The year 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, a feat of engineering that forever changed New York State and helped shape the future of the United States. Built in the early 19th century, the canal transformed trade, travel, and economic development across the region. Today, the Erie Canal remains a working waterway and a living museum that invites visitors to explore both its past and present.
As we celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial, there is no better time to take a journey through history and discover how this remarkable canal continues to inspire and connect communities. Whether you are a longtime history enthusiast or simply curious about one of America’s most important infrastructure projects, a trip along the canal in 2025 is the perfect way to experience it all.
The Vision That Built a Nation
Completed in 1825 after eight years of construction, the Erie Canal connected the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo. The 363-mile canal used a series of locks and aqueducts to navigate the state’s varied terrain. At the time, it was considered one of the greatest engineering accomplishments in the world.
Its impact was immediate and profound. The canal reduced the cost of shipping goods, helped New York City become a global trade hub, and made western New York more accessible for settlement and agriculture. Towns and villages sprang up along its route, many of which continue to thrive today.
In 2025, this visionary project is being honored across the state with commemorative events, museum exhibitions, educational programs, and celebrations in the canal communities that still line the waterway.
A Journey Through Time by Canal Boat
One of the most immersive ways to experience the Erie Canal’s history is by boat. Erie Canal Adventures offers self-skippered canal boat rentals that allow you to explore the waterway at your own pace. No previous boating experience is needed. Our boats are equipped with comfortable sleeping areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and everything else you need for a multi-day journey.
Cruising the canal is like stepping into the pages of history. As you pass under century-old lift bridges and through hand-cut stone locks, you will get a real sense of the labor and ingenuity that went into building this monumental project. Along the way, you can stop at canal towns where the past comes to life through museums, restored buildings, and historical landmarks.
Then and Now: Stops That Bring History Alive
Here are a few stops along the Erie Canal where you can experience its history and see how it has evolved over the last two centuries:
Palmyra
Then: Palmyra was once a bustling port town along the canal, known for its commerce and connection to early American religious history.
Now: Today, visitors can explore the Palmyra Historical Museum, which includes exhibits on canal life, local industry, and transportation. The village still reflects its 19th-century charm with well-preserved architecture and canal-era storefronts.
Newark
Then: Newark developed as a trading center thanks to its strategic location on the canal. It played a key role in agricultural shipping.
Now: Newark’s downtown has been revitalized with public art, canalfront parks, and a lovely dock area. It is a peaceful place to stop and enjoy both the scenery and a slower pace.
Lyons
Then: Known for its peppermint oil industry, Lyons was a hub for essential oil distillation in the late 1800s.
Now: Visitors can tour the H.G. Hotchkiss Peppermint Museum and learn how Lyons became the peppermint capital of the world. The town is also home to a historic firehouse, canal-themed murals, and a charming waterfront.
Fairport
Then: As a growing port town, Fairport thrived on the canal’s trade and transport opportunities.
Now: Fairport is one of the most vibrant towns along the canal, filled with restaurants, shops, and waterfront events. The historic Fairport Lift Bridge is still in operation and stands as a symbol of the canal’s early design.
Pittsford
Then: Pittsford served as a small port and agricultural hub during the height of the canal’s commercial use.
Now: Pittsford’s scenic charm is enhanced by walking paths, old mills, and its historic canal warehouses, many of which have been converted into boutiques and cafes.
Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebrations in 2025
Throughout 2025, canal communities will be hosting special events to mark the Erie Canal Bicentennial. These celebrations will highlight the canal’s impact on the growth of the United States and recognize the people who built and preserved this waterway over the centuries.
Events may include:
- Reenactments of the canal’s opening
- Historical boat parades and floating exhibitions
- Local festivals with live music, food vendors, and craft markets
- Educational programs for students and families
- Museum exhibits showcasing canal construction, tools, and life along the water
Many of these events will take place within walking distance of the canal and its boat docks, making it easy to participate while on your trip with Erie Canal Adventures.
A Canal with Modern Purpose
While the Erie Canal is no longer the industrial artery it once was, it has taken on a new life as a recreational and cultural treasure. Thousands of visitors cruise its waters each year, whether by canal boat, kayak, or bike along the Erie Canalway Trail.
Environmental efforts have also helped restore the canal’s ecosystems, and its role in tourism continues to grow. The canal’s presence supports local businesses, parks, and festivals, helping to keep the legacy alive while benefiting today’s communities.
Planning Your Bicentennial Trip
Erie Canal Adventures operates out of Macedon, New York, which is centrally located for exploring both eastern and western portions of the canal. Trips can range from a weekend getaway to a week-long voyage, depending on how far you want to travel and how many towns you’d like to visit.
All our boats come with detailed maps and helpful travel tips, and our team is happy to suggest stops and itineraries based on your interests.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats for sunny days
- A camera for capturing historical landmarks and scenic views
- A journal or sketchbook to document your journey
- Food and drinks for onboard meals
- Curiosity and a sense of adventure
Experience the Canal in a Whole New Way
In 1825, the Erie Canal brought together people, goods, and ideas from across the state and the nation. In 2025, it still connects us, offering a slower, richer way to travel and explore.
Whether you are drawn to its stories, its scenic beauty, or its enduring spirit, the Erie Canal offers something meaningful for every traveler. There is no better time to experience it than during the bicentennial year