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Massena, NY: Where Fun Meets Adventure – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Massena exists because of the Seaway. The Eisenhower Lock lifts ocean-going ships between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, and you can stand and watch it happen. The Hawkins Point Visitors Center explains the rest, with interactive exhibits on how the electricity is generated and a simulator you can operate. There are museums inside the power plants themselves. Robert Moses State Park is on Barnhart Island, and the fishing there runs to bass, walleye, carp, musky and northern pike.

For a destination that covers a broad range, Massena, New York is worth the look. Nature lover, history reader or anyone who takes food seriously, Massena has something for all three. Outdoor time through to indoor attractions, this town keeps you occupied.

There are plenty of ways into Massena. Take a stroll through Robert Moses State Park for the view over the St. Lawrence River. Or head over to the Nicandri Nature Center for the local wildlife and the interactive exhibits. For something more historical, visit the Eisenhower Lock Visitor Center, which covers the St. Lawrence Seaway and puts you in front of the ships passing through.

Whatever your interests, Massena has the activities. Work through the local cooking, or take the children to one of the attractions in town. And golfers get the many courses in the area. With that much to see, Massena holds up as a destination.

Key Takeaways

• Massena, New York offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all interests.
• From outdoor adventures to indoor attractions, there’s never a dull moment in this charming town.
• Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Massena has something for everyone.

Exploring Massena

Welcome to Massena, a small town in New York carrying more than its size suggests. History reader, nature lover or someone after old-fashioned fun, Massena covers all three.

The Eisenhower Lock is the top point of interest in Massena. The engineering there moves ships through the St. Lawrence Seaway, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Eisenhower Lock Visitor Center for how it works, and stay to watch the ships pass through.

For outdoor time, head to Robert Moses State Park. The park sits on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and covers swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking. Hike one of the park’s many trails, or play a round of golf at the nearby Massena Country Club.

For something more laid-back, check out Massena’s downtown area. The shops, the restaurants and the locals between them make an easy afternoon. Stop by the Massena Museum for the town’s history, or take a stroll through the Harte Haven Plaza for the public art and green space.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Massena delivers. Pack the bags and go and explore this town.

Outdoor Adventures

For outdoor time in Massena, New York, you are in luck. There are plenty of activities and places to explore here. These are the outdoor adventures to add to the itinerary:

Robert Moses State Park

For a well-kept park with plenty in it, Robert Moses State Park. The park covers a broad range of outdoor activities, hiking trails, picnic areas and opportunities for camping and boating among them. It sits on Barnhart Island, in the St. Lawrence River, which means the water is never far. Fish for bass, walleye, carp, musky, northern pike or pan fish.

Eisenhower Lock

For an unusual outdoor stop, head to the Eisenhower Lock. It is part of the St. Lawrence River locks, which let boats travel between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Watching the locks work is the reason to go, and you can take a tour to hear the history and how it operates.

Nicandri Nature Center

For the local wildlife, the Nicandri Nature Center is where to start. The staff know the area and will help you identify the plants and animals that live here. The center also runs outdoor activities, kayaking and canoeing on the nearby Raquette River among them.

Massena Town Beach

On a hot summer day, a swim is the answer. The Massena Town Beach handles it, with a sandy beach and clear water. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the nearby coves and inlets.

56 Auto Drive-In Theater

For an unusual outdoor evening, head to the 56 Auto Drive-In Theater. The classic drive-in runs the latest blockbusters the old way. Pack some snacks and drinks and settle in under the stars.

Raquette River

For a scenic outdoor day, head to the Raquette River. The river covers kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The forests and rolling hills around it are the other reason to go.

Those are the outdoor adventures in Massena, New York. Hiking trails, fishing spots or a relaxing day at the beach, this area covers all three.

Indoor Attractions

When the weather turns, or you want a break from the sun, Massena has the indoor attractions. These are the two to know:

Hawkins Point Visitors Center

Anyone interested in electricity should visit the Hawkins Point Visitors Center. It sits right next to the St. Lawrence River and looks out over the Eisenhower Locks and the cargo ships passing through them. The exhibits cover the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the role it plays in the local economy.

The interactive exhibits are the highlight at the Hawkins Point Visitors Center. You see how electricity is generated and transmitted, and you can operate a simulator yourself. There is also plenty on the hydroelectric power plants in the area, the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant included.

Hydroelectric Museums

The Hydroelectric Museums are the other place to learn about electricity. They sit inside the power plants themselves, so the equipment is right in front of you. There are several to choose from, the Massena Electric Department Museum and the New York Power Authority Visitors Center among them.

Beyond the exhibits, you can tour the power plants. You see the turbines and generators working, and hear the history of the plants and the people who ran them. With luck you catch a Viking River Cruise ship passing through the locks.

Natural history museums, science museums or live animals, Massena has the indoor attractions. Grab some popcorn, settle in for a film or a TV show, and work through what St. Lawrence County carries.

Culinary Journey

You cannot leave Massena without working through the food. Classic American burgers through to authentic Italian pasta, the range covers most tastes. These are the places to eat:

An Italian Affair

For authentic Italian food, head to An Italian Affair. The kitchen serves some of the finest pasta in town. Try the classic spaghetti with meatballs or the creamy fettuccine alfredo. The pizza is worth ordering too, with its crispy crust and flavorful toppings. Buon appetito.

Rosario’s Pizzeria

Rosario’s Pizzeria is the other place for pizza. The thin crust is what locals and visitors both come for. Try the Margherita, with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil. For something more adventurous, their specialty pizza, the Chicken Bacon Ranch.

Spanky’s

For classic American fare, head to Spanky’s. The burgers are the order, the Bacon Cheeseburger above all. The fries hold up too, crispy outside and fluffy inside. For a bigger appetite, the loaded fries, topped with cheese, bacon and sour cream.

Morley’s American Grill

For a more upscale dinner, head to Morley’s American Grill. The menu runs seafood to steak. Try the Lobster Mac and Cheese, with lobster meat in a creamy cheese sauce. The New York Strip Steak is the other order, cooked properly and served with garlic mashed potatoes.

Via Main Restaurant

For a romantic dinner, head to Via Main Restaurant. The menu runs seafood to pasta. Try the Linguine with Clams, with fresh clams in a white wine sauce. The Chicken Parmesan is the other order, with crispy breading and a flavorful tomato sauce.

With that many restaurants to choose from, the eating in Massena holds up.

Massena sits in the far north of New York, on the Canadian border. Everything is close. Downtown holds the shops, the restaurants and the Massena Museum, with Harte Haven Plaza close by and the Eisenhower Lock and Hawkins Point Visitors Center north of town on the water. Robert Moses State Park is out on Barnhart Island beyond them. The Raquette River and the Nicandri Nature Center are south. Do the lock in the morning and the park after lunch.

Fun Activities for Kids

Visiting Massena with children, you are in for a treat. There are plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Outdoor adventures through to indoor play areas, this town covers both.

Explore Nature

Massena is ringed by open country and there are plenty of ways to take the children into it. Hike in the Adirondack Mountains or fish the St. Lawrence River. You can also rent a boat and explore the waterways around Massena. Children take to spotting fish and other wildlife in the wild.

Play Indoors

If the weather turns, there are plenty of indoor play areas in Massena. Check out the Massena Arena and Community Center, which runs ice skating, roller skating and indoor soccer for children. The Fun Zone is the other option, an indoor play area with bounce houses, arcade games and more.

Get Creative

For creative children, Massena has the options. Check out the Massena Public Library, which runs programs for children including storytime and crafts. The Brush Stroke Studio is the other one, where they paint their own pottery or canvas.

Have Some Fun

And do not forget the plain fun. Visit the Massena Bowling Center for a game, or check out the Massena Movieplex for the family films. You can also download the Massena App for more activities for children in the area.

With that many options, the children will do well in Massena.

Golfing in Massena

Golf enthusiasts are in the right place. Massena runs scenic courses and a round here is a relaxing day out.

The Massena Golf and Country Club is one of the top courses in Massena. It works for beginners and experienced golfers alike. The fairways are lush and the holes are challenging enough to hold your attention. The views of the surrounding landscape are the other reason to walk it.

The Fox Hill Golf and Country Club is the other option. The course is known for well-manicured greens and a challenging layout. It is where to test your skills and work on the swing. The staff are friendly and will make sure you have what you need.

For a more budget-friendly round, the Massena Town Golf Course. It is not as fancy as the other options in the area and it is still a strong place to play. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it easy to settle into.

Whichever course you choose, the golf in Massena holds up. Grab the clubs and tee off.

Where to Stay

You have decided to visit Massena, NY, and you need somewhere to sleep. Massena has a range of lodging options covering any budget and preference.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, check out the Quality Inn, which offers a heated indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at the slots and book a room at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, which features a spa, multiple restaurants, and a 150-room hotel.

For those on a budget, there are several affordable options, including the Super 8 by Wyndham Massena NY, which offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi, or the Blue Spruce Motel, which has clean and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider staying at Cedarview Motel, which has themed rooms like the “Hollywood Suite” and the “Wild West Room.” Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try camping at Robert Moses State Park, which has over 200 campsites and is located right on the St. Lawrence River.

Wherever you stay, Massena gives you plenty to work through.

Nearby Cities

You are in Massena, New York and you want nearby cities to explore. You are in luck, because there are a few strong options within driving distance.

First, Montreal. Montreal, Canada, which is only a two-hour drive from Massena and worth the trip. It is known for its food, its culture and its architecture. Try some poutine while you are there, and catch a hockey game if you can.

Next, Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. It is about a three-hour drive from Massena and it repays the drive. Ottawa carries plenty of museums, galleries and historic landmarks. And with luck you are there during one of their festivals, Winterlude or the Tulip Festival among them.

And the towns closer to home. Just across the border in New York are Potsdam and Canton. These college towns are about a 20-minute drive from Massena and they carry restaurants, shops and outdoor activities. Take a stroll through the SUNY Potsdam campus, or hike the trails at nearby Higley Flow State Park.

Whichever nearby city you pick, the trip works. Pack up the car, grab some snacks and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with the Time Out Arcade in Massena, NY?

For a way to fill an afternoon in Massena, the Time Out Arcade. The classic arcade runs a range of games, pinball machines through to modern racing games. There is a claw machine too, with prizes to win. It works with children, and it works for anyone reliving their own childhood.

Can you recommend any new restaurants in Massena, NY?

For strong food in Massena, you are in luck. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from. The 1844 House is one of the newest and most popular, a farm-to-table restaurant running dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vino Vidi Vici is the other option, which specializes in Italian cooking and carries a strong wine list.

Is the Eisenhower Lock worth a visit in Massena?

Yes. The Eisenhower Lock is one of the more impressive engineering feats in the area. Watching the massive ships pass through it is the reason to go. It works with the family, and you can pack a picnic lunch and eat while the ships go by.

Have you been to the 56 Auto Drive-In Theater in Massena? What’s it like?

Yes. The 56 Auto Drive-In Theater is a blast from the past and it handles a summer evening. You catch a double feature of the latest movies with classic concession stand snacks like popcorn and candy. The atmosphere is laid-back and it makes for a memorable night with friends or family.

What are some fun things to do near Hawkins Point in Massena, NY?

Hawkins Point is a strong area with plenty of outdoor activities. Take a hike on one of the nearby trails, or fish the St. Lawrence River. For something more adventurous, kayaking or canoeing. And the views of the river and the surrounding hills are the other reason to go.

Frequently asked questions about Massena, New York

Is the Eisenhower Lock worth seeing in Massena, New York?

Yes. You stand at the edge and watch ocean-going cargo ships get lifted between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, which is stranger to see in person than it sounds. Tours of the lock run, and a picnic works just as well.

What can you do at Robert Moses State Park?

It sits on Barnhart Island, so most of it is about the water. Hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and boating, and fishing that runs to bass, walleye, carp, musky, northern pike and pan fish. Bring a rod and a cooler.

Is An Italian Affair the place to eat in Massena, New York?

An Italian Affair for the pasta, and the pizza there is worth ordering too. Rosario’s Pizzeria for the thin crust, and Spanky’s for the burgers and loaded fries. Morley’s American Grill is the upscale one, with the Lobster Mac and Cheese and the New York Strip Steak on it.

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