Opened in 2016, the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park gives visitors a look at what an authentic stop along Erie Canal looked like back in the day. The museum consists of the Visitor Center, Erie House Tavern, Blacksmith Shop, Mule Barn, and of course the enlarged Lock 52.

Enlarged Lock 52

Visitors have the opportunity to walk around the ruins of this once-working lock. The old stone structure allows guests to see the true size of the lock. This lock was built in 1854 and was the replacement for Lock 60. From the top of the visitor get a bird’s eye view of the old canal path and a glimpse of what it may have looked like back in the day.

Visitor Center

Stop into Visitor Center at the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park to see exhibits and artifacts from the Erie Canal. Learn about the significance of the Canal and how it changed the face of Western New York. You will even find a model for the locks that was shown at the Chicago World’s Fair. Restrooms and a gift shop are also available to guests stopping in.

Erie House Tavern

Built-in 1895, the Erie House Tavern sits on its original foundation. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building, which includes the upstairs living quarters. The house was built by the VanDitto family and remained in the family until 1993 when the state bought the building from the family estate. adjacent to the Erie House, visitors will also find a blacksmith shop and a mule barn.