Minetto's culture centers around the Oswego River
Minetto is a small Oswego County town, located along the river. It started as a mill town, where factories and mills occupied the riverbank, but after the factories shut down a few decades back, the Oswego River is now at the center of Minetto’s culture. “There are kayak groups and exercise groups every Wednesday,” says Alicia Hughes, clerk to the Minetto town supervisor. Minetto is along the Erie Canal and Oswego Lock systems, which help control the water levels as it flows to Lake Ontario. Still, the locks open daily, so plenty of locals and residents can get out on the water regularly and even access other cities on the river. The locks open daily around 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., sometimes closing before boaters arrive at their destinations. “We have boats staying overnight trying to get back to Canada,” Hughes says. Minetto’s location along the river also puts it about halfway between two major Oswego County cities, Oswego and Fulton . While Minetto maintains its small-town atmosphere, its proximity to larger areas means residents have access to additional amenities, like restaurants, grocery stores and healthcare. Minetto receives a 2 out of 10 Cap Index Crime Score, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Parks overlooking the river and community kayaking events
Riverview Park overlooks the Oswego River and includes a boat launch and dock. The river is a popular kayaking destination, not just for Minetto residents, but for people from Oswego and Fulton as well. “We had factories that were built here, and they went out in the '70s, but in the river, you can still see the tunnels they built and even go through them,” Hughes says. “It’s not your standard live on the river kind of thing.” The river flows into Lake Ontario, where bigger boats can head for more space and fishing.
In July, Oswego Paddlefest is a celebration of the river and the lock system, encouraging people to get on the river and head towards the lake. Minetto Riverview Park is one of the launching points, while Fulton is the other. Both end at Wright’s Landing Marina in Oswego. Battle Island State Park Golf Course is a public golf course along the river. Midway Drive-In Theatre originally opened in 1948 and is still open seasonally from May to September.
Single-family homes along winding roads on multiacre properties
Minetto’s narrow, winding roads feature National, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes, often situated farther back from the road at the end of long driveways. Big front yards include gardens and American flags. Sidewalks are available in some communities, like the town center and some portions of New York Route 48. Some properties are along the river and include private docks, though these are more concentrated on the northern side of Minetto. However, Minetto's location along the river puts homes at a higher risk of flooding, with First Street giving it a severe risk factor rating. Properties are typically smaller than surrounding communities like Hannibal and Granby , but homeowners can still have between half an acre and 5 acres. Homes cost between $130,000 and $440,000.
New York Route 48 connects Minetto with Oswego and Fulton
While the river links Minetto with its Oswego County neighbors, most residents choose to get around by car. New York Route 48 runs along the river, connecting Minetto, Oswego and Fulton. Oswego is about 5 miles away, and Oswego Hospital is also located here. Meanwhile, Fulton is about 6 miles away. Minetto Bridge Road is the only bridge over the river until drivers reach the larger cities. When traveling, locals catch flights out of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about 31 miles from Minetto.
Students attend Oswego and Fulton public schools
Most students will attend the Oswego City School District, starting at Minetto Elementary. The school is located in the town and receives a C-plus from Niche. Oswego Middle receives a C rating, and Oswego High receives a B-minus. The high school's Robinson-Faust Theatre of the Performing Arts is used by all three school levels and has a student-run tech program. A small portion of students living on Minetto’s southeastern side attend Fulton City School District, which receives a B-minus rating.
Heading to nearby cities for dining and groceries
Minetto’s only restaurant is the Sausage Shack. The menu features a mix of sausages and sandwiches, but locals also stop in for the butcher selection. For other dining options, Minetto residents and visitors can head to either Oswego or Fulton. “They Uber to the next city over because we are literally right between the only two cities in the county,” Hughes says about visitors. In Oswego, Canale’s Restaurant serves Italian cuisine, including build-your-own-pasta dishes, where patrons choose their pasta shape and desired sauce. Tavern on the Lock is a downtown Fulton staple, along the Oswego River with a huge outdoor deck. It offers American fare. Stewart’s Shops and Dollar General have quick items in town for groceries. Walmart is about 6 miles away in Granby.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
