Is this a hidden gem in Easton, PA?
The National Canal Museum in Easton, PA, is a small but engaging museum that shares the history of the Lehigh Canal and all that comes with it. There are several interactive exhibits for kids that keep it interesting as they learn about the canal’s history.
But that’s not all! You can also experience a boat ride at the canal museum in Easton, complete with mules pulling you along! It’s a fun, unique experience you can’t get just anywhere.
We took a day trip to Easton to check out the museum and take a ride on the canal boat, and we were surprised by all the other activities available on the premises. It’s a great way to spend a beautiful day!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The History of the Lehigh Canal
The Lehigh Canal spans from Jim Thorpe to Easton, covering a distance of 46 miles.
It was built by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company as a means to transport anthracite coal to Philadelphia, starting in 1818.
The canal was used for transportation until the 1940s, and then sold in 1962 for recreational use.
Prepare For Your Visit to the National Canal Museum in Easton
Location
Both the National Canal Museum and the canal boat are located inside Hugh Moore Park in Easton, PA, about 10 minutes from downtown Easton (and the Crayola Factory). It’s about a half-hour from Allentown and 90 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia.
Admission
You can purchase tickets to the museum alone or combination tickets that include both the museum and the boat ride. I don’t think there is an option for just the boat ride. However, the museum is both fun and informative, so it’s definitely worth visiting, regardless of the circumstances.
As of publication, admission to the museum is $6 for children aged 3-15 years and $8 for individuals aged 16 years and older.
Combination tickets (both the museum and boat) are $11 for kids and $15 for those 16 and older. Children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge for both the museum and the boat ride.
Operating Hours
The museum and canal boat rides are open seasonally because the canal is drained during the winter months and isn’t refilled again until late spring.
Typically, the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from the beginning of June through the first weekend in November. Boat rides are offered when the museum is open, except during October and November, when they are available only on weekends.
Fun Exhibits at the National Canal Museum
The National Canal Museum isn’t very large, but it is packed with fun activities for kids and offers a wealth of information about the canal’s history.
Kids can enjoy several hands-on activities, including building aqueducts, engineering flow at the water table, steering the canal boat, and harnessing a mule.
There are also many displays featuring equipment and products used on the canal boat, as well as examples of various canal boats.
You can enter the museum throughout the day, so if you can’t see everything before your scheduled boat ride, you can always come back!
Boat Ride on the Lehigh Canal
Length of the Boat Ride
The boat ride along the Lehigh Canal lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much information your guide wants to share with you.
On the Boat
The large boat is wheelchair accessible and has bench seating. You are allowed to walk around the boat while it is in motion, except for docking and turning around.
The Ride
The canal boat is pulled by two mules (Hank and George during our visit) along the Lehigh Canal. You travel at about 2 mph, making it a slow and relaxing ride. The boat travels about a half-mile down the canal and back again.
While on the boat, the guide will share tons of information about the history of the canal and what life was like for the families who lived and worked on the canal boats.
Other Things to Do at Hugh Moore Park in Easton, PA
Boat and Bike Rentals
When the National Canal Museum is open, you can rent bicycles or boats to use within the park. Rentals are offered for either 30 or 60 minutes.
As of publication, the cost to rent is as follows:
Paddleboats: $10-$15, Kayaks & Canoes: $10, Bicycles: $7-$10
Walk or Bike Along the Towpath
The D&L Trail runs through Hugh Moore Park, offering a flat and wide path to enjoy the area’s scenic views. The section that runs through the park is about 2.5 miles long and passes by historic structures like the locktender’s house and the historic lock.
Bike Skills Park
The bike skills park is across Hill Road from the main are of the park.
If you enjoy biking over ramps and jumps, then you’ll want to check out the bike skills park at Hugh Moore Park. The park features a mix of dirt and boardwalk trails that have several different obstacles. Check out this video for a better idea of what to expect.
Playground
The playground at High Moore Park, located next to the National Canal Museum, is fantastic! It’s very large and features fun activities, such as a zipline and tunnel. Prepare to spend a fair amount of time here if you’re visiting with kids.
Picnic Tables
If you’re visiting as a day trip, don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch! There are plenty of picnic tables (and also a bathroom) in the park. Even a few right next to the water, so you can watch the boat float along the canal as you eat.
Other Things to Do Near the National Canal Museum
There are plenty of ways to spend your time near the National Canal Museum, whether you are visiting Easton for the day or longer.
One of the most popular attractions in Easton is the Crayola Experience, which offers a variety of activities for younger children centered around Crayola and its art products.
If you want to spend more time outside, consider visiting HangDog Outdoor Adventures. It’s the largest high ropes adventure course on the East Coast! They have a brewery and restaurant on-site as well. It’s one of our favorite ropes courses near Philadelphia.
Another popular outdoor spot is the Anderson Campus of St. Luke’s. They have a huge sunflower field that blooms in August, as well as a charming fairy garden.
A little further away is the Lost River Caverns, a small yet beautiful cave that offers additional activities, including gem mining and hiking, on the premises.
Lastly, you can cross the Delaware over to Phillipsburg, NJ, to enjoy a scenic train ride offered by Delaware River Railroad Excursions. If you visit the canal in the fall, you’ll want to book a fall foliage train ride as well!
Read It Now. Pin It For Later!
