NY's Great Lakes: Recreation and Tourism
General Information
Beaches- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Find information about New York's Great Lakes beaches, plan a trip to the beach, learn about U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s latest recommendations to protect human health, and learn how to get involved.
Beach Water Quality Site- New York State Department of Health
Provides information on beach water quality and operational status for beaches located on the Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. General information on beach water quality, drowning prevention, rip currents, harmful algae blooms and links to local health departments are also provided.
Great Lakes Seaway Trail
The mission of Seaway Trail Inc. is to increase tourism revenues and to enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for travelers, communities, and members throughout the Great Lakes Seaway Trail region by managing and marketing it as the leading scenic byway.
New York Falls
This site was made to promote the preservation and continued enjoyment of upstate New York watersheds and the wonderful waterfalls and gorges present in the area. This is a community where photographers, conservationists and anyone who enjoys waterfalls can learn and share information about falls in their area.
New York State Campgrounds and camping
New York camping guide and resources.
New York State Parks Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation works hard to ensure that the public has ample and safe access to recreational opportunities on our state's waterways and snowmobile trails. The agency also strives to partner with communities throughout the state to preserve, maintain and promote trail usage on all public lands.
New York State Recreation Lands- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offering an interactive map and lists of information on State Recreation Lands in New York, whether you're looking for a scenic spot for a picnic, or planning a week-long camping adventure.
New York State Travel and Tourism info- ILOVENY
Discover what you LOVE in New York! Use the website to explore different regions filled with historic sites, abundant waters, natural wonders and more.
New York State Visitors Guide- Visit NY
The New York Visitors Network directory contains over 33,000 links to NY businesses. It is organized by topic and by geography.
Recreational Water Information- New York State Department of Health
Provides information on Bathing Beaches, Swimming Pools, Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds, Drowning Prevention, Harmful Algae Blooms, Aquatic Certifications, Operator Requirements, etc.
Testing the Waters- Natural Resources Defense Council
A guide to water quality at vacation beaches in New York State.
Trails Statewide Plan- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
This Web site includes information and maps on recreational trails throughout the state.
Recreational Boating
Clean and Safe Boating- New York Sea Grant
New York Sea Grant has a very robust and active boating and marine trades extension education program lead by NYSG Recreation Specialist which consists of several initiatives.
Discover Better Boating- New York Sea Grant
Discover Better Boating is a monthly television news series airing from May-October on Time Warner Cable News where boating industry professionals offer information and tips on such topics as preparing your boat for the boating season, boating safety, the impact of ethanol fuel on your boat, and getting better gas efficiency in a tight economy. This television outreach effort is a partnership of New York Sea Grant, the Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York, and Time Warner Cable News.
New York State Boating- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation provides the public with a safe and enjoyable environment for recreational boating. Their goal is to assist the boater in developing safe boating habits and maintaining a strong law enforcement presence on our waters.
New York State Boat Launching Sites- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
A directory of state access and launching areas. A directory of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation owned boat launches across New York State.
Marine Forecasts
Great Lakes Forecasts- NOAA's National Weather Service
Great Lakes nearshore marine forecasts are issued throughout the boating season, typically beginning around April 1 and ending around December 31, dependent on ice conditions on the entrances to each individual lake. During periods of climatological extremes leading to erratic ice coverage patterns (shifting of ice edge, late/early freeze, etc.), and based on customer needs, nearshore forecasts may be issued throughout the winter to support the National Weather Service mission of protecting life and property on the waters of the Great Lakes.
