Discover the River Valley

Visit the River Valley

The river valley’s chief character is agriculture, with dairy farming the dominant feature on the rolling landscape, as well as a large Amish population and local farmers markets. Interspersed among agriculture lands are numerous State Wildlife Management and Forest areas. Most of the County’s villages are found in the River Valley, including the County Seat, Canton.

Black Lake

A freshwater fisherman’s paradise, Black Lake is one of the most widely known fishing and vacation spots in New York State. The lake itself is a natural, glacier lake formed by the same glacier that carved out the Great Lakes. The shores of Black Lake are home to a variety of family friendly activities, eateries, accommodation, and recreation opportunities.

Don’t Miss...

Bella Brooke Vineyard

Black Lake Fishing Tournaments

Black Lake Mini Golf

Canton

Located 25 minutes from both the Canadian border at the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondack Park, Canton includes the Town of Canton, the Village of Canton, the Village of Rensselaer Falls, the Hamlets of Pyrites and Morley, and an abundance of beautiful open spaces. The Canton community boasts a vibrant downtown with safe, comfortable neighborhoods, thriving farms with rolling pastures, and open meadows, woodlands, and valleys all close to the beautiful Grasse River. Canton is home to the County government, as well as St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton.

Don’t Miss...

The TAUNY Center (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York)

Indian Creek Nature Center

Silas Wright House / St. Lawrence County Historical Association

Heritage Park

Partridge Run and St. Lawrence University Golf Courses

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Gouverneur

Located in the lowlands of the Adirondack region along the banks of the Oswegatchie River, the village of Gouverneur is the gateway to St. Lawrence County from the southwest (Watertown / Fort Drum). Once a mining town, the surrounding area is a rock hound’s dream with road cuts where billions of years of geological time can be seen. The picturesque village park is host to regular farmers’ markets, antique shows, annual festivals and events, and more.

Don’t Miss...

Gouverneur – St. Lawrence County Fair

Giant Pep-O-Mint Life Savers®

The Gouverneur Museum

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Potsdam

A cultural center in the county, Potsdam is home to Clarkson University, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam, and the Crane School of Music which is particularly noted for hosting international talent. The St. Lawrence County Arts Council is headquartered here, providing regional opportunities for artists and art lovers. The village includes niche shops and a wide array of restaurants, along with year-round entertainment. This historic downtown is complemented by the Raquette River, offering recreation and a display of natural beauty..

Don’t Miss...

The Potsdam Public Museum

Community Performance Series

North Country Children’s Museum

Potsdam Country Club

Ives Park

Creative Spirits Community Arts Center

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Explore More of Our St. Lawrence County Regions

With the mighty St. Lawrence River to the north, the Adirondack Park to the south, and our rich river valley in the center of it all, you'll discover a wide variety of activities & opportunities in New York's north country.