Canal Experience — Attraction in Ohio

For a canal history buff, being able to take a animal powered boat ride is a real treat and this was on the bucket list. I was very pleased that the rides were still available well into October. We visited on a Friday in late September and made certain to give ourselves enough time to walk along the canal up to the dam, watch the boat go by, visit the museum and mill exhibits, and then take the boat ride. The boat ride is fairly short, but it includes passing through a hand operated lock. The crew was well informed on the topic of canals, friendly and helpful. The boat ride and first floor of the mill is handicap accessible. Depending on the time of year, they do host local school children, so be certain to check for tickets online. The park and mill is free, but the boat ride does require you to...

Was closed due to the season (January) but the float down the canal pulled by the miles is a step back in time to a simpler age. Leave the cell phones at home and enjoy the experience of what it was like to move through the locks in an era before modern transportation!

We visit all the time during the summer and the adjacent playground (a short walk down the towpath) makes for a fun play session and history lesson in the same trip. Don't forget to also visit the mill.

Round out the day with a trip to Waterville or Grand Rapids...

The staff was absolutely incredible. This is a must see and do for history buffs and families. The staff was knowledgeable and went out of their way to make this an incredible experience. I made a mistake on my time, they were very accommodating to correct it with no fuss. We wanted to see the mill, since it closed at 5, and the boat came back at 4:30, they whisked us down to the mill in the golf cart. They even came back and picked us up and took us to our car. Definitely one of the best travel experiences...