Erie Canal Museum

318 Erie Blvd. East, Syracuse, New York, 13202

The Basics

The Erie Canal Museum is a popular Syracuse destination, offering not only exhibitions but seasonal events and family-friendly activities. Admire the Greek revival building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, then learn about the canal through exhibits focused on the workings of the weighlock system, life in a historic canal town, and the businesses that made use of this waterway. Visitors typically enjoy a self-guided visit and spend about two hours at the museum.

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Things to Know Before You Go

The Erie Canal Museum is a great stop for first-time visitors in Syracuse; it serves as a regional visitor center and provides information about the area, in addition to its exhibits about the canal.
Admission is by suggested donation; pre-book online to skip ticket lines.
The museum has a children's area, which offers books, toys, and historic clothing to try on.
Check the calendar for seasonal events, including summer concerts, bike rides, and kid-friendly workshops.

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How to Get There

The most convenient way to reach the Erie Canal Museum is by car. Take Interstate 81 from points north and south, or Interstate 690 from points east and west. The museum is at 318 Erie Boulevard East, between South State Street and Montgomery Street. There is limited museum parking in the New York State lot, underneath the highway overpass.

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When to Get There

The Erie Canal Museum is open every day except for major holidays. The museum is busiest on weekends; avoid the crowds by visiting on Monday or Tuesday. For a fun twist on the typical museum experience, visitu during a History Happy Hour, which are held seasonally on Wednesday evenings.

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Where to See Fine Art in Syracuse

To continue a day of cultural enrichment, head to the Everson Museum of Art, located about a 10-minute walk from the Erie Canal Museum. The museum is dedicated to American modern and contemporary art and presents diverse exhibits showcasing everything from video art to painting to sculpture. The museum also houses one of the largest ceramics collections in the United States, with more than 10,000 pieces.

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