Erie Canal Aqueduct & Subway: Rochester’s Transportation Heritage

The 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the canal that transformed America and to commemorate its influence on New York and the nation. This will be a year full of incredible celebrations, thought-provoking presentations, musical performances, and momentous journeys.

Learn more: Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor

A brief history of the Erie Canal aqueduct. Before the Erie Canal was diverted to its current course through Genesee Valley Park, it flowed through the city using the aqueduct to cross the Genesee River. The canal was rerouted in 1918, and the city began using the vacated basin for public rail transportation. Passenger service ended in 1956, and freight traffic ended in 1970.

Broad Street runs atop the abandoned underground today.

Ever since there has been a lively debate over what to do with the decaying infrastructure.

This is one of the most comprehensive articles I’ve read on the development of “ROC the Riverway.” It looks to have a decade+ timeline, with quick wins along the way. Broad Street has been the piece I’ve been most fascinated by, with so many solutions debated. I’m excited to see it come to life!

Sneak a peek

The old subway and canal tunnel under Broad Street is still accessible to urban explorers but not easily to the general public. Rather, you can still take a peek in from the bottom of the stairs next to Blue Cross Arena & War Memorial. The “Child’s Basin” mural was painted by Cazenovia College Art Professor Corky Goss. Looking out through a stone archway is the first Mayor of Rochester and son-in-law of Nathaniel Rochester, Jonathan Child (1795-1860).

You used to be able to walk inside

The main entrance that used to lead under the Rundel Library building has been closed down as a part of the city’s revitalization efforts along the river. 

Re-live Rochester’s Rich Transportation History

There are several excellent places around Rochester where you can interact with historic machines and listen to the stories of Rochester’s beginnings:

New York Museum of Transportation

The New York Museum of Transportation is open on Sundays all year long, with special events and trolley rides during the non-winter months. Their impressive collection and engaging events are managed by dedicated volunteers who are excited to share stories of Rochester’s rich transportation history.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Volunteers at the Rochester Genesee Valley Railroad Museum actively acquire, restore, and preserve New York’s largest collection of historic railroad equipment. Spend a day riding the train and checking out their Rochester-centric collection.

Sam Patch Erie Canal Packet Boat

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours are a great way to experience the canal and the locks and learn about its history along your narrated cruise.

Other transportation & innovation museums around Rochester

• Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
• Herschell Carrousel Factory
• Salamanca Rail Museum
• Buffalo Transportation Piece Arrow Museum
• Edgerton Model Railroad Room
• Arcade & Attica Railroad
• Medina Railroad Museum
• Niagara Aerospace Museum
• Rochester Auto Museum
• Antique Wireless Museum
• Niagara Power Vista
• Glenn Curtiss Museum
• National Soaring Museum
• Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum
• Erie Canal Discovery Center

Learn more about the historic Erie Canal Aqueduct & the Rochester Subway:

• Rochester Subway
• City of Rochester
• The Erie Canal
• ROC History
• Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)

Have you been to see the abandoned Erie Canal Aqueduct / Subway?

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