Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park

Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park

Home to the Saw Mill Creek Shelter, Bay View Shelter, Willow Bay Shelter (available by reservation only) and open public picnic/grill spaces, the Willow Bay area is the most popular picnic space in Onondaga Lake Park. This waterfront location offers spectacular views of the Syracuse skyline, several shaded nooks, a small playground and much more. From this area you can start your walk, run, bike ride or other activity by accessing the East Shore Recreation Trail, the Shoreline Walking Trail or following the trail to the west shore. Several walks/runs and other events are hosted annually in this area.

Click here to learn more about reserving picnic shelters in Onondaga County Parks.

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Willow Bay was not named for the massive willow trees in the area. It was named for the willow bush that made Liverpool nationally known for its basketry. The willow industry began in 1852, when John Fischer, a German salt boiler, noticed some of the willow growing that closely resembled the German domestic willow that was used for basketry. The industry became known for its production of laundry baskets and regular hand baskets that were used for markets. Later, willow furniture was produced. While their products became nationally known during the peak of the industry between 1892-1920, baskets were still being made up until 1971. For more information about the willow industry, contact the Village of Liverpool Historian's Office.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park

  • Dogs Allowed

    Dogs Allowed

    In accordance with New York State law all dogs must be restrained by a leash or chain not more than six feet in length, every dog owner must have a dog license tag attached to their dog’s collar and it shall be the duty of each dog owner or person having possession, custody or control of a dog to remove any feces left by his or her dog on any public park property.

    Click here for more information about Wegmans Good Dog Park.

  • Picnic Areas

    Picnic Areas

    The open picnic area offers picnic tables and grills on a first come, first serve basis.  Reserving tables is strongly discouraged. For larger groups, reserved shelters are available by reservation only. Click here for more information. 

  • Playgrounds

    Playgrounds

    There are three smaller playgrounds located in the Willow Bay and Long Branch Park areas of Onondaga Lake Park.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park

Physical Location:
3858 Long Branch Road
Liverpool, NY

T: (315) 453-6712
F: (315) 453-6764
olp@ongov.net

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

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