Explore the Erie Canal from Macedon to Lyons

There’s something special about winding through the small canal towns of Wayne County. These villages—tucked along one of the most influential waterways in American history—offer more than just charming scenery. They’re full of stories, traditions, and simple pleasures that turn a short drive into a meaningful adventure. This round-trip day trip begins in Macedon and meanders east through Palmyra, Newark, and Lyons, inviting you to slow down, linger, and enjoy the journey.

Breakfast

There’s no better way to begin than with a big country breakfast in Macedon. At Macedon Hills Family Restaurant, the cozy booths and friendly service set the tone for the day. The menu offers a satisfying mix of sweet and savory favorites—just the right fuel for a day of exploring along the Erie Canal.

Morning

After breakfast, make your way to Lock 30 Canal Park. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a boat locking through—a surprisingly calming and reflective experience. Adjacent to Lock 30, the accessible Butterfly Nature Trail is a scenic path surrounded by wildflowers and butterfly bushes. It’s a peaceful spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature. What makes this trail incredibly unique is that it offers a rare opportunity to view all three historical iterations of the Erie Canal—the original Clinton’s Ditch (1825), the Enlarged Erie Canal (1862), and the modern Barge Canal—from a single location, providing a powerful visual timeline of the canal’s evolution.

From there, head to Palmyra, a village where history feels alive. At the town center, four churches—Zion Episcopal, Western Presbyterian, Methodist, and Canal Town Community Church—stand proudly at the same intersection. Just down the street, Muddy Waters Café is a great spot to grab a second cup of coffee and enjoy the view. Take your time exploring Palmyra’s impressive collection of local museums. Five museums, operated by Historic Palmyra, highlight aspects of village life and canal-era history. Visitors can explore the Palmyra Historical Museum with its 23 themed rooms, the Alling Coverlet Museum featuring 19th-century textiles, the Phelps General Store preserved just as it was in the 1870s, the Erie Canal Depot showcasing canal-era life, and the Palmyra Print Shop celebrating the town’s printing heritage. Grandin Print Shop tells the story of a publication that changed the course of religious history. For those interested in a peaceful walk through the past, the Smith Family Farm—a short drive away—offers both natural beauty and historical significance. These museums provide a rich and immersive look into Palmyra’s past.

Lunch

In Palmyra, Akropolis Family Restaurant delivers diner staples and Greek specialties in a casual setting.

Canal View Family Restaurant is a solid choice in Newark—especially if you want to dine near the water. You’ll also find great options at Parker’s Grille & Tap House and CrossPark Family Restaurant, lively spots with broad menus and casual charm.

Afternoon

After lunch, stretch your legs with a walk along Newark’s Erie Canal mural trail, a collection of colorful outdoor art celebrating the village’s history. If you’re in the mood for a treat, swing by Erie Shore Café & Ice Cream or browse the collection of new titles at The Dog Eared Book, a cozy independent bookstore.

Next, continue to Lyons, the Wayne County seat, where shopping and history go hand in hand. Two must-visit shops sit across the street from each other: Evolve for the Home – The Christmas Store is a year-round wonderland of holiday décor and joyful nostalgia. Directly across the way, The Mercantile @ Newberry brings together a curated collection of artisan goods, gourmet food, and regional gifts in a beautifully restored historic space. Check out the H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Museum, which pays tribute to Lyons’ unique role as the peppermint capital of the world. A walk around Lyons Central Park next to the Wayne County Courthouse offers more local charm—and if your timing’s right, the Lyons Farmers Market is a great place to meet growers, makers, and fellow travelers.

Explore Aqueduct Park at Lock 29 to see the remnants of the 1857 Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct and enjoy the waterfall created by the canal’s spillway into Ganargua Creek. The park also features the reconstructed Aldrich Change Bridge, offering a glimpse into 19th-century canal engineering. If time allows, drive down Quaker Road to explore the beautifully preserved Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 60. If you’re interested in local shops, stop into The Purple Painted Lady and Main Street Trading Co.

Tip: While New York State Route 31 offers a direct route east and west through each village, consider taking the backroads on the north side of the canal for part of your journey. You’ll trade speed for scenery—and discover a quieter, more intimate view of canal country.

Dinner

As the day winds down, head back to Macedon for dinner. Flaherty’s Grille & Tap Room offers a wide-ranging menu and relaxed vibe, while Mecate is a local favorite for Mexican dishes packed with flavor. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings, especially during the canal season.

Evening

If there’s still daylight left, return to Lock 30 Canal Park again. The view at sunset—light dancing on the water, trees reflected on the canal’s surface—is the perfect way to end your day trip.

Signature Events

Lyons Peppermint Days, early July. Lyons was once the peppermint capital of the world, and this festival celebrates that aromatic legacy with pride. Held downtown and along the canal, Peppermint Days includes a vibrant parade, boat rides, a classic car show, carnival games, fireworks, and live entertainment. Don’t miss the local vendors selling peppermint products—and swing by the H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Museum to connect the celebration to its roots. sites.google.com

Palmyra Canaltown Days, mid-September. With over 100 craft and food vendors lining Main Street, Palmyra’s Canaltown Days transforms the village into a festive, bustling marketplace. Add in live performances, canal tours, a parade, antique car displays, and activities for kids, and it’s no wonder this event draws thousands of visitors each year. It’s a perfect way to explore Palmyra’s historic charm while enjoying classic fair food and live music. palmyracanaltowndays.org

Macedon Heritage Festival, Summer. This community event highlights Macedon’s rich agricultural and canal history while bringing the community together for a day of music, food, and activities. Held at Canal Park and downtown locations, it features food trucks, craft vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and sometimes historic demonstrations or reenactments. It’s a relaxed, local-focused festival with a big heart. facebook.com/macedonbicentennial

Corn Maze Adventures at Long Acre Farms, Macedon, Fall. A fall tradition that draws families from across the region, Long Acre Farms is home to one of New York’s longest-running corn mazes. Each year features a new maze theme, hayrides, pumpkin picking, a cow train, and a market full of fall goodies. Adults can also stop at JD Wine Cellars on the same property. longacrefarms.com

Where are your favorite places to visit along the Erie Canal in Macedon, Palmyra, Newark, and Lyons?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.