The Sam Patch is a replica 1800s packet boat that serves as a floating history museum for tourists, locals, and 4th graders all around the Rochester area. Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours are a great way to immerse yourself in the canal’s history and operation during your narrated cruise. Watch for details about two “citizen science” cruises planned for the 2019 season.
Take a 90-minute cruise offered 2-3 times daily May through October.
Even if you’ve grown up here with the canal in your backyard, a ride on the Sam Patch is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Daily cruises depart from Schoen Place in Pittsford.
15 Miles on the Erie Canal near Rochester
The Erie Canal spans 100-miles between Lockport and Lyons, with Rochester located right in the middle. Choose just 15 miles to explore for a great day trip!
Locking through Lock 32
You can go to any of the locks along the canal and watch boats lock through, but there’s nothing like experiencing it!
Rochester Railfans: Trains, Depots, Rail-Trails, Models, & Clubs
Rochester railfans are incredibly lucky that passionate preservationists before us saw the value in retaining structures we can still appreciate today.
Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours offers special events throughout the season.
Past themes have included sunset yoga, live music, wine tastings, and a Fourth of July fireworks cruise which I’m hoping they do again next year. Most event cruises depart from Pittsford. Some events begin at Brooks Landing near the Staybridge Suites hotel, like cruises during the Corn Hill Festival or Genesee River Romance.
Sam Patch tours on the Genesee River
If you’re lucky you’ll hop on one of their rare 2-hour excursions from Pittsford to Corn Hill Landing in the City of Rochester. These are usually one way, meaning they depart from Pittsford and end in Corn Hill, or visa versa. You’ll need to think about return transportation. They do this because they need to move the boat to a new location, maybe for a wedding, and why not offer people an opportunity to ride along! We’ve parked cars at both ends in the past.
More information about Sam Patch Packet Boat Tours
- Cost: Varies
- Located in Pittsford, 21 minutes / 13 miles from Rochester (get directions)
- More Information: sampatch.org
Corn Hill Navigation, owner of Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours, had to decommission their second boat, the Mary Jemison, a few years ago. She was the primary boat providing tours on the Genesee River. Now they are in a position to add a second boat to their lineup once more and you can help! Read more