National Canal Museum
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National Canal Museum

4.7
·358 reviews·Easton, United States

Discover the history of American waterways with interactive exhibits and scenic mule-pulled canal boat tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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National Canal Museum

National Canal Museum

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the history of American waterways with interactive exhibits and scenic mule-pulled canal boat tours.

4.7
(358 reviews)

"A total hidden gem! Interactive, educational, and fun for the whole family."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Boat Tours in Advance

:ticket: Canal boat tours are popular; book ahead online to secure your spot!

Toddler-Friendly Zone

:baby: A separate toddler area is available for little ones to play safely.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal Boat Tour

Canal Boat Tour

Hugh Moore Park

Experience history firsthand on a mule-pulled canal boat ride, a journey back in time.

Interactive Engineering Exhibits

Interactive Engineering Exhibits

Museum Interior

Hands-on displays like the water table and aqueduct building let you explore canal engineering.

Hugh Moore Park

Hugh Moore Park

Adjacent to Museum

Spacious park with a playground, trails, and scenic views along the canal.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Canal Adventures

Plan your visit around the canal boat tours, which typically run from early summer through fall. Check the official website for exact schedules, as they can vary. Arriving early can help you snag a spot on popular tours and beat the midday heat.

Embrace the Interactive Exhibits

This museum is designed for hands-on fun! Don't be shy about engaging with the exhibits, especially the water table and construction displays. They're a hit with both kids and adults, offering a unique way to learn about canal history and engineering.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
Early Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for park
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The best day🥹🫶🏼 Easton was so happy😭 #dayinmylife #toddlermom #dayinthelife #errands #museum #toddlersoftiktok #trending #mom #ditl
@stephaniepena__
101.5K likes • 456.3K views

Book Boat Tours in Advance

:ticket: Canal boat tours are popular; book ahead online to secure your spot! Instagram

Toddler-Friendly Zone

:baby: A separate toddler area is available for little ones to play safely. Reddit

Truly a gem in the Lehigh Valley! 🤩 We had so much fun at the National Canal Museum and Hugh Moore Park in Easton, PA. The museum is small, but it's packed with tons of things for kids to do. Building aqueducts, harnessing the mule, steering the canal boat, and more. It's very entertaining for the kids. Canal boat tours are offered early summer through late fall. The boat is pulled by the two ...
wildkidswander
7.3K likes • 553.1K views
‘Trying to make it into Hugh Moore Park’, The National Canal Museum is located in Hugh Moore Park at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton, PA 18042. It is part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. The bridge connecting Glendon, PA, with Hugh Moore Park (the Hill Road Bridge) closed in June 2013 due to severely corroded support beams. It was built in 1910. The Glendon Hill Road Bridge ...
deadstock610
261 likes • 6.3K views

Wear Comfy Shoes

:athletic_shoe: You'll be exploring the museum and park, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

Pack Snacks (or Buy Chips)

:snack: Limited snacks available; consider bringing your own or just buying chips. Reddit

Exploring History: Canal Boat Ride at the National Canal Museum! Took a break to visit the National Canal Museum, where we embarked on a canal boat ride pulled by mules. It was a journey back in time, relishing the wonders of canal transportation. Explore the fascinating world of waterways at https://canals.org/ and plan your own historic adventure! #BucksCountyJoyrides #NationalCanalMuseum #Ca...
buckscountyjoyrides
28 likes • 431 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Boat Tours in Advance

:ticket: Canal boat tours are popular; book ahead online to secure your spot! Instagram

Toddler-Friendly Zone

:baby: A separate toddler area is available for little ones to play safely. Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes

:athletic_shoe: You'll be exploring the museum and park, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

Pack Snacks (or Buy Chips)

:snack: Limited snacks available; consider bringing your own or just buying chips. Reddit

Allow Ample Time

:clock: You might need more time than expected; plan for at least 2-3 hours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(358 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Canal Museum for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that appeal to all ages. The knowledgeable staff and the unique canal boat tours are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the snack options are limited, the overall experience, combined with the beautiful park setting, makes it a highly recommended destination for a fun and educational day out.

"Wish I could add some extra stars, this place exceeded my expectations in every way.

The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and included such interesting details. I did not realize how much I would learn about so many different things spanning history, science, economics, culture, and was not bored at any point.

The museum is in a compact space but manages to include a good number of exhibits, all of which are super engaging, hands on, and cover every area of education. Everything is in great condition and very clearly set up so you can see what to do and also understand why - there was also another extremely knowledgeable and informative staff member in the museum.

They had a very cute toddler area, it was separate from the other exhibits so you can't keep an eye on one there at the same time as taking other kids to the main area. But if you do need to divide and conquer, it was a very nice spot for our little one to chill.

Plenty of bathrooms, clean and working.

Adjacent to a beautiful playground in a spacious park. Just an absolutely excellent way to spend a day. I should have planned to spend at least an hour longer."

Chava A

"Very nice. Educational canal boat ride with the new interactive museum. The museum has a small gift shop and is also well air-conditioned. The modern restrooms are very spacious and super clean!

The only area with room for improvement would be the snack stand. There isn't an actual snack stand. There are small bags of chips and a small refrigerator cooler with beverages available to purchase at the same place where you purchase your tickets."

Beth Pettis

"Definitely worth it! The ride on the boat was awesome a lot of stories were told with a lot of great information. The museum is cute has a lot of things for kids. The park and land alone is beautiful. Definitely will be back."

Chelsea Freeman

What People Like

Interactive exhibits for all ages
Knowledgeable and engaging staff
Unique canal boat tours

What People Dislike

Limited snack options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Canal Museum is located at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton, PA 18042, within Hugh Moore Park. It's part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. While the bridge connecting Glendon, PA, to the park has been closed, access is generally straightforward via Easton. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available at Hugh Moore Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Information on public transport options can be limited for this specific location. It's best to check local transit schedules for Easton, PA, or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. TikTok

Hugh Moore Park offers beautiful trails for walking and biking. The museum is centrally located within the park, making it easy to combine your visit with exploring the natural surroundings. Reddit

Historically, the Hill Road Bridge connecting Glendon, PA, to Hugh Moore Park has been closed. Always check local traffic advisories before your trip to ensure smooth access. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official National Canal Museum website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and any potential group rates. Instagram

While walk-in visits are often possible, booking tickets in advance, especially for the canal boat tours, is highly recommended to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment. Instagram

Operating hours can be seasonal. It's crucial to consult the National Canal Museum's official website for their current hours of operation before planning your visit. Instagram

Check the museum's website or inquire directly about potential discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, or AAA members. Reddit

Yes, tickets can typically be purchased on-site at the museum's admission desk. However, for popular attractions like the canal boat tours, advance booking is advised. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, including building aqueducts, harnessing a mule, and steering a canal boat. There's also a dedicated toddler area for younger visitors. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! The museum features interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages, from young children to adults. Reddit

The canal boat ride is a unique historical experience, often pulled by mules, offering insights into past transportation methods. It's a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum offers clean, spacious, and modern restrooms for visitors. Reddit

Hugh Moore Park boasts a beautiful playground, walking trails along the canal, and scenic green spaces, making it a great place to extend your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options are limited. You can purchase small bags of chips and beverages from a refrigerator cooler at the ticket counter. Reddit

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time exploring the park. Reddit

Easton, PA, offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, a short drive from the museum. Instagram

There isn't a full snack stand or cafe. The available items are limited to chips and beverages sold at the ticket area. Reddit

Yes, Hugh Moore Park is a great spot for a picnic, with plenty of open space and scenic views to enjoy your meal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the mule-pulled boat, the interactive exhibits, and the scenic beauty of Hugh Moore Park. The historic setting offers many picturesque moments. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for outdoor shots in Hugh Moore Park, while the indoor exhibits are well-lit throughout the day. Instagram

Yes, you can typically take photos during the canal boat tour, but be mindful of other passengers and ensure your camera is secure. Instagram

The canal boat itself, the mules, the interactive water table, and the scenic park trails are all popular subjects for photos. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The National Canal Museum is a fantastic outing for families. The interactive exhibits, especially the water table and construction displays, are a huge hit with children, allowing them to learn through play. TikTokInstagram There's also a dedicated toddler area for the youngest visitors, ensuring everyone has a fun and safe experience. Reddit

Combine your museum visit with the adjacent playground in Hugh Moore Park for a full day of entertainment. The canal boat tour, while educational, is also an engaging adventure for kids, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Remember to check the boat tour schedule in advance as it's a popular activity. Instagram

📚 History Buffs & Lifelong Learners

For those fascinated by American history and industrial development, the National Canal Museum offers a deep dive into the Erie Canal and its contemporaries. The exhibits are surprisingly comprehensive, covering not just the mechanics of canals but also their economic, social, and cultural impact. Reddit

The knowledgeable staff and engaging displays provide rich context, making the learning experience both informative and enjoyable. The canal boat tour further enhances this by offering a direct, experiential connection to the past. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the engineering marvels and historical significance of these waterways. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Outdoor Enthusiasts & Day-Trippers

If you're looking for a pleasant day out that combines education with outdoor activity, the National Canal Museum and Hugh Moore Park are perfect. The park offers beautiful walking trails along the canal, providing scenic views and a chance to enjoy nature. Reddit

Pair your museum visit with a picnic in the park or a leisurely stroll. The accessibility of the park and its proximity to the museum make it an easy and rewarding destination for a day trip, offering a blend of historical exploration and recreational enjoyment. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvels of Canals

The National Canal Museum delves deep into the engineering principles that made canal transportation a revolutionary force in the 19th century. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can understand concepts like water flow, lock systems, and aqueduct construction. One popular exhibit allows you to build your own aqueduct, demonstrating the challenges and ingenuity involved in moving water across varied terrain. Reddit

These hands-on experiences make complex engineering concepts accessible and fun. You can learn about the power of mules in pulling canal boats and the mechanics of steering them. The museum effectively translates historical infrastructure into engaging, educational activities for all ages, highlighting the science and innovation behind these vital waterways. TikTokInstagram

A Journey Through Time: Canal Boat Tours

Embarking on a canal boat tour at the National Canal Museum is like stepping back in time. Pulled by working mules, these tours offer a unique perspective on how goods and people traveled historically. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories and historical details, bringing the era of canal transportation to life. Instagram

The experience is not just educational but also incredibly scenic. Gliding along the water, you'll witness the preserved canal environment and imagine the bustling activity of centuries past. It's a truly immersive experience that complements the museum's indoor exhibits perfectly, providing a tangible connection to the history of American waterways. Reddit

Hugh Moore Park: More Than Just a Museum Setting

Hugh Moore Park, where the National Canal Museum is situated, is a destination in itself. This spacious park offers a beautiful natural setting for visitors to enjoy. It features well-maintained trails perfect for walking or biking, providing opportunities to explore the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Reddit

Beyond the trails, the park boasts a fantastic playground, making it an ideal spot for families to extend their visit. The combination of the museum's educational offerings and the park's recreational amenities creates a well-rounded day trip. It's a place where history, nature, and family fun converge. TikTokInstagram

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