Sandy Island Beach State Park

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Sandy Island Beach State Park is part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland Area. The dune system is a 17-mile stretch of shoreline which extends from the Town of Richland, Oswego County, north along Lake Ontario to Jefferson County. The dunes were formed by wind and wave motion of a giant inland sea that preceded Lake Ontario. The area is the only significant freshwater dune site in the northeastern United States.

Sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, creeks and ponds provide a unique habitat to several species of migratory birds and waterfowl, including sandpipers, plovers, killdeer, gulls, and terns. Visitors may also glimpse fox, deer, beaver, snapping turtles, and painted turtles moving among the wetland and shore areas. At least three rare or endangered plant species, the dune willow, dune grass, and the sand cherry, are native to the dunes, while the wetlands support 14 more rare plants. The system supports eight rare animals and 11 significant habitat types.

The Eastern Lake Ontario Dune System offers many opportunities for hikers, birdwatchers, canoeists and kayakers. Walkovers and viewing platforms have been built to protect the fragile dune environment.

The park is located off State Route 3, on County Route 15 in Sandy Creek, between North and South Sandy Ponds.

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