Located in the city of Rome, in New York State, visitors can discover the historical significance of Fort Stanwix and the Oneida Carry and tour the reconstruction of the original fort at Fort Stanwix National Monument.
Fort Stanwix was an important installation built in 1758 to protect the Oneida Carry, a six-mile portage, used by those traveling by water from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Originally constructed by the British, it was abandoned in 1774 and taken over by the Americans. In 1777, the fort came under siege during the Revolutionary War, and withstood a 21 day siege, contributing to the American victory over the British at Saratoga later that same year. The fort later fell into disrepair, was abandoned, and subsequently developed over. Excavation of the original fort site began in 1960 and in 1976 the Fort Stanwix National Monument was opened to the public, with a replica of the original fort built on the original site.
A visitor center at the moment provides historical information and displays, brochures, tours, and accessible restrooms. The monument is set up to provide self-guided tours and many events and guided programs are scheduled throughout the year. Photography is permitted in the park and visitor center, except during audio visual presentations in the visitor center.
Please be aware that it is swarming season for honey bees. As a result, the historic fort may occasionally have inaccessible sections or modified hours. Follow the park Facebook page linked below for up to the minute updates.
If you are using a GPS, use the physical address 100 N James Street, Rome NY 13440.
If you are traveling from the west, take I-90 to exit 33 and turn right onto Route 365 E. Route 365 will merge to the left with Route 69. Proceed over the bridge into Rome. Cross Erie Boulevard, the fort is located on the right side of James Street.
Approaching from the east take I-90 to exit 32 and turn right onto Route 233 N. Proceed for six miles and turn left onto Route 49N. In 0.1 mile exit right onto ramp for Route 49N/69W for 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Route 26 which is N James Street. Fort Stanwix is located on the right side.
Approaching from the north from Route 26 proceed into Rome, NY. Route 26 will become Turin Street. At the “Y” intersection turn right onto N James Street. Three blocks down you will reach Fort Stanwix.
If you are approaching from the north on Route 46, follow the road until it becomes Black River Boulevard. Fort Stanwix will be on the right side across from the city fire station. Turn right at Erie Boulevard and then turn right again until you are on N James street to access parking.
Parking can be found on the Fort Stanwix side of the street or you can use the parkade on the left side of N James Street. There is a pull off for people with limited mobility and one for large vehicles on the Fort Stanwix side of N James Street. RVs will not fit in the parkade across the street.
RV campers will find 101 tent and RV sites available at Delta Lake State Park campground. Many sites offer 50 or 30 Amp electrical hookups, and pets are allowed, provided they are on a leash 6 feet or shorter.
The state park occupies 720 acres and is located on a peninsula extending into Delta Lake. Camping is only available from May to October but the park is open all year around for activities. While camping in the area you will have access to a beach, picnic areas, and a playground. There are hiking and biking trails and a boat launch here too.
The campground area is level and heavily treed so campsites have shade and are generally easy to navigate into. The lake is appropriate for swimming with a nice sandy beach and lifeguards during summer months. The lake has several fish species for anglers and a boat launch. Each site has a six foot picnic table and fire ring.
Hiking in the Fort Stanwix area is an exceptionally beautiful experience later in the year, during the fall season. Autumn is cooler for long hikes and there are less insects, less tourist traffic, and beautiful autumn foliage.
The trail that runs through Fort Stanzi is a small section of the North Country Trail which is part of the National Scenic trail system. This large trails system will eventually, when completed, stretch for 4600 miles, with 2100 miles designated off road. The trail links communities and natural areas across seven states. Take the trail through the monument to discover the history of the fort and continue to the east along the Mohawk River Trail or Erie Trail through scenic heavily treed sections and open recreational areas.
Participate in the Junior Ranger program at Fort Stanwix. You can pick up a junior ranger booklet at the visitor center, mail ahead to receive your activity book, or download the booklet online. Complete the activities in the book by conducting online research or visiting the exhibits at the monument.
Programs for young people at the park include a “Build Your Own Fort” activity which gives kids the opportunity to construct a fort from materials provided at the visitor center with guidance from staff and rangers. These programs are a great way to engage young visitors and give them hands-on experience in historic discovery.
The Fort Stanwix National Monument provides a self-guided tour allowing visitors to wander the park, explore the reconstructed fort, and read exhibit information along the trail. There are three short interpretive trails in the park. One follows a portion of the Oneida Carrying Place, the portage originally used by people traveling by water in the area where travelers were required to carry their canoe or watercraft to get to the next water body. The other two trails are ones that highlight the events of the Revolutionary War siege in 1777. Park staff are available in the monument to provide information and answer questions.
You can also arrange to do a group tour which usually last from 30 to 45 minutes or participate in programs and events that occur throughout the year. Check at the visitor center for daily schedules.
Just outside the visitor center is a shared ride bike stand where bicycles can be rented, or you can bring your own bicycle and enjoy the many bike trails and paths that surround Fort Stanwix.
Local trails include the Mohawk River Trail and the Erie Canal Trail. Visitors can rent bicycles from the shared bike system, which is convenient, and does not require you to transport your own bicycle. You should consider bringing your own bicycle helmet as they are generally not supplied at shared bicycle stands. The trail surrounding the fort is 0.6 miles in length, and other bike paths in the area are well marked as part of the bike share system.
Just a 12 minute drive to the north, you will find Delta Lake State Park. During the winter months, cross country skiing is a popular activity on the trails along the lake. When the lake is frozen solid, skiers may even venture out onto the lake surface. Watch for previously set tracks which make this activity easier.
Glide along the snow and enjoy the crisp cool air and frost covered trees on a clear winter day for a breathtaking experience.
Delta Lake is popular for fishing during the summer and during the winter, when it freezes solid enough to allow human activity on the lake. Ice fishers must follow state regulations, in the wintertime just as they would during the warmer months.
Take warm outerwear, a wind shelter, and propane stove to make your ice fishing trip more comfortable in sub freezing weather. The lake is just 6.5 miles north of Fort Stanwix.
