Canal Experience at Providence Metropark

Canal Experience at Providence Metropark (Get Directions) 13801 S. River Rd. Grand Rapids, OH 43522 (419) 407-9741(419) 407-9741 | Canal Experience

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Providence, Ohio was once a canal town, situated on the north side of the Maumee River. Canal Experience takes visitors through more than a mile of the original Miami and Erie Canal towpath, in The Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-driven canal boat. The tour features historical items as well as those still in operation, such as the Isaac Ludwig Mill, and Lock #44, a 19th-century canal lock still in use today.

Tours take approximately one hour; $7/adults, $6/seniors (60+) and Metroparks members, $4 children (3-12), free for children 3 and under.

Event Calendar

May

Boat: Tuesday–Friday: 10 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon, noon to 1 p.m., 1 to 2 p.m.

Saturday 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mothers Day, May 14: Boat runs 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m.

Mill: Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday: noon to 5 p.m.

Mothers Day, May 8: Mill open noon to 5 p.m.

June

Boat: Wednesday–Sunday 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mill: Wednesday–Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Construction Note: The canal boat will continue to operate during construction work on the SR295 bridge, starting June 28 for an estimated 50 days. At times, especially in the early weeks of the project, the boat will use an alternate route, traveling east from its dock. These rides will not include passage through Lock 44.

July

Boat: Wednesday–Sunday: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mill: Wednesday–Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

August

Boat: Wednesday–Sunday: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mill: Wednesday–Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

September

Boat: Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Note: There will be no 3:30 p.m. boat trip September 9.

Mill: Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

October

Boat: Wednesday–Friday: 10 to 11 a.m., 11 to noon, Noon to 1, 1 to 2 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 to 1:30, 2 to 3, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mill: Wednesday–Friday: 10 to 2 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Indoor Facilities
From birthday parties to baby showers, Metroparks has a room to meet your needs. Smaller than our banquet facilities, yet with more amenities than our outdoor shelters, these spaces have a variety of conveniences for your gathering. Tables and chairs provided.

Picnic Shelters
Picnic shelters in the Metroparks can be reserved for your family reunion, church picnic, company outing or other special event. Shelters are located at scenic spots in the Metroparks. They offer cover from the sun and rain, include picnic tables and grills – and they are affordable, too. Picnic shelters can be rented daily 9 a.m. to sundown.

Weddings
If the wedding of your dreams includes an outdoor ceremony, Metroparks offers some of the most scenic spots you will find in the region. The backdrop for your special day could be a stately mansion at Wildwood Preserve, the beautiful Maumee River or perhaps a location in a park that holds special meaning to you. Wedding time periods available are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to dark.