Historic Canal Experience
Step back in time at the Canal Experience and get a taste of life on the Miami and Erie Canal in 1876. Providence Metropark is located in what was once the canal town of Providence, Ohio. Today, the Metropark has one of the greatest concentrations of canal era features in the country, including:
- The Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat
- The Isaac Ludwig Mill, a working water-powered saw and gristmill
- More than a mile of the original Miami and Erie Canal and towpath
- Lock #44, one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks
- Scenic Providence Dam, constructed across the Maumee River to maintain water levels in the canal
- Characters in period attire welcoming visitors to a time gone by.
- Visit the Heritage Center to view The Volunteer and Lock 44 in action.
Visit Providence Metropark May 1 through October 26 (Last day for boat is Sunday, October 26). Group reservations for tours of the Isaac Ludwig Mill welcome.
Parking, ticket booth, and amenities are available at 13205 S. River Rd, Grand Rapids, OH 43522.
For information call 419.407.9741
2025 Ticket Prices
- Adults $10
- Seniors $8 (60 and over)
- Metroparks Members $7
- Children $6 (ages 3 – 12)
- Children 2 and under are free
2025 Hours of Operation
- May Canal Boat Times
- Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 12 p.m. | 1 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2 p.m.
- Mother’s Day (moms ride free) 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2 p.m.
- May Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mother’s Day: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- June, July and August Canal Boat Times
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2 p.m.
- June, July and August Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- September Canal Boat Times
- Thursday – Sunday: 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2 p.m.
- September Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Thursday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October Canal Boat Times
- Wednesday – Friday: 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 12 p.m. | 1 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2 p.m.
- October Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Wednesday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please Note: Pets are not permitted on the boat.