The trail, which is is part of the Buckeye Trail (marked with blue blazes), follows the remains of the Miami and Erie Canal along the old tow path where mules towed flat-blottom boats along the waterway.
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Canal boats once carried goods and people 249 miles between Toledo and Cincinnati, linking Lake Erie and the Ohio River. At Providence, you can get a sense of what canal travel was like during a trip aboard an authentic, mule-drawn canal boat on an original section of the Miami and Erie Canal. As of April 17, 2020 the Canal Experience has been closed for the 2020 season. The Canal Expereince will re-open May 2021.
The Providence Dam, just upriver from another attraction, the Isaac Ludwig Mill, was originally constructed to keep the canal filled with water. The canal boat and mill are open May through October.
Attractions and features include the canal experience complete with the authentic canal boat and historic mill, fishing, an aerial view of Providence Dam, indoor and picnic shelter rentals, a playground and historic WPA buildings and bridges.
Together, Providence, Bendview, Farnsworth and canal lands total 465 acres.
Step back in Time at the Canal Experience and get a taste of life on the Miami and Erie Canal in 1876.
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Unique settings on the mighty Maumee.
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Here is another seasonal highlight for Wintering the Towpath and Beyond. What kinds of denizens may be lurking beneath the frozen surface of the mighty Maumee? Here are some fun facts about a few of the larger fish species that call this river home.
Fall is a great time to get out an enjoy the Metroparks. Take a scenic drive through the Metroparks to see the fall colors. Every day of autumn brings new sights, sounds and smells to discover in your Metroparks.
Beat cabin fever with a five-mile hike followed by a party at historic Providence Metropark.