The Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse sits on Lake Ontario near Olcott, New York.

Olcott, New York

Olcott is a small hamlet and a census-designated place situated in the Town of Newfane in the US State of New York's Niagara County. Also referred to as Olcott Beach by most residents, Olcott is a lakeside hamlet located west of Rochester and houses the deepest harbor on Lake Ontario. Olcott has everything from vibrant boutiques to a vintage amusement park that one might desire for an enjoyable summer vacation. 

Geography And Climate Of Olcott

Olcott is a tiny hamlet situated by Lake Ontario in the Town of Newfane in New York. Olcott is a fantastic day trip destination because of its location. In an hour's drive, Olcott may be reached from Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. Olcott covers a total area of 13.8 sq. km, of which 11.9 sq. km is occupied by land, and 1.9 sq. km is covered by water. 

Olcott experiences pleasant summers, chilly, snowy, and windy winters, with seasonal partial cloudiness. The average annual temperature ranges from 21°F to 76°F, with occasional exceptions when it falls below 7°F or rises over 82°F. The warm season lasts for 3.5 months, with July being the year's hottest month, having an average daily high temperature above 67°F. With an average daily high temperature below 40°F, January is the year's coldest month. On average, Olcott receives 35 inches of rain and 68 inches of snowfall yearly.

Brief History Of Olcott

Olcott, which had previously been known as Kempville, received its current name in 1871 after Theodore J. Olcott contributed $200,000 to renovate the harbor and became the town's official namesake. The enhanced port attracted summer visitors and yearly Pioneer Picnics in its aftermath. Olcott became well-known as a famous shipbuilding center after large enterprises were built to manufacture ships. Olcott served as a hub for boat traffic, fishermen, and visitors. The area's agricultural nature also influenced its industries, of which barn construction, cooper shops, and a basket factory were significant. Sportsmen and amateurs highly regard Olcott Beach as a premier fishing site.

The Population And Economy Of Olcott

Olcott has 1,038 residents as per the latest US Census. Olcott's population has dropped since the most recent census, which showed a population of 1,241 in 2010, and is currently falling at a rate of -1.61% annually. Olcott is exclusively made up of White people (100%). The poverty rate of Olcott is 2.77%, with an average household income of $66,613. The median monthly rental cost in the last few years has been $842, and the median value of a home is $108,300. Olcott's population is 43.5 years old on average, with 39.4 years for men and 44.6 years for women.

Attractions In Olcott

Olcott Beach

Olcott Beach Marina
Olcott Beach Marina. Image Credit: Ad Meskens via Wikimedia Commons

Olcott Beach is another name for Olcott. This is so because the beach is what draws people to this town. Olcott Beach has been closed to swimming frequently in recent years due to excessive water levels. One must try to spend the afternoon in Olcott Beach, taking in the scenery and ambiance rather than going to the beach.

Olcott Beach Lighthouse

Lighthouse, Olcott, New York
Lighthouse, Olcott, New York. 

At the end of Olcott Pier lies a modest lighthouse called Olcott Beach Lighthouse. One of the first sights you'll encounter when you arrive at Olcott is this lighthouse. Although this lighthouse is now not in use, it is a perfect duplicate of the first lighthouse that was created and put into operation in 1873. One of the first lights in this region of Southern Lake Ontario was the old Olcott Lighthouse.

Krull Park

Krull Park is a vast 325-acre park with all the amenities you could want for any season. The park features a sandy beach and a grassy area with tiers where visitors can unwind and enjoy the sunshine. The remaining areas of this sizable park include tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, baseball, softball, and soccer grounds.

Ye Olde Log Cabin

    The pioneer cabin at Krull Park was constructed for the first time in 1888. Sadly, the cabin deteriorated with time, and in 1956, the Niagara County Historical Society Museum received the remaining pieces that hadn't been plundered. As a result of renovations, the cabin is now a public museum.

    Olcott Beach Carousel Park

    The Olcott Beach Carousel Park is one of the city's most distinctive attractions. This park is close to Olcott Beach and is filled with old-fashioned amusement park games and rides. Despite recent renovations, the Olcott Beach Carousel Park still retains much of its beauty.

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