Over the past couple of years Denny and I have stayed at campgrounds located on either side of Lockport and we've somehow managed to miss going on the Erie Canal Cruise based in the city. This year I told Denny it was time for us to try the cruise. I had long been interested in the Erie Canal after seeing a segment of the canal and a lock at Carillon Park. Ohio's Erie canal system was damaged and large portions destroyed in the early nineteen hundreds after a major flood so New York's Erie Canal was the next best thing to tour.
Digging on the canal started in 1817 (all by hand) and the Erie Canal opened in 1825. Stretching from the Hudson River in Troy, NY to Tonawanda/Buffalo at the Niagara River, the Erie Canal is 383 miles long and when originally built had a series of 83 locks. Today there are 35 locks that aid boats in navigating the 571 foot difference in elevation between the two rivers. When first dug, the canal was 40 feet wide and 4 feet deep. That changed over the years as the canal was eventually widened to 80 feet and a depth of 12 feet.
The cruise takes about 2 hours and the captain of the boat explains not only the history of the canal and lock system but some of the local history of Lockport. He points out several areas of interest along the banks of the canal and explains the system of drawbridges that rise straight up from the roadways instead of pivoting from one end.
While the Erie Canal system of locks certainly can't compare with those of Sault Ste. Marie at the Canadian/Michigan border for size and impressiveness, the cruise is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. Autumn might be a lovely time to try the tour as the canal is lined with trees so the fall colors would add to the experience. You might consider also visiting the Lockport Caves at the same time to make a day of it; we're saving that for the next visit.
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