Original locks on the left, new locks on the right.
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Canal Street Boardwalk

4.6
·356 reviews·Lockport, United States

Discover the engineering marvels and rich history of the Erie Canal at this engaging museum and boardwalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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Original locks on the left, new locks on the right.

Canal Street Boardwalk

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the engineering marvels and rich history of the Erie Canal at this engaging museum and boardwalk.

4.6
(356 reviews)

"A great stop for kids to learn how locks work through interactive models and history. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Skip the Intro Movie

The museum's introductory film is excellent and sets the stage for your visit.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Outdoor Locks

Seeing the original locks and equipment adds a tangible dimension to the canal's history.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 356 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Erie Canal History Museum

Erie Canal History Museum

Discover the engineering marvels and history of the Erie Canal through engaging exhibits and a fun intro movie.

Reddit
Interactive Lock Model

Interactive Lock Model

Main Museum

Kids and adults alike can learn how locks work with this hands-on, interactive wall model.

Reddit
Outdoor Lock Sites

Outdoor Lock Sites

See the original locks up close and explore smaller museums showcasing historical equipment.

Reddit
Lockport Lock Tour

Lockport Lock Tour

Lockport

Experience the canal's operation firsthand with an amazing guided tour of the locks.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Engineering Marvel

Dive into the fascinating history and engineering of the Erie Canal. Interactive exhibits make it engaging for all ages, but history buffs will truly appreciate the details. Don't miss the outdoor lock sites for a tangible connection to the past. Reddit

Beyond the Museum Walls

While the museum is a gem, the real magic is experiencing the canal itself. Consider a boat tour or kayak rental for a unique perspective. Lockport offers excellent tours and a dedicated lock museum. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Boat tours are in full swing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Erie Canal

Looking for a place to experience the Canal? Open to almost anything: restaurant overlooking, museum or afternoon boat rental. What is your preferred experience?

🎯 Don't Skip the Intro Movie

The museum's introductory film is excellent and sets the stage for your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Outdoor Locks

Seeing the original locks and equipment adds a tangible dimension to the canal's history. Reddit

reddit.com

Things to do in Lockport?

I'm not sure if this is the best place to post since I don't know the area at all. I'm supposed to go to Lockport, NY with my mom (in her 50s) to visit my Aunt(70s). I am from Canada so I won't have my cell phone functioning and I'll likely be pretty bored. I'd be interested in…

reddit.com

Spending a long weekend in Buffalo/Niagara Falls with my 12 year old kid. What are some things we need to do and see?

My kid and I are going to be spending Thursday-Sunday up in Buffalo and so far my itinerary looks like this: Thursday: Arrive in Buffalo at 7:30 am - Go to Buffalo Zoo Friday: Go to Niagara Falls Saturday: Open day. Was thinking about driving to Rochester to check out the…

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Engineering

The interactive lock model is a hit with children, making learning fun and engaging. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share insights. Reddit

reddit.com

As a kid growing up, I always remember going on field trips to Artpark to either watch a play or do some kind of art activities. What are some places that you remember going to on field trips as a kid?

The Erie Canal boat lock tours in Lockport. I think I went once in elementary school, and another time in middle school. I just remember being bored though because every summer my family would take our boat down to Middleport or sometimes all the way out to Fairport, so I had…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Skip the Intro Movie

The museum's introductory film is excellent and sets the stage for your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Outdoor Locks

Seeing the original locks and equipment adds a tangible dimension to the canal's history. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Engineering

The interactive lock model is a hit with children, making learning fun and engaging. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share insights. Reddit

🎁 Unique Souvenirs

The gift shop offers a great selection of unique items related to the canal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(356 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Canal Street Boardwalk for its engaging exhibits, particularly the interactive lock model that delights children. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the experience, offering valuable insights into Erie Canal history. While the museum is compact, it provides a solid introduction, with many recommending exploring the outdoor locks and nearby Lockport for a more comprehensive understanding. Reddit

"If anyone is wanting a non-adult opinion…hi there! I’m a 17-y-o boy, and I loved this place. The museum is pretty cool if you’re into historical things and is even better if you love water engineering. If you don’t like either…it can get a little boring, but that is easily remedied by actually walking out to the canal."

Tyler Jensen

"Jennifer led a great tour of the locks. We also checked out both the museums, the smaller one at the lowest lock, and the main one up on the street level. The main museum has a fun video that mimics the experience of being in a boat from way back when, and there is an impressive gift shop too."

Leslie Johnson

"This is a small museum, but you do learn about the Erie Canal and how it came about. The staff was polite and friendly and full of information about the museum and what to do around the town."

Karen J

What People Like

Engaging interactive exhibits
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Historical significance of Erie Canal

What People Dislike

Museum can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Canal Street Boardwalk is located in Lockport, NY. Driving is the most common way to access it, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may be limited, so check local schedules if relying on buses. Reddit

While direct public transport to the boardwalk itself might be scarce, Lockport generally has bus services. It's advisable to check the latest routes and schedules for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) or local Lockport transit. Reddit

For a comprehensive experience, consider a combination of visiting the Lockport locks and museums, and perhaps a boat tour or kayak rental on the canal. Reddit

Yes, Lockport itself offers more to explore, including other historical sites. Nearby cities like Buffalo also provide additional attractions and a different perspective on the region's waterways. Reddit

From Buffalo, take I-90 E to exit 48 for NY-77 N towards Lockport. Continue on NY-77 N, which becomes Transit Road, then turn right onto NY-31 W. Follow NY-31 W to Canal Street in Lockport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally reasonable, with specific pricing for adults and children. It's always best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current ticket prices. Reddit

For general museum entry, advance booking is usually not required, but it's a good idea during peak season or for special events. For boat tours, booking ahead is highly recommended. Reddit

Hours can vary seasonally. Typically, the museum is open during daytime hours, and boat tours operate on a schedule. Check the official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation. Reddit

Many attractions offer group rates and senior discounts. Inquire directly with the museum or tour operator about any available concessions. Reddit

The outdoor lock sites are often accessible for viewing from public areas, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the engineering without necessarily purchasing museum admission. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the Erie Canal History Museum, interact with a lock model, see outdoor lock sites, and visit a well-stocked gift shop. Lockport also offers boat tours and a smaller lock museum. Reddit

Absolutely! The interactive lock model is a huge hit with children, and the introductory movie is engaging. It's a great educational outing for families. Reddit

A typical visit to the museum might take 1-2 hours. If you plan to do a boat tour or explore the surrounding Lockport area, allocate at least half a day. Reddit

Capture the impressive scale of the locks, the historic museum building, and the scenic canal views. The interactive exhibits also make for fun, unique shots. Reddit

Yes, guided tours of the locks, particularly in Lockport, are highly recommended and offer fascinating insights into the canal's operation and history. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Lockport offers several dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, many with views overlooking the canal or historic areas. Reddit

While there might not be designated picnic areas within the museum itself, you can often find spots along the canal path or in nearby parks to enjoy a packed lunch. Reddit

Expect classic American fare, with local diners and pubs offering comfort food. Some restaurants may feature regional specialties. Reddit

The museum has a gift shop, which may offer some small snacks or beverages. For a full meal, exploring the nearby town is recommended. Reddit

Yes, Lockport has restaurants that offer views of the canal, providing a pleasant dining experience that complements your visit to the boardwalk. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the impressive lock structures, the historic architecture of the museum, and the serene canal waters. The surrounding landscape also offers picturesque views. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but flash photography might be restricted to protect exhibits. Always check for signage. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the canal and its structures. Midday can be good for clear shots of the engineering. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and public areas due to privacy and safety regulations. It's essential to check local ordinances before flying a drone. Reddit

Visitors often recommend capturing the scale of the locks, especially when a boat is passing through, and the details of the historical equipment displayed outdoors. Reddit

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