The Cleanest Water in the Finger Lakes
Skaneateles Lake has the clearest, cleanest water of any Finger Lake — so clean that it serves as an unfiltered drinking water source for the city of Syracuse, 20 miles to the northeast. That is not a marketing claim; it is a fact of municipal infrastructure. The water quality is the result of both geology and vigilant watershed protection, and it gives the lake an almost alpine clarity that you notice immediately. On a calm day, you can see the bottom in 20 feet of water. It is the kind of lake that makes you rethink every other lake you have swum in.
The Village of Skaneateles: Small-Town America, Perfected
The village of Skaneateles (say “skinny-atlas”) sits at the north end of the lake and is, without exaggeration, one of the most charming small towns in New York State. Geranium-lined streets, a walkable downtown of independent shops and restaurants, and a public pier where you can sit and watch the sun set over the water. It is the kind of place that appears on “best small towns” lists with reliable frequency, and for once the lists are right. The dining scene here tilts upscale — the Sherwood Inn has been a destination since 1807 — but there is enough variety that you do not need a special occasion to eat well.
The Eastern Gateway to the Finger Lakes
Skaneateles calls itself the “Eastern Gateway to the Finger Lakes,” and the geography supports the claim. If you are coming from Syracuse, the Thruway, or points east, Skaneateles is your first taste of the region. It is also, for many visitors, their only taste — the village and lake are compelling enough that people come here and never make it further west. That is understandable but a shame, because Skaneateles is best understood as both a destination and an entry point to a much larger region.
What to Do
The lake itself is the main attraction. Swimming from Clift Park beach, kayaking along the wooded eastern shore, and boat tours on the historic Judge Ben Wiles (a classic wooden tour boat) are the essentials. The Skaneateles Festival brings chamber music to the village every summer, and the December holiday season, when the whole village decorates and Dickens characters walk the streets, is genuinely magical rather than just festive. The surrounding countryside is excellent for cycling — rolling hills, low traffic, and views of the lake from nearly every ridge.
When to Visit
Skaneateles is beautiful year-round but peaks in summer and during the holiday season. June through September brings the full village experience: open restaurants, boat tours running, and the lake warm enough for swimming by late June. October is stunning — the hardwoods around the lake turn early and the village empties just enough that you can enjoy it without the crowds. The Dickens Christmas festival in late November and December draws visitors from across the state and transforms the village into something out of a holiday film. Winter and early spring are quiet, which is either a drawback or exactly what you need.
