Frank S. McCullough, Jr. Hawkins Point Visitors Center 21 Hawkins Point Road Massena, NY 13662
The area around the St.Lawrence-FDR project is unofficially known as the United States' Fourth Coast for its miles of waterfront. The St. Lawrence Seaway, with its Eisenhower and Snell locks, is right next door to us. The Thousand Islands and the cities of Montreal, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario, are just a short drive away.
There are many recreational opportunities to enjoy in the North Country!
In the 1950s, NYPA set a new standard for hydroelectric development with the thousands of acres of parkland included in its construction plans for the St. Lawrence-FDR project. And as part of the power project relicensing, completed in 2003, NYPA pledged some $30 million in improvements for state and local recreational facilities along the St. Lawrence River.
New and expanded amenities are now available at more than a dozen town-owned sites. These include Massena Town Beach, Waddington Town Beach and two Waddington Village facilities: Whittaker Park and Island View Park. The Town of Louisville also boasts recreational improvements at sites that include Whalen Park, Sandy Beach, Sand Island and Massena Country Club.
These town parks, which are open to the general public with no residency requirements, offer scenic settings to experience a variety of passive and active recreation including: boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, tennis and softball.
Two state parks – Robert Moses in Massena and Coles Creek in Waddington – are also part of the St. Lawrence-FDR project. NYPA-funded improvements have enhanced and expanded campgrounds and marina facilities at both sites; opportunities for swimming, fishing and other activities are available as well.
Camping at Coles Creek Beach at Coles Creek State
The 3,300-acre Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area, located on Power Authority land in Louisville, is a haven for migratory and native wildlife. The state Department of Environmental Conservation allows limited hunting here in the fall. For more information about permits and regulations, call 315-769-3396.
Some 7,000 acres of islands scattered along the St. Lawrence River remain in their natural state under our jurisdiction. Visitors can travel by boat to fish, picnic or just enjoy the solitude of a private getaway.
More Information on nearby destinations is available at our visitors center and from the following area organizations:
