Unusual Things To Do In Syracuse – Your Outdoor Guide To Hidden Gems

ByEric James Updated on

Let’s be honest. When you search for things to do in Syracuse, New York, you probably see the same list over and over: the Carrier Dome, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and a handful of museums. And while those are great, you’re not looking for a typical tourist trip. You’re looking for an adventure.

You’re the kind of traveler who feels more at home on a trail than in a mall, someone who wants to connect with a place, not just see it. You want to find the hidden spots, learn a new skill, and come home with a story that doesn’t involve waiting in line.

This guide is your promise of a different kind of Central New York experience. We’re going to skip the crowds and show you the unusual things to do in syracuse that align with an adventurer’s spirit. We’ll explore underground rivers, hunt for ancient fossils, paddle through history, and even touch on how to forage safely, helping you build real outdoor skills while you explore.

Descend into Darkness: The Erie Canal’s Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

Just a day trip away from Syracuse lies an adventure that takes you deep into the industrial heart of American history. The Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride isn’t your average historical tour; it’s a journey into a hand-blasted rock tunnel from the 1800s.

This is where you can see the ingenuity of the Erie Canal firsthand, walking through dimly lit passageways before boarding a small boat for a silent, eerie float through the canal’s diversion tunnel.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour begins with a walking portion where you’ll see geological formations and historic artifacts left behind by the miners who built this marvel. The air is cool and damp, and the sound of dripping water echoes around you.

The main event is the underground boat ride. It’s a peaceful, almost surreal experience that gives you a profound appreciation for the labor it took to create this waterway. It’s a perfect example of how adventure can connect you directly to the past.

OutwardLab Pro-Tips for Your Visit

This isn’t a strenuous hike, but preparation makes it better. Here are some unusual things to do in syracuse tips for your Lockport trip.

  • Wear Proper Footwear: The ground is uneven and can be slick. Leave the sandals in the van and opt for sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots like the Merrell Moab 3.
  • Layer Up: The cave stays at a constant cool temperature, around 50°F (10°C), year-round. A light fleece or a rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a good idea, even on a hot day.
  • Low-Light Photography: Your phone flash won’t cut it. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) and a higher ISO to capture the ambiance without a flash, which is often discouraged.
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Hunt for Ancient Fossils at Clark Reservation State Park

Imagine holding a 380-million-year-old fossil in your hand. At Clark Reservation State Park, just south of Syracuse, you can do just that. This park is a geological wonder, centered around a deep, glacial plunge pool basin carved out at the end of the last Ice Age.

The limestone cliffs are packed with Devonian-period marine fossils. It’s a hands-on natural history lesson and a fantastic, low-key adventure for a curious explorer.

A Prehistoric Playground

The main attraction for fossil hunters is the rock talus slope at the base of the cliffs surrounding the lake. Here, you can carefully search through loose rock for remnants of ancient sea life.

Look for brachiopods (they look like ridged seashells), crinoid stems (which resemble small, stacked discs), and if you’re really lucky, a piece of a trilobite. It’s a treasure hunt millions of years in the making.

Your Fossil Hunting Gear and Best Practices

You don’t need much to get started. A small bag for your finds and a keen eye are the most important tools. A small garden trowel or a rock hammer can be useful, but check park regulations before using any tools.

This is a core tenet of sustainable unusual things to do in syracuse: follow the rules. Clark Reservation allows for surface collection of fossils for personal use, but digging into the cliff faces is strictly forbidden to prevent erosion and preserve the site. Practice Leave No Trace principles and take only a few small samples.

Paddle Through History: Exploring the Camillus Erie Canal Park

For a truly unique perspective on the Erie Canal, trade your hiking boots for a paddle. At the Camillus Erie Canal Park, you can rent a canoe or kayak and travel a restored section of the historic waterway.

The highlight of this trip is paddling across the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct. It’s a surreal feeling to be in a boat, floating in a channel of water that is itself a bridge over another creek below. It’s an engineering marvel you can experience firsthand.

Gear Up for Your Paddle

The park offers affordable rentals, making this an accessible adventure. Always wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device), even if you’re a strong swimmer. Safety first, always.

Protect your electronics. A simple waterproof phone pouch or a dedicated dry bag, like those from Sea to Summit, is essential for keeping your phone and keys safe and dry. You’ll want to take pictures of the aqueduct crossing.

Making it an Eco-Friendly Trip

Enjoying nature means protecting it. When planning your eco-friendly unusual things to do in syracuse, small actions make a big difference.

Pack out everything you pack in, including food wrappers or bottles. Be mindful of any wildlife you see, like turtles or herons, and give them plenty of space. Avoid disturbing the canal banks to prevent erosion.

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Your Guide to More Unusual Things to Do in Syracuse’s Urban Wilds

You don’t always have to leave the city limits to find an adventure. Syracuse has its own “urban wilds” that offer a unique blend of nature, history, and modern sustainability efforts. This unusual things to do in syracuse guide wouldn’t be complete without them.

Explore the Onondaga Creekwalk & “Green” Infrastructure

The Onondaga Creekwalk is more than just a 2.6-mile paved path for walking and biking. It’s a living exhibit of how a city can work with nature.

As you travel the path, look for signs explaining the “green infrastructure” projects. You’ll see things like porous pavement and rain gardens designed to manage stormwater naturally, reducing pollution into Onondaga Lake. It’s a fascinating look at practical, large-scale environmental solutions.

Discover a Secret Garden: Thornden Park’s Mills Rose Garden

Tucked away in a beautiful park designed by the famed Olmsted family is the E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden. While a garden might not sound like a rugged adventure, this historic, formal garden is a hidden gem perfect for a quiet afternoon.

For the outdoor enthusiast, it’s a chance to practice nature photography, learn plant identification, or simply enjoy a peaceful, restorative moment surrounded by thousands of blooming roses (in season, typically June-September).

Forage for Your Supper: Guided Wild Edibles Walk (Seasonal)

For the aspiring homesteader or survival enthusiast, learning to identify wild edibles is a foundational skill. The area around Syracuse is rich with foraging opportunities, from spring ramps to summer berries.

However, this is one adventure where you absolutely cannot go it alone as a beginner. The risks of misidentification are severe.

Finding a Reputable Guide

Safety Warning: Never eat a wild plant unless you are 100% certain of its identity, confirmed by an expert. Many poisonous plants have edible look-alikes.

Seek out guided foraging walks from local experts. Check with organizations like the Cornell Cooperative Extension, local nature centers, or regional mycological (mushroom) clubs. A good guide will teach you identification techniques, safety protocols, and ethical harvesting.

The Forager’s Code: Sustainable Harvesting Best Practices

Ethical foraging is a key part of self-reliant living. These are some of the unusual things to do in syracuse best practices for harvesting.

  1. Know the Rules: Understand the regulations for foraging on public vs. private land.
  2. Take Only What You Need: Harvest only a small portion from any single plant or patch, leaving plenty to ensure it can reproduce and that wildlife has a food source.
  3. Confirm Identification Twice: Use multiple sources (guidebooks, expert confirmation) before even considering consumption. When in doubt, leave it out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unusual Things to Do in Syracuse

What is the best time of year to explore these unusual outdoor spots?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal for most of these activities. Paddling and hiking are best in the warmer months, and the rose garden is in its prime in June. The Lockport Cave tour is seasonal, so always check their website before you go.

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Are these activities kid-friendly?

Most are! Fossil hunting at Clark Reservation is a huge hit with curious kids. The Camillus paddle is great for older children who can sit still in a boat. The Lockport Cave tour is fascinating for all ages, though very young children might be scared of the dark.

Do I need any special gear for these adventures?

For the most part, no. The beauty of these activities is their accessibility. The key items are comfortable, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are always smart in Upstate NY), water, and snacks. A PFD is non-negotiable for paddling but is typically included with rentals.

What are common problems with unusual things to do in syracuse?

The most common issues are weather and seasonal availability. Upstate New York weather can change quickly, so always check the forecast and pack a rain layer. Many attractions, especially those run by non-profits or parks, have limited hours in the off-season. Always check websites or call ahead before you drive out.

Syracuse is so much more than its downtown. It’s a launchpad for adventures that get you underground, on the water, and deep into natural history. By looking beyond the obvious, you can craft a trip that builds your confidence, teaches you something new, and connects you to the wild heart of Central New York.

Get out there, explore safely, and discover a side of Syracuse you never knew existed.

Eric James
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