Public Facilities At the Cape Vincent Fisheries Station
The Cape Vincent Fisheries Station is situated in the village of Cape Vincent, NY along the St. Lawrence River a short distance from the eastern end of Lake Ontario. The Station includes the offices of the DEC's Lake Ontario Fisheries Unit and the vessel base for the R/V Seth Green. No fee public facilities include the Cape Vincent Fisheries Aquarium, accessible picnic and fishing areas, and overnight dockage for transient vessels.
Cape Vincent Fisheries Aquarium
The aquarium is open daily from 9am - 4pm, May through September. There is no charge for admission. Visitors have a chance to view many of the fish species common to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River and to learn about New York State's conservation programs in the Great Lakes. Five large viewing tanks are complemented by several displays relating to the area's fisheries and the DEC's management of the resources. The aquarium, including the rest room, is accessible.
Last year the aquarium was visited by thousands coming from 33 different states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 15 different countries. In addition, several school groups, from pre-school to college level, toured the aquarium and research vessel. Staff is available for presentations to visiting groups on a prearranged basis.
Accessible Features
The Cape Vincent Fisheries Research Station is open to the public from mid-May to October. There are accessible restrooms and a shower building on site, as well as a gazebo and picnic tables overlooking the St Lawrence River. An indoor aquarium is located in the fisheries station. The aquarium is open from 9-4 daily between May and October and features native fish species.
Full listing of DECs Accessible Recreation Destinations.
Picnic and Fishing Site
A beautiful picnic area overlooking the harbor is provided for the public. There are picnic tables, and the site is accessible to people with disabilities. Restrooms are available inside the aquarium. Fishing is allowed off the station's dock, which is a designated accessible fishing access site. As such, the ends of the docks have been fitted with guard rails for the public's safety. Anglers predominantly catch panfish, but an occasional pike or bass is also landed.
Dockage
When not in use by the DEC, public dockage is permitted on the outer sides of the DEC docks on a first-come first-serve basis. Maximum stay is 48 hrs. The inner dock area is reserved for DEC vessels only. Please remember this is primarily a working research vessel facility and public use is a courtesy extended by the DEC. Amenities and services for the recreational boater are not provided but can be found at local marinas nearby.
For more information, contact (315) 654-2147
