The largest municipality in northern New York, Plattsburgh NY sits on the western shores of Lake Champlain just 25 miles south of the Canadian border.
Plattsburgh’s museums, monuments and historic homes are a constant reminder of the role the region has played in U.S. history. A battleground through three wars, Plattsburgh NY is truly a community as old as America itself.
Nowhere is Plattsburgh’s long military history better celebrated than on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, which closed in 1994. Dating back to the early 1800s, Plattsburgh Air Force Base is the longest active military installation in the U.S. and offers a wonderful glimpse into the region's past.
In Plattsburgh's culturally-rich downtown, you can experience the Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh's unique shops, restaurants and nightlife hotspots, as well as historic City Hall. Designed by architect John Russell Pope, who also designed the National Archives and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., Plattsburgh City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the lobby, you'll discover a 2,000-pound anchor recovered from Cumberland Bay in Lake Champlain. The 14-foot long artifact belonged to the British Flagship Confiance, which fought in the fierce Battle of Plattsburgh in the War of 1812. Across the street from Plattsburgh City Hall, on the banks of the Saranac River, is the Macdonough Monument. Built in 1926, the monument commemorates the U.S. victory over the British on September 11, 1814, in the Battle of Plattsburgh lead by Commodore Thomas Macdonough.
A great way to discover Plattsburgh, NY is by foot or bike. The Plattsburgh Heritage Trail and Riverwalk Park both reveal the rich history and magnificent views of Lake Champlain. Along the way, you'll see the Champlain Monument, a gift from France in 1909, celebrating the 300th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain sailing into the lake that now bears his name.
Plattsburgh events and festivals are held throughout the year, including the annual Mayor’s Cup Regatta & Festival, the Commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh and various small events. Plattsburgh also hosts world-renowned Lake Champlain bass fishing tournaments every year.
Plattsburgh’s recreational trails, parks and beaches all provide easy access to Lake Champlain. Because of the close proximity to Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh offers many outdoor water sports and activities, including fishing, boating and sailing, windsurfing, paddling and scuba diving.
>Learn more about the City of Plattsburgh.
>Learn more about the Town of Plattsburgh.
