Green Lakes State Park is located in the heart of the Central New York State Parks Region. The park is located a short five miles east of Syracuse, the home of the Orangemen and the Great New York State Fair. Green and Round Lake are extremely deep, with Round Lake measuring at 180 feet and Green Lake at 195 feet in depth. The waters at the bottom of the lake are high in salinity, and are so dense that they never overturn and intermix with the rest of the lake waters (as typically happens seasonally). Because the lakes do not overturn, they have been designated “meromictic” - making them two of few meromictic lakes to exist in temperate climates. Without seasonal overturn and the stirring up of sediments, the lakes appear extremely reflective and clear. Additionally, sediments are able to collect on the basin, creating a uniquely accurate record of the flora and fauna in the lake and surrounding region. The uniqueness of the lakes caused Round Lake to be designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975. The park encompasses approximately 1,774 acres and over 10 miles of trails enjoyed year round, open between dawn to dusk. Today, Green Lakes is a popular recreation destination, used by almost 1 million visitors annually for countless outdoor activities. The park has seven cabins and 137 campsites which families rent during the warmer months. Campers and day visitors alike can enjoy the park’s playground, nature programs, grills and picnic areas. A nine hole disc golf course near the Reserve Picnic Area is a unique recreation for beginners and veteran disc golfers. Four different pavilions can be rented at the park for weddings, receptions, birthdays, and almost any other group gathering. During the summer, visitors flock to the park’s life guarded beach, which is the most popular swimming beach in Central New York. In 2009 a new Bath House was erected with a popular concession providing all the comforts of a day at the beach. Rowboats and kayaks are available for rent, and guests can fish from these boats or the shore at Green Lake. The area surrounding the beach is densely forested, featuring miles of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Another special feature of the park is the 18-hole Green Lakes State Park Golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. There is a panoramic view from the Robert Trent Jones clubhouse featuring a public restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere. A forty-person conference room is available for meetings and banquets.
