If you are staying at SureStay by Best Western Massena, the easiest winter plan starts with the St. Lawrence River area and stays practical. The hotel sits just off Highway 37, so you can keep the day close: Robert Moses State Park, Eisenhower Lock, Hawkins Point, local errands, and then back to a warm room without turning the trip into a long loop.
Start with Robert Moses State Park, then let the weather decide the rest.
Robert Moses State Park - Thousand Islands is about 10 miles from the hotel and is the cleanest anchor for an outdoorsy Massena winter day. The park has year-round activity options including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, camping areas, a marina, and a nature center.
In winter, keep the plan loose. If the trails are in good shape, go for the quiet snow-and-river version of the day. If the wind is doing too much, use the park as a scenic drive and pivot toward the indoor stops below. That is the whole trick here: plan enough to feel prepared, not so much that the weather gets a vote and ruins everything.
Do Robert Moses first, then choose either the Seaway Visitor Center or Hawkins Point as the warm-up stop before heading back toward Massena for food, errands, or downtime.
Use Eisenhower Lock for a low-effort, high-interest stop.
The Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock is at 76 Barnhart Island Road in Massena, about 8 miles from the hotel. Admission is free, and the visitor center is usually a daytime stop, but winter and operational schedules can change, so check current hours before you go.
This is a strong stop because it gives people something specific to see without requiring a full outdoor commitment. You get the lock, exhibits, observation views, and a clearer sense of why Massena sits where it does.
Add Hawkins Point when you want something indoors and local.
Hawkins Point Visitors Center is at 21 Hawkins Point Road in Massena, with free admission and parking. It is one of those places that makes more sense once you are actually in the area: practical, educational, and close enough that you do not need to rebuild the whole day around it.
The important detail is seasonal timing. Hours can change after Columbus Day, so check before you drive over.
Keep a short-drive backup list, because winter loves humbling people.
Not every day needs to be a nature documentary. St. Lawrence Centre is about 4 miles from the hotel, Walmart Supercenter is about 3 miles away, and Massena International Richards Field is about 6 miles away. Those are not glamorous details, but they are the details guests actually need when snow, kids, work, or travel timing gets involved.
A good Massena winter itinerary should feel calm. Do one scenic thing, one practical thing, and leave room for the evening to be easy.
Planning links
Hotel info · Robert Moses State Park · St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center · Hawkins Point Visitors Center