The Potsdam center is around 1 mile northeast of Clarkson University and 10 miles northeast of St. Lawrence University.
The best time of year to travel to Potsdam greatly depends on what your favorite vacation activities are, as the local temperate climate means that the area enjoys all four seasons. The most popular months for travelers are the summer months, as the warm temperatures and sunny days create the perfect setting for long walks through the town's historic neighborhoods, exploring the breathtaking local natural landscapes, or enjoying a round of fishing on any of the two local rivers, Grasse River and Raquette River.
Because most visitors choose to come here during the summer months, it will naturally be more difficult to find a good deal on a hotel room during that time, as most local hotels are in high demand. A great way to find good hotel rates is to book your room in advance, as this greatly increases your odds of getting the best possible deal. Another great way to fully enjoy what the area has to offer, without overpaying on hotel rates, is to visit Potsdam in either late spring or early fall.
Just because most visitors prefer the warm weather of summer months doesn't mean winter is less fun in Potsdam. St. Lawrence County is an amazing destination for winter enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, indoor and outdoor ice skating, and taking kids on sledding rides. Exploring the area can be incredibly fun if you choose a snowmobile tour or a classic dog sledding trip through the local woods.
There are many opportunities for significant discounts that you can take advantage of during your trip to Potsdam with some research and planning. The Best Western University Inn is located only 10 miles from downtown Potsdam and offers a discount of up to 15% for AAA members. It's also beautiful and well-equipped, with a location that grants easy access to local attractions, such as the two local universities and the Frederic Remington Art Museum. The rooms are good looking and feature all the amenities you'll need, while any question or issue will be swiftly dealt with by their staff.
The Hampton Inn Potsdam NY is located right in town and offers discounts of up to 10% for visiting senior citizens. With both the town and its two universities only 10 minutes away, it's a great location for those who want to explore Potsdam and its two nearby campuses. All rooms feature air conditioning, refrigerators, and LCD televisions with premium TV channels and every morning starts with a complimentary buffet breakfast. Business travelers can benefit from the free high-speed internet and the 635 square-foot event facilities, which include a meeting room.
The town of Potsdam and the area around it have many mid-range hotels that offer plenty of value for your money. Holiday Inn Express Canton has all the features you'd expect from a high-end hotel, such as large and well-equipped rooms, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and plenty of on-site amenities, so visitors will definitely get their money's worth. Visitors are also treated to complimentary Wi-Fi, bathroom toiletries, cable TV, and a delicious continental breakfast, adding even more value to the hotel room fare.
Another great way of getting maximum value for your money is to check into a nearby Canadian hotel, such as the Canada Continental Hotel. Located just north of Lake St. Lawrence, it gives visitors the opportunity to explore two countries in one trip, while also featuring great room prices. This pet-friendly facility is great for those who enjoy the outdoors, with breathtaking views from its terrace and gardens, plus a picnic area and available barbecue grills. A restaurant and lounge area, 24-hour front desk, and very competent multilingual staff manage to add more to this hotel's value.
Aside from the beautiful streets and lovely buildings, Potsdam also stands out with its two major universities. The oldest one, The State University of New York at Potsdam, is a public college that was founded in 1816, making it one of the oldest in the entire country. It features a College of Arts & Sciences, a School of Business, School of Education and Professional Studies, and the Crane School of Music. Its campus covers 240 acres and consists of 44 buildings, making it an ideal environment for students to learn and have fun.
The town's other university is Clarkson University, a private entity that was founded near the end of the 19th century. It currently has over 4,300 students enrolled in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The university is comprised of multiple institutes and schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the Institute for a Sustainable Environment, the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering, and the David D. Reh School of Business.
Potsdam, New York, is definitely a great place to live in and to visit. Being one of the oldest towns in the state of New York means there are many historical sites to visit, while the 8,000 students who live here for the duration of the academic year give the place a new dimension and creates a fascinating blend between youth and tradition.
Below are reviews of the city of Potsdam, NY from an actual visitor's perspective.
I am in Potsdam regularly - SUNY alum. Rooms are nice and large. Convenient to the campus and town.
Lot of food options nearby.