Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of New York lies a captivating state park boasting a geological marvel that has captured the curiosity of scientists worldwide. Green Lakes State Park is home to the enchanting Green Lakes and the charming Round Lake. Despite their modest surface areas, these two bodies of water hold deep secrets that hint at their glacial origins. Green Lake spans 63 acres and plunges to a depth of 195 feet, and Round Lake, which covers 38 acres with depths reaching 180 feet, possesses a mystical blue-green hue due to its mineral-rich depths. Beyond their mesmerizing appearance, these lakes present numerous unique features that beckon scientific exploration. Yet, for the hundreds of thousands of visitors flocking to Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse for leisure and vacation, the scientific allure may pale compared to the myriad recreational opportunities awaiting them. Referred to as Fayetteville Green Lake to distinguish it from a neighboring ‘green lake,’ the larger of the two lakes boasts a sandy swimming beach, meticulously crafted by depositing tons of sand into a former wetland to create a welcoming shore. Sunbathing lawns, well-equipped bathhouses, and a convenient concession stand further enhance the leisure experience at this idyllic destination. While private boats are prohibited on the lakes, visitors can rent rowboats and paddle boats from the park concession. The beach area bustles with day-trippers, while the campgrounds teem with vacationers and weekend adventurers. With over a hundred campsites complemented by cozy rental cabins and numerous picnic spots scattered throughout the park, Green Lakes State Park ensures a fulfilling escape for all who visit. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling on both lakes, where catches typically include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegills, and rock bass, with occasional sightings of northern pike. Despite the spring stocking of trout, spawning conditions hinder their sustainable reproduction. Yet, the park’s offerings extend far beyond its lakeshores, with an 18-hole golf course designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones and a stately clubhouse in the southeastern enclave. Encompassing a vast 1955 acres, Green Lakes State Park harbors nearly 800 acres of pristine ‘old-growth’ forests. Among them stands the revered Tuliptree Cathedral, a haven for towering trees that soar to 147 feet. This majestic congregation of tulip trees, sugar maples, beech, basswood, hemlocks, and white cedars has stood undisturbed, having been safeguarded by the descendants of David Collins III since 1817 until its acquisition by the state park system in 1928. Recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior, this ancient woodland and the picturesque Round Lake offer a tranquil retreat into nature’s embrace. Extensive hiking trails, including designated paths for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, wind through the park’s lush landscape. In contrast, biking trails on the park’s western fringes interconnect with the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park. The park’s architectural marvels, golf course, and trails owe their existence to the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the era of the Great Depression. Though the original CCC facilities ceased operations in 1941, the Fayetteville camp briefly housed German prisoners of war in 1942. Green Lakes State Park is a gateway to outdoor pursuits, highlighted by the annual Green Lakes Triathlon, which recently celebrated its 33rd edition. Nearby, the Old Erie Canal Historic Park presents 36 miles of the former canal, offering hiking and cycling opportunities along its historic towpath. The vibrant city of Syracuse beckons with urban delights, including nightlife, dining venues, and cultural attractions that cater to diverse tastes. Adjacent to the park, Clark Reservation State Park cradles yet another ‘green lake,’ akin to its counterparts in Green Lakes State Park. A day-use sanctuary, it hosts guided nature expeditions led by the knowledgeable staff of the Clark Reservation Nature Center. Accommodations abound in the surrounding Syracuse region, from plush resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts within the Finger Lakes heartland. Whether your inclination leans towards exploration or relaxation, nearby activities and accommodations ensure an enriching stay. While real estate opportunities may be scarce on Green or Round Lakes, the allure of the area’s natural splendor remains unspoiled. The ‘green lakes’ in the region captivate the scientific community with their enigmatic allure. Fayetteville Green Lake, in particular, garners international attention for its unique geological composition. While Green Lake receives a portion of its waters from Round Lake, a significant portion filtrates from the underlying limestone aquifers. These lakes, recognized as meromictic, lack the regular mixing of surface and bottom waters, resulting in oxygen-deprived lower strata conducive to sulfidic conditions. This rare phenomenon sustains impeccable sediment preservation and inhibits most plant life, fostering ideal conditions for historical research. In this oxygen-starved environment, fish struggle to survive, and organic matter such as wood remains remarkably intact. The stratified layers of these meromictic lakes harbor a kaleidoscope of purple photosynthetic and green sulfur bacteria, creating a mesmerizing rosy-pink hue at the transition zone. Within Green Lake, distinctive reefs form through an annual phenomenon known as ‘whiting,’ where calcium carbonate precipitates to craft intricate underwater formations. Notably, Deadmans Point reef in Green Lake evolved over millennia from these calcium deposits, harboring rare aquatic mosses and sponges beneath its overhang. Scientists view these lake conditions as a window into primordial seas, offering insights into ancient extinction events. The calcium carbonate deposition that shapes these reefs envelops submerged objects in a ghostly sheen, unfolding a surreal underwater panorama that captivates divers. Whether driven by scientific curiosity or recreational pursuits, Green Lake and Round Lake are veritable oases for nature enthusiasts seeking solace amidst nature’s splendor. Be it a round of golf under the azure skies or a tranquil night under the stars, these lakes imbibe visitors with tranquility and wonder, promising an escape. From lush vineyards to picturesque orchards dotting the Finger Lakes landscape, many adventures await within a short drive from these enchanting lakeshores. Set amidst a tapestry of natural beauty and enchanting vistas, Green Lakes State Park beckons visitors to embark on a soul-stirring journey into the heart of nature’s embrace, where every whisper of the wind and rustle of the leaves tells a tale of ancient mysteries and timeless allure.