Old Erie Canal Heritage Park

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park sits just west of Port Byron, along a quiet stretch of Route 31. Here, one of the most intact canal complexes in New York State preserves the physical infrastructure of the 19th-century Erie Canal—stone lock walls, a preserved canal prism, and the original towpath where mules once pulled boats westward.

This is not a recreated scene. It is the real infrastructure of the canal era, thoughtfully protected and interpreted. You can stand inside the footprint of an enlarged 19th-century lock, explore historic buildings and a replica canal boat, and imagine the rhythm of hooves and harness along the tow path as canal boats inched through.

What to Do

Walk the Enlarged Lock 52
Explore the remains of the enlarged lock—massive stone chambers that once lifted boats along the canal’s expanded route. Interpretive signs help you visualize how water levels shifted and gates swung open.

Explore the Lois McClure
Now a permanent exhibit at the park, this full-scale replica of an 1862 canal schooner brings the canal era vividly to life. Built using traditional techniques, the vessel allows visitors to step aboard and experience the scale and craftsmanship of a working canal boat—bridging the gap between stone lock walls and lived history. After nearly 20 years of traveling the waterways as a floating classroom, the Lois McClure was officially retired from active sailing and moved to her forever home to serve as a land-based exhibit.

Visit the Erie House Complex
The Erie House Complex provides a complete portrait of life along the Enlarged Erie Canal. Alongside the 1895 tavern and saloon, visitors can explore the original mule barn and blacksmith shop, both critical to the daily operation of the towpath. This cluster of historic buildings, situated adjacent to the massive limestone chambers of Lock 52, offers a comprehensive look at the businesses and laborers that powered New York’s primary “information superhighway” over a century ago.

Insider Tip

This is the only park in the United States with direct access from a major thruway. From May to October, travelers heading eastbound on I-90 can exit after the Port Byron service plaza and enter the park. Local visitors can use Rooker Drive, off NY-31, for back-road access.

Know Before You Go

Location: 1575 NY-31, Port Byron (just west of the village center), just past the Port Byron service area if accessing from I-90
Managed By: New York State Canal Corporation in partnership with local historical groups
Admission: Free
Terrain: Flat grass and gravel paths; generally easy walking
Time Needed: 30–60 minutes to explore the lock and towpath; allow additional time if visiting the museum buildings
Season: Open May 1 to October 31
Official Website: newyorkcanals.org

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park is small, but it offers something increasingly rare: the ability to stand where history physically remains, not reconstructed but enduring—stone, water, and quiet carrying the memory of movement west.

Have you been to the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park?

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