Discover 7 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Watertown (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Paddock Arcade, New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, and Public Square. Also, be sure to include Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Watertown (New York).
Table of Contents
Paddock Arcade
Shopping mall in Watertown, New York. The Paddock Arcade is a 19th-century shopping mall located in Watertown, New York. Built in 1850, it is the second oldest covered shopping mall and the oldest continuously running enclosed shopping mall in the United States. Since it has seen uninterrupted use since it opened in 1850, it carries the distinction of being the country's oldest, continuously operating covered shopping mall. The Paddock Arcade was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.[1]
Address: 1 Public Sq, 13601 Watertown
New York State Zoo at Thompson Park
Park, Outdoor activities, Zoo
Address: 1 Thompson Park, 13601-3500 Watertown
Public Square
Park in Watertown, New York. The Public Square Historic District is a Historic District that serves as an open mall in the center of Watertown, New York, containing 58 buildings, one contributing site, and three contributing objects. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 7, 1984.[2]
Address: 1200 Franklin Street, 13601 Watertown
Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library
Central library. The Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library is a historic library building located in Watertown in Jefferson County, New York. The library was built in 1903 through 1904, and completed on November 10, 1904. The library opened on January 4, 1905. it was donated to the city by Emma Flower Taylor as a memorial to her father Roswell P. Flower, the 30th Governor of New York. A Genealogy department, local history collection and meeting rooms are inside the building. It also contains computers available for public use. The Library serves as the primary library in Watertown and surrounding communities as a center for reading, culture and research. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[3]
Address: 229 Washington St, 13601-3324 Watertown
Paddock Mansion
Paddock Mansion is a historic home located at Watertown in Jefferson County, New York. Since 1922, it has been the headquarters of the Jefferson County Historical Society. It was built in 1876 and is a 2+1⁄2-story brick structure on a high basement in the Stick / Eastlake style. It features a 3-story tower on the southeast corner and the eaves, gables, balconies, and front porch are supported by elaborate turned millwork and chamfered brackets and posts.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.[4]
Jefferson County Historical Society
History museum, Museum
Address: 228 Washington St, 13601-3379 Watertown
Watertown Masonic Temple
Historical landmark in Watertown, New York. Watertown Masonic Temple is a historic Masonic building located in Watertown in Jefferson County, New York. It was constructed in 1914 as a meeting hall for a local Masonic lodge. and is a three-story, Neoclassical style rectangular, masonry and steel structure. The front of the building features a large prostyle temple front with six columns in the Doric order supporting a triangular pediment.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 In 2003, the Masonic Hall Association decided to sell the building, citing the cost of maintaining the structure, and declining membership for its decision.
A plan to renovate the building as a performing arts center is included in a ten million dollar New York State Empire State Development Corporation revitalization grant.[5]
Address: 240 Washington St, Watertown