About our Lakes, our Legends & our Lore

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One look from above and it's easy to see why the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York deserves its name. Each of the long, slender bodies of water forms a striking resemblance to the fingers of a hand. Depending upon who you ask, however, the story of how the lakes came into existence can be as varied as the lakes themselves.

According to Native American legend, the lakes are the divine handprints of the Great Spirit. In blessing the land, the spirit's outstretched hands were placed over the region leaving each finger-shaped impression. The hollows that were left quickly filled with crystal-clear water - thus the Finger Lakes were formed.

While this account leaves more to the imagination, modern science credits the formation of the Finger Lakes to centuries-old glacial activity. The glaciers, which gouged their way down from Canada, scraped out streams and rivers. They left minor depressions that would later become the basis for lakes, and, played a major role in shaping the contour of the land.

No matter which version you choose to believe, one thing is for certain - the Finger Lakes Region is truly blessed. It is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, unique geological features and eleven spectacular lakes. The map below is your link to our County - featuring the region's largest concentration of Finger Lakes. Take time to discover more about these wondrous waters.

To see some of the local web cams located on the Finger Lakes, click on the link below:
Canandaigua Lake | Honeoye Lake | Seneca Lake | Keuka Lake

For more written information about the Lakes below,
click on a lake you would like to read more about.

Fishing in the Finger Lakes Region

New York Waterfalls