St. Lawrence-FDR Project Visitors Center and
Other Attractions

The St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project Visitors Center at Hawkins Point offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and state-of-the-art hands-on exhibits.

We offer many opportunities to learn about energy in a fun setting. You can hop on a bicycle generator and turn pedal power into electricity or have a hair-raising experience with static electricity using our Van de Graaff generator. Our audiovisual terrain map charts the course of the mighty St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Massena.

Our Community Room and Theater are also available to outside groups, and together can comfortably hold 100 people. Throughout the year, we offer special programs and services to the public here, including free showings of popular movies.

We also invite you to enjoy the many other attractions near our power project. Call us at 315-764-0226, Ext 300 or 800-262-NYPA (NYS residents only) for more information on visitors center events or other questions.

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.

Parks and Other Attractions

There are many other recreational opportunities awaiting you in the North Country!

The thousands of acres of parkland that we developed as part of our St. Lawrence-FDR project have set the standard for hydroelectric developments across the United States.

We've set aside almost 5,500 acres for the Thousand Island State Park Commission to use for various outdoor recreational areas. Whether your interest is camping, fishing, boating, hiking or swimming, there's something here for you to enjoy.

Robert Moses State Park in Massena, 2,300 acres in total, is the largest site. The park includes the Barnhart Island Marina and Boat Basin, with slips for 66 boats, a boat launch ramp and a place to rent rowboats, canoes and outboard craft. Robert Moses park has ample camping opportunities for tents and trailers and 15 fully outfitted cabins available for rent. A bathhouse with lockers is near the park's riverfront beach for swimmers and sunbathers. For information, call 315-769-8663.

Coles Creek State Park in Waddington, built on 1,800 acres, also boasts camping, boating, fishing and swimming facilities. The park includes a marina with slips for 59 boats. Coles Creek has space for 235 campsites. For information or reservations, call 315-388-5636.

The power project's boundaries include several smaller town beaches, in Massena, Waddington and Lisbon. Besides swimming areas, these sites offer playgrounds and picnic tables.

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.

Contents:

• Introduction

• Hours and Directions

• Calendar of events
   

What's Ahead:

April - May - Come Celebrate Earth Day with the Power Authority at our visitors centers and in the community

Also of Interest:

Learn more about the St. Lawrence River Research and Education Fund

Read River News, our community newsletter covering NYPA activities in the region near our plant.

February 14, 2008 - Computers From Power Authority Aid Packard Court School Programs

February 14, 2008 - Power Authority Visitors Center Will Play Host to Winter Break Movie Days

December 21, 2007 - Governor Spitzer Announces Hydropower Deal Between State and Alcoa, Inc. (Governor's press release) (NYPA President and CEO Roger B. Kelley's remarks)

Contributions and Sponsorships