Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park — Attraction in Town of Mentz

Noticed the building right off I90 headed east, we stopped by on our way home from Troy, NY on Saturday 10/19/2024. We were the only visitors when we arrived. Greeted by friendly ladies that were very knowledgeable about the Erie canal(s) and their history. Inside the building we stood on version 1 of the canal followed by a short walk to what was Lock 52 now dry in version 2 of the canal. Version 3 is a bit north of where the park is now.

Being from Chicago which has a canal history of its own and "connects" via the Great Lakes to the Erie to create a 2500 mile water highway from the Atlantic Ocean to the Port of New Orleans on the Mississippi River.

We walked the path and visited the Erie House where we met another wonderful lady who told us many stories about the place and its history.

After about an hour or so it was time to hit the road but not before making a donation and buying a book on the canal. Lady handed me a few take home items to read which I will.

All and all a great place to visit to learn about a seminal piece of America's...

Super interesting to learn about the Erie Canal at this "heritage park" that is also a bit of a museum.

Nearly eight years to construct, it was completed in 1825 and linked Albany New York with Buffalo, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. It was the greatest engineering accomplishment at the time, some 563 miles of canals across the state.

But as times changed and canals were no longer the most efficient method of transport, much of the Erie Canal has been abandoned. Steamships and later more modern barges go around New England along the Saint Lawrence Seaway. And then it switched to railroads and later, trucks on superhighways like the one I used to get here.

This parking area is for passenger vehicles and RVs only. Trucks are not permitted. There is a four hour...

Hidden gem located in plane sight!!

We have driven past repeatedly and wondered what was in there — we finally stopped to find out. SO mich more than we expected.

Inside the main building are displays and information about the lock system and operations. Outside is a path that brings you to the works.

The hidden gem is the outbuildings located at the end of the path. The yellow “home” visible from the highway was a pub/hotel/home at the time the system was still in operation. The original building and some added outbuilding to give a feel for the spot 100 years ago. Pictures inside give a feel for the thriving maritime business being run at the time.

Well kept grounds and historical society volunteers to answer all...