Waterford Harbor Visitor Center — Attraction in Town of Waterford

I met some truly lovely people. I sought out the real verses of the (controversial) "Erie Canal" song from my youth:

(15) MILES or YEARS [on the Erie Canal]? You'll ALWAYS or NEVER [know your neighbor or pal if you've] EVER or NEVER [navigated on The Erie Canal We've hauled some barges in our day, filled with lumber coal and hay and a. Every Inch of the Way We Know [from Albany to Buffalo] OR b. We Know Every Inch Of The Way [From Albany to Buffalo]...

Okay, I learned that song in 3rd grade...58 years ago! My Mom learned it one way - I learned it the other. I came home singing that song. She told me her version. Pointing out the rhyme sequence in 3b (her version). The 15 years OR miles is debatable. How far can you walk -v- how long can you stay on the job walking 15 miles all day in bare feet?... pulling a mule named Sal? AND, is Sal a friend, too?

Which do you...

This is operated by volunteers from the area and the do a great job of helping as best as they can. There's not much to do, but it's a lovely view and pleasantly shaded. Not a ton of parking but it's only crowded on a Sunday from 9-1, when the farmers market is going. Great selection of goods, a nice small market. They have about four events a year here--Canalfest in May, a 4th of July event, a Dragonboat race in August, and a Tugboat Round up in September. Definitely a great place to visit.

For boaters using the locks or the Hudson river, it's a short walk to the main street with three restaurants, a bodega, and a couple bars. They have services, wifi, and free docking for short stays. Great place to tie up...

I live close by and enjoy coming here to unwind. It's clean and even when busy, generally quiet. Upstate Kayak Co rents from this location so if you want to get out on the water with the ducks and geese you can. (You can see in one of my posted photos a boat entering the lock area from the Hudson River yields the right of way to a family of geese, priceless!) Many people fish here and it's a great place to bring your dog for a walk, just be sure to clean up after it. OH, I almost forgot, when you're visiting, don't forget to look down! The entire Erie Canal lock system has been mapped out in the bricks on the walkway from lock one all the way to the great lakes. Its very creative, interesting and just...