Salt Museum

To the north of Syracuse [1], in the suburb of Liverpool, lies lozenge-shaped Onondaga Lake, whose rich salt deposits first attracted settlers to the area. Unfortunately, the lake is now seriously polluted, but to one side stands a homespun museum (Onondaga Lake Pkwy./Rte. 370, 315/453-6715 or 315/453-6767, 1–6 p.m. daily May–Sept., free admission) equipped with an original “boiling block.”

Brine was once turned into salt here through boiling and solar evaporation. On display are battered antique iron kettles, wooden barrels, and other equipment, along with a fascinating collection of historic photographs.

The museum and lake belong to Onondaga Lake Park, which also offers bicycle rentals, a tram ride, a playground, and Ste. Marie Among the Iroquois [2]—a second museum on the other side of the parkway.