snow country, Oneida Lake, forts, and maritime history. Oswego and nearby communities provide the services, food, culture, and local traditions that anchor daily life, while parks, historic sites, and scenic routes reveal a broader regional story. Whether you are planning a day trip, researching a move, or looking for useful local contacts, this guide brings the county’s places, resources, and practical information together in one starting point.

Oswego County at a Glance

Population118,569 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatOswego
Largest MunicipalityOswego
Established1816
ZIP Codes26 ZIP Codes serving the county
Total AreaApproximately 1,312 square miles, including water
Major RoutesI-81 • US 11 • NY 3 • NY 13 • NY 48 • NY 49 • NY 104
Area Code315 / 680
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover the County

Oswego County

Created in 1816, Oswego County stretches from Lake Ontario east toward the Tug Hill Plateau and south to Oneida Lake. The city of Oswego is the county seat and grew around its harbor, river, canal, and lake trade. Fort Ontario reflects centuries of military history, while Pulaski and the Salmon River are nationally known for fishing. Agriculture, energy, education, manufacturing, and winter recreation all play important roles across the county.

Visitors can walk Oswego’s waterfront, tour Fort Ontario, fish the Salmon River, explore state parks and beaches, camp near Lake Ontario, or head into public lands toward Tug Hill. SUNY Oswego adds college-town energy, while Fulton, Pulaski, Central Square, and other communities provide services across a large rural county. Lake-effect snow makes winter a major part of local life and recreation.

What Shapes Us

Harbor and Canal

Oswego’s harbor, river, canal, lighthouse, and Fort Ontario reflect a long history of Great Lakes trade, defense, immigration, and transportation.

Water and Wild Lands

Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, the Salmon River, beaches, state forests, and Tug Hill create year-round fishing, boating, camping, and winter recreation.

Working Communities

Oswego, Fulton, Pulaski, farms, SUNY Oswego, industry, and village centers support a broad mix of year-round local life and seasonal tourism.

Local stories, shared places, and room to explore.
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Oswego County

Our County — Our Stories
County Wire

Oswego County Wire

Local Stories — DailyPicture Attribution & Terms Demo
Google News — Oswego County search

Sheriffs fear broad limits on collusion with ICE; advocates for immigrants hope they’re right - Oswego County News Now

Sheriffs fear broad limits on collusion with ICE; advocates for immigrants hope they’re right  Oswego County News Now

Read the Story Oct 5, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Oswego County

Stories from every corner of Oswego County.

Sheriffs fear broad limits on collusion with ICE; advocates for immigrants hope they’re right - Oswego County News Now

Sheriffs fear broad limits on collusion with ICE; advocates for immigrants hope they’re right  Oswego County News Now

Oct 5, 2026 • 2 min read

Accident in Oswego County State Route 3 - Oswego County Today

Accident in Oswego County State Route 3  Oswego County Today

Oct 3, 2026 • 2 min read

Police: Woman exposed herself to students, entered school partially disrobed - Democrat and Chronicle

Police: Woman exposed herself to students, entered school partially disrobed  Democrat and Chronicle

Oct 3, 2026 • 2 min read

Oswego | Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, Salmon River - Britannica

Oswego | Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, Salmon River  Britannica

Oct 3, 2026 • 2 min read

Woman accused of exposing herself to students - WWNY

Woman accused of exposing herself to students  WWNY

Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
OSWEGO COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

From public services and schools to health care, trails, transportation, and everyday essentials, use these verified Oswego County resources to find organizations that serve residents and visitors.

Government

Oswego County Government
Official county departments, public services, notices, and contacts.
Official Website

New York Local Government Portal
State links to local-government information and services.
Official Website

NY Department of State — Local Government Services
Training and technical resources for local governments and communities.
Official Website

New York Committee on Open Government
Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law guidance.
Official Website

New York Property Tax Resources
Official property-tax, assessment, and exemption information.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

Practical answers for living in, visiting, and exploring Oswego County, New York.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions.

Start with the questions people actually ask about Oswego County — from signature attractions and outdoor access to local travel, weather, and community life.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day.

Browse local ideas for family time, food, shopping, outdoor adventures, and free ways to enjoy Oswego County.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Children’s Museum of Oswego
  2. Fort Ontario State Historic Site
  3. Splash Indoor Waterpark Resort

Restaurants

  1. The Red Sun Fire Roasting Co.
  2. Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In
  3. Canale’s Restaurant

Shopping & Retail

  1. Port City Co-op
  2. Walmart Supercenter – Oswego
  3. Oswego Plaza

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Port City Co-op
  2. T.J. Maxx – Oswego
  3. Walmart Supercenter – Oswego

Outdoor Fun

  1. Salmon River Falls Unique Area
  2. Selkirk Shores State Park
  3. Mexico Point State Park

Free Things To Do

  1. Breitbeck Park
  2. Fort Ontario grounds
  3. Oswego Waterfront
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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