New Junior Ranger Activity Booklet Connects Kids to Canals

The Junior Ranger activity booklet adds to educational curriculum, field trips, and other teacher resources available through the Erie Canal Learning Hub, a joint initiative of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York State Canal Corporation.

NYS Canal System Opening Update

Much of the NYS Canal System is now open, and repairs are underway at Lock 16 to fully open from end to end. On May 29, federal, state, and local dignitaries gathered in Waterford to celebrate 200 years of the canal's continuous operation and New York's renewed investment and vision for its next century.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $50 million allocation in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget for capital funding in the waterway's core operation and maintenance by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation.

FInd the latest news on openings and maintenance here: Notice to Mariners Alerts >

Lock 2, Waterford

Plan Your Visit with the Bicentennial Bucket List

Lock Tenders Tribute statues, Lockport

See Best Practices in Action During World Canals Conference Field Sessions

Erie Canal in the Tonawandas

Cycle the Erie Canal is Coming!

It's nearly that time! More than 600 cyclists from all over the country will be riding from Buffalo to Albany for the 2025 Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour, July 13-20. Organized by Parks & Trails New York, the ride is an outstanding way to experience the full expanse of the Erie Canal and to discover its remarkable history, scenic beauty, and charming villages, towns and cities.

Three Erie Canalway staff are participating in the ride this year: Bob Radliff, Executive Director, Jean Mackay, Deputy Director, and Mary Abbruzzese, Program Manager. Registration is still open. Make this your year to participate!

Cycle the Erie Canal

UPCOMING EVENTS

Grand Opening of Harbor Point

June 5 >> Harbor Point, Utica

Experience Utica’s latest canal-side gem at the grand opening of Harbor Point. This waterfront festival features live music, food, games, kayak rentals, and historical displays.

Putman "Porch" Music

June 5-26 >> Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center, Fort Hunter

Bring your instrument and join in Americana, folk, and roots music style jam sessions each Thursday at 6:30pm in June.

Fairport Canal Days

June 6-8 >> Village of Fairport, Fairport

One of the most popular arts festivals in New York State, Fairport Canal Days sets sail with local artisans, fine food vendors, and great live music.

Low Bridge, High Water

June 13-14 >> Village of Brockport, Brockport

Enjoy two days of fun and festivities, including food, music, and community activities, on the waterfront.

Erie Canal Boat Float and Folk Festival: Living History

June 14 >> Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Chittenango

Join hundreds of paddlers on the Old Erie Canal for a trip through history to celebrate the bicentennial. After party includes folk music, food trucks, and live demonstrations.

2025 Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival & Cardboard Boat Regatta

June 14 >> Seneca Harbor Park, Watkins Glen

Enjoy a day of family fun on Seneca Lake with free live music, Cardboard Boat Regatta, children’s activities, and food.

Clinton’s Ditch: The Story of Building the Erie Canal

June 21 >> Samuel Center for Canal History, Port Byron

2pm and 7pm; tickets required. Historical drama honoring the Erie Canal's Bicentennial and its monumental influence on New York State.

DID YOU KNOW?

The construction of the Erie Canal expedited the growth of the Midwest. In 1836, 1.2 million bushels of grain from Ohio were transported through Buffalo. By 1840, the amount increased to approximately 4 million bushels. Grain was often stored in Buffalo's grain elevators, then loaded into barrels to be transported by boat down the canal.

Make good things happen along the canals when you give to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Your generous support today will ensure that the canals that transformed America continue to be cared for and serve as an engine of economic and community development now and into the next century.