Discover Olcott: Park, Harbor and History

Olcott brings together expansive parkland, a historic carousel, a marina on 18-Mile Creek and local shops on the south shore of Lake Ontario. The experiences offer different points of focus: you may be interested in the park and splash pad, learning more about Olcott’s past, or exploring the harbor and its water sports. These highlights give you a concrete guide to deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay in Olcott.

Parkland and a classic carousel

Krull Park spans more than 325 acres and is used year-round. With its expansive grounds, it is a destination in its own right in Olcott; its listed amenities also include a splash pad. If you want to spend time outdoors and visit a park during your trip, this gives you a specific place to go.

Another attraction is at Olcott Beach Carousel Park: a beautifully restored 1928 Herschell-Spillman carousel and other classic attractions. The carousel’s year of construction gives it a special historical connection, while the other classic attractions add to the park’s appeal as a place to visit. For families who want to include carousel rides in their trip, this visit offers a different focus from the parkland at Krull Park. Both names represent specific, distinct sides of a stay in Olcott.

Insights into the area’s history

Ye Olde Log Cabin brings together a historic building and the history of Olcott Beach and its pioneers. The Town of Newfane built the cabin as a replica of the original log cabin, which was built in 1888 in TenBrooks Grove. The site is now known as Krull Park. The replica and the historic site should be distinguished: the original cabin stood in TenBrooks Grove; Ye Olde Log Cabin is its replica.

The free historical exhibit features original relics and many other historical objects from Olcott Beach and its pioneers. The focus is therefore not just on one building, but also on objects connected to the town’s history. If you’re interested in the area’s development, you can pair this historical experience with a visit to the carousel, which dates back to 1928. The two experiences offer different points of connection: historical objects and the story of a log cabin on the one hand, and a classic attraction with its own year of construction on the other.

Marina and water sports

The Town of Newfane Marina is located at the mouth of 18-Mile Creek in the hamlet of Olcott Beach. The creek flows into Lake Ontario; the marina is designated as a deep-water port and a safe harbor. This location describes the connection between creek and lake and gives the harbor a distinct place in the local landscape. You can therefore get to know Olcott with a focus on the marina and the waterscape at this confluence.

The marina welcomes jet skis as well as kayaks and canoes, and has more than 70 slips. These are different ways to enjoy the water: motorized jet skis alongside smaller, human-powered boats. When choosing the focus of your vacation, what matters most is whether you want to include the marina and water activities in your idea of Olcott.

Local shops and events

Lakeview Village Shoppes consists of individual, independently run small shops owned by local artisans and merchants. They are located on the south shore of Lake Ontario in Olcott. Rather than one large store, you’ll find a collection of different small businesses here. This adds a distinct local touch to the park, history and waterfront offerings.

Events are also among the experiences described in Olcott. The annual Olcott Beach Jazz Trail features free performances at various locations around Olcott that are within walking distance of one another. The trail is therefore an event experience with multiple performance venues, not just a concert on a single stage. The 23rd annual King Salmon Tournament, organized by the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association in Olcott, was also scheduled for July 25, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. That scheduled date has now passed.

Which focus suits your trip?

When choosing a vacation rental in Olcott, it can help to decide first what pace of travel you want: would you like to plan specific experiences or leave room for spontaneous discoveries? This lets you tailor your search to the kind of stay that matters to you.

Discover more places

More places to discover: Lockport, Youngstown, Niagara Falls.

Return to the main travel guide: Niagara County.