Canal Society
of New York State

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      • About Us
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    • Study Tour
    • Store

Canal Society
of New York State

Canal Society of New York StateCanal Society of New York StateCanal Society of New York State
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Board Members & Meetings
    • News
    • The Lois McClure Project
  • The Heritage Park
  • Research & resources
  • Support
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Study Tour
  • Store

The Old Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron

About the Heritage Park

As described by former Canal Society President Tom Grasso:


In central New York State, Interstate 90 - New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA), NY 31, and the 19th century, second generation Erie Canal converge at the village of Port Byron. The canal was abandoned in 1918, when the 4th generation Erie opened in the canalized Seneca River 3 miles north. 


Authentic canal structures include the 1853 Enlarged Erie Lock, lengthened for double-long tows in 1887, and immediately east the c. 1895 Erie House Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, and Mule Barn built by Italian immigrants Pietro and Salvatore Van Detto.


A Visitors Center controls the unique access from NY31 and the Thruway. Paved trails lead through the lock chambers to the Erie House complex of buildings now completely restored. 


(World Canals Conference presentation, Scotland, 2016).


Opened in 2016, the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk through Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 52 as well as a chance to visit the Erie House Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, and Mule Barn, directly from the New York State Thruway when traveling east. The volunteers at the Visitor Center and Erie House will be happy to answer any questions visitors may have. A gift shop and restrooms are also available at the Visitor Center.


The Old Erie Canal Heritage Park is primarily run by volunteers, and there are great opportunities for everyone! If this is something that you might be interested in, send us an email through the "drop us a line" link below or call the Visitor Center at  315 776-4601.

Check out the Audio tour of the Park!

Download PDF

Our audio tour is made available with special thanks to Ken Parulski and to Brenda Tremblay who did the narration 

Old Erie Canal Heritage Park

    Video

    A quick introduction to the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park

    Visit Us

    See the Park

    Visit the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park via our dedicated New York State Thruway exit near Eastbound milepost 309. While there is no direct westbound access from the Thruway, there is an entrance from Route 31 in Port Byron.


    The Park opens for the season on May 1st.


    Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily.


    Find the Park's page on Facebook: 

    www.facebook.com/OldErieCanalHeritagePark

    Canal Society of New York State

    1575 Rooker Drive, Port Byron, New York 13140, United States

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    Copyright © 2022 Canal Society of New York State , Inc. - All Rights Reserved


      info@newyorkcanals.org 

    (315) 776-4112  

    P.O. Box 303, Port Byron, New York, 13140 

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