Canal Exploration Center — Attraction in Valley View

Very disappointed in the canal and lock, Did not visit the exploration center building. The reason the canal and lock were disappointing was because I have been here a few years ago and there was water in the canal and the lock. Not sure why, but now the canal is mostly dewatered, being left to grow in which is hard to figure out why. Many canal communities probably wish they had a canal and lock in operable condition but I fear that environmental preservationists have prevailed over historical preservationists and this will be left to be reclaimed by nature. 10 years from now, people will say "remember when they did lock demonstrations?"

Though maintaining it is much easier than trying to get it back in shape after neglecting it, i fear that the shortsighted approach has been taken here and eventually this lock will be as derelict as the rest of the locks in the valley and as always, we will hear "It will cost too much to restore it and there is no money available"

I hope I am wrong because I love the canals in Ohio and we shouldn't let the remaining portions and locks in the state slip even the slightest bit or we won't have anything but overgrown, silted-in ditches with trees growing...

Canal Exploration Center-Enjoyed this part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I learned so much about the canals, the history of this area and the tow paths. You could spend a little or a long time to go through the two stories of mostly hands on exhibits. It is well done and definitely worth visiting. My favorite part was the very knowledgeable volunteer that took time to give additional history and information. Great for all ages. Nice trails here as well as parking. Be sure to check the hours and if it is open when making plans to visit. Unfortunately, it has limited...

The indoor exhibit are is currently closed due to COVID, but still worth a stop if you are close. The wooden canal lock gates at this lock have been reconstructed, and signage describes how the locks worked. There is also a bronze statue of a mule and an explanation of why mules (not horses or donkeys) were the perfect animals to tow canal boats. Apparently the reputation of mules as being stubborn is actually a self preservation instinct. Horses will overwork themselves to the point of an early death, but mules will just stop when their bodies are telling them they...