About Potsdam

POTSDAM IS A WONDERFUL TOWN TO VISIT!

With roughly 16,000 year-round residents, Potsdam village is nestled along the Raquette River in the heart of St. Lawrence County.  Potsdam is home to a variety of shopping and dining experiences, an active downtown corridor, two world-class Universities, as well as a beautiful backdrop of mountains, pristine lakes, rivers and ponds.  All of these qualities make Potsdam a wonderful place to visit, work, live and learn.

Each year the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce holds several large events meant to promote the community with fun activities that the whole family can enjoy!  These events include a village Clean-up (April), the annual Summer Festival (early in July), Fright Night (Thursday prior to Halloween), and holiday shopping  events in November and December, with new events being added all the time!  You can browse our website or contact the Chamber of Commerce to find more information about these events!

One of the big draws to Potsdam are the two local Universities; Clarkson University is home to the Clarkson Golden Knights – Division I Men’s Hockey, Women’s Ice Hockey (Two time National Champions 2014 & 2017), competing yearly in Cheel Arena and hosting other Division I schools such as Yale, Harvard, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Maine and more!  In addition to their history in sports, Clarkson is known throughout the world as a leading educator in the fields of Engineering, Business, and the Arts.   Just across town, SUNY Potsdam is home to a variety of Division III sports, which compete in the SUNYAC league against teams from SUNY Plattsburgh, Oswego, Brockport, Buffalo and others.  SUNY Potsdam is well known for its history and excellence in teacher education, as well as the world famous Crane School of Music.

Furthermore, as an added benefit to the wonderful academic and athletic programs that these schools bring to Potsdam, both offer a wealth of entertainment through lectures, symposiums, non-credit courses, cultural fairs, as well as musical and dramatic shows.  Moreover, the universities constantly bring in world-class entertainment in the form of concerts, comedians, and special events.  Contact Clarkson University or SUNY Potsdam for a list of upcoming events!

Located just outside Potsdam are several area agricultural learning attractions, from alpacas, sheep, buffalo as well as traditional upstate farms raising dairy and beef cattle. Many local producers participate in the Potsdam Farmers’ Market held on Saturdays from Mid-May to October.

Within a short drive, there are several local areas to participate in birding, canoeing, camping, golfing, hiking, angling and more! For any type of outdoor activity, the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce will more than likely have a map, information, or “local know-how” about the activity! Stop in to 24 Market Street to learn about the little local treasures that make this area one of the most beautiful in the world!

If staying inside is more your style, visit the Potsdam Public Museum or the Potsdam Public Library, both located in the downtown area.  Newly opened in April 2018 is the North Country Children’s Museum for some hands-on fun.  You can also travel the short distance to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino ResortFrederick Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg, Wilder Homestead in Burke, the new state-of-the-art Wild Center in Tupper Lake, or several local battlefields and barracks in Ogdensburg, Sackets Harbor and the 1000 Islands.

Make a reservation at one of our local hotels, motels, or B&B’s today! Potsdam is truly yours to discover!