The Greater Gouverneur Area is located in Northern New York, along the banks of the Oswegatchie River in the Adirondack lowlands...a region with plentiful supplies of fresh water, a rural setting where neighbors are friendly, and schools are safe and recognized for their excellence.

The Town of Gouverneur (population 7,418 in 2000) is located in St. Lawrence County, NY and is known worldwide for its geological uniqueness. Many gem collectors and rock hounds visit the area to study the amazing and accessible "road cuts" where billions of years of geological time can be seen. The Gouverneur Museum has an extensive mineral collection and an excellent exhibition about local mining.

Agribusiness attracts people to the area for an opportunity to farm and raise award winning livestock. The Gouverneur and St.Lawrence County Fair, features, among other exciting activities, the Bire Stakes Harness Racing. The St. Lawrence Valley Bluegrass Festival is held in Gouverneur and draws visitors from the entire Northeast.

High speed Internet offers more opportunities for people to work in the location of their choice. Many small businesses reach out to their markets from the North Country. A project by DANC (Development Authority of the North Country) has created a 450-mile regional fiber optic telecommunications system in Northern New York. This project, along with the enthusiastic support from the Town of Gouverneur leadership, is creating a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure for the Greater Gouverneur area, with a focus on business development and economic growth. A local coffeehouse in downtown Gouverneur offers wireless Internet access to its patrons.

Every season is spectacular in the North Country and provides residents and visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Gouverneur offers two beautiful and friendly golf courses. The jewel of New York State, the Adirondack Park, is a scenic 20 mile drive away. The area is a paradise for hiking, hunting, fishing, and all types of recreational watercraft. Canoeist and kayakers take in the beautiful scenery from the many lakes and rivers in the area. Boaters can choose calm, crystal clear, inland lakes or the mighty St. Lawrence River and vast waters of Lake Ontario. Large ATV and snowmobile clubs have put together a local trail system for all to enjoy. Activities during the winter range from ice fishing and cross country skiing, to snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The Gouverneur Chamber's Winter Blast, a 10 day extravaganza in mid winter, creates a fun diversion and is a milestone marking the approach of spring.

Area colleges and universities offer concerts, lectures, plays and a wide range of educational opportunities. SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam, including the Crane School of Music, are part of the State University system. St. Lawrence University and Clarkson University are widely recognized as two of the top private educational institutions in the nation. College sports enthusiasts enjoy watching NCAA Division I Hockey at St. Lawrence or Clarkson. Many travel to Syracuse (90 miles) to cheer for the collegiate players in the Dome.

Art flourishes in the numerous galleries in the area. TAUNY (Traditional Arts in Northern New York) is located in nearby Canton. TAUNY is a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting, preserving and promoting the folk arts and folklore of New York’s North Country. The Frederick Remington Art Museum is a short drive to Ogdensburg through Amish Country. Gouverneur is also home to many antique shops and galleries of collectibles. The Gouverneur Library and Gouverneur Museum are popular destinations for those visiting the Village of Gouverneur. And in nearby Edwards, NY, you can find the recently refurbished Edwards Opera House. During the summer season, the Opera House showcases nationally known artists and local talent.

School activities, scouting, 4-H, clubs and church activities create weekly gatherings. The Greater Gouverneur area has an amazing array of clubs, from the Shakespeare Club, Rotary, Garden Club, Luncheon Club, Hospital Auxiliary, Business Women, Kiwanis, Lions, Arts, Elks, VFW and American Legion, and more! (Click this link for a list of clubs and churches) There is no shortage of opportunities for community involvement. Newcomers will find themselves welcomed everywhere.

The Gouverneur area has excellent schools. Gouverneur Central School District promotes high standards and is committed to preparing students for their future. The Wildcat Marching Band has 100 student members and competes throughout the area, the wrestling, basketball, football, soccer, baseball, volleyball, track, cross country and swim teams consistently battle for Northern Athletic Conference honors. Over 400 children participate in the town's T-Ball and soccer programs, older students enjoy the Riverview recreation fields.