Auburn’s Lake, History’s Shoreline
Owasco Lake does not have the name recognition of Seneca or Cayuga, and that is part of what makes it worth knowing. At 11 miles long, it is the smallest of what locals consider the “major” Finger Lakes, but it packs a remarkable amount of history and character into its shoreline. The city of Auburn sits at its northern outlet, and Auburn alone justifies a visit — this is where Harriet Tubman lived the last 50 years of her life, where William Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska, and where a surprisingly vibrant small city is writing its next chapter.
Auburn: A City With Uncommon Depth
Auburn is not a quaint village — it is a real city with real history and real grit. The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park preserves Tubman’s home, the Thompson AME Zion Church, and the Home for the Aged that she founded. The Seward House Museum, the preserved home of Lincoln’s Secretary of State, is one of the best historic house museums in New York. Downtown Auburn has been in the midst of a genuine revival, with new restaurants, a renovated theater, and a growing arts scene that feels organic rather than manufactured. The Willard Memorial Chapel, with its complete Tiffany interior, is an architectural gem that most people have never heard of.
On the Lake
Owasco Lake is excellent for fishing — the lake trout and bass fishing is consistently good, and the lake is small enough that you can learn it quickly. Emerson Park, at the north end, has a beach, pavilions, and the Ward O’Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum, which is more interesting than its name suggests. The eastern shore has several public access points for kayaking and small-boat launches. The lake’s size is actually an advantage for paddlers — you can explore the whole thing in a day without feeling like you are on an endurance expedition.
Food and Drink
Auburn’s food scene has come a long way in the past decade. Restaurants like Prison City Pub and Brewery (yes, named for the state prison, which has been part of Auburn’s identity since 1816) serve excellent food and locally brewed beer. The Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail passes through Auburn and connects bakeries, chocolatiers, and ice cream shops across the region. The Owasco Lake area does not have its own wine trail, but it is close enough to both Cayuga and Skaneateles that you can combine a history day in Auburn with a wine day on either lake.
When to Visit
Summer is the best time for the lake itself — swimming, fishing, and kayaking are all at their peak from June through September. But Auburn’s indoor attractions make it a genuine year-round destination. The Tubman and Seward sites are open most of the year, and the city’s restaurants do not close for the season. Fall color around Owasco is beautiful and less photographed than the bigger lakes, which means you might actually enjoy it in peace. The holiday season brings Auburn’s Festival of Lights and a warmth to the downtown that makes a winter visit surprisingly rewarding.
