Recommended!
The well-preserved barge and well-built mule provide a much-needed sample of 19th C Canal travel.
Further, the event demonstrates why the canal and towpaths look like they do.
You get a feel for canal travel that will thereafter add needed dimension to perusing canal pictures.
It was interesting and a relaxing event. Glad I came.
I have taken this two twice and both times had an enjoyable experience. The canal ride includes an audio overview of the history of the tour.
We had a great time visiting Lock 14 and riding on the Volunteer. The boat is beautiful, nicely kept-up, and a wonderful time travel vehicle. Everyone seemed to enjoy meeting Moe, Jr. and learning about mules and their role on the tow-path. Good talk - personable, loud and clear - from the driver. Captain handled the boat as well as questions from passengers. I would have loved to go longer/farther, but others in our group thought the trip was just long enough to give us an idea of how things worked on the canal in 1848. The historical info narrated on the trip was just enough, too; but not so much that passengers couldn't enjoy the canal on their own for the return trip. Also enjoyed the neat park with its restored lock. Grateful for nearby parking and portable toilets. Nice visitor's center, too!
Our Far West Community Art Associates (FWCAA) took the Lock 16 Barge tour in October. It was a perfect day and our group thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the historical significance of the canal. Stepping back in time on the canal with Mo pulling the boat enriched the experience even more.
Following the boat tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the visitor center cafe. We had a wonderful day - thank you!
good information about its history. Wonderful scenery and good day for a relaxing ride
We enjoyed it very much. The staff was pleasant and answered everyone's questions. My friend is planning on taking her grandchildren.
My wife and I recommend taking the Canal Boat ride. It takes you back to a simpler time. It is time spent with nature, animals and history. The crew couldn't have been nicer or more helpful in chatting with the passengers and answering any and all questions. The ride was a quiet and simple pleasure and much welcomed in the the midst of these chaotic times. We are planning another ride next season and recommend it highly.
What a charming experience. The crew and our guide, Moe the Mule were entertaining and knowledgeable about the history of the canal. We also learned some fun Mule Facts . Definitely worth the Fare.
I brought my 11 and 8 year old boys on a canal boat cruise. Despite the slow pace, my boys enjoyed the ride. The people at the visitor center and the boat crew were all so nice. And the crew was very informative and clearly love what they do! The boat does not go far up the canal, but it is an enjoyable ride and such an interesting history. Watching Mo the mule pull the boat up the canal effortlessly is fascinating.
The trip doesn t take long. It was just under an hour and that included stamping everyone s tickets, introduction talks and hitching up the mule (boat ride itself was maybe 1/2 hr). But it was a unique opportunity and worth going if you re in the area.
