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 2 through October 29 (Last day for boat is Sunday, October 22). 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
2023 Ticket Prices
- Adults $7
- Seniors $6 (60 and over)
- Metroparks Members $6
- Children $4 (ages 3 – 12)
- Children 2 and under are free
2023 Hours of Operation
- May Canal Boat Times
- Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.
- Saturday 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- Mother’s Day 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- May Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mother’s Day (Mom's Ride Free) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- June - August Canal Boat Times
- Wednesday through Sunday 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- Father's Day (Dad's Ride Free) 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
- Please Note: The 3:30 p.m. Canal Boat Time on June 1, 2023 has been SOLD OUT.
- June 29 scheduled runs have been cancelled due to the Air Quality Level currently in the red zone.
- June - August Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- June - Special Programming at Providence
- Blacksmithing 101 [SOLD OUT]
June 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Saturday is Science (All Ages)
June 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No Reservations Required - Music on the Canal
June 10,
No Reservations Required, included the Canal Boat ticket
- Blacksmithing 101 [SOLD OUT]
- September Canal Boat Times
- Thursday through Friday 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- September Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Thursday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October Canal Boat Times
- Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.
- Saturday through Sunday 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- Last Day: Sunday, October 22, 2023
- October Isaac Ludwig Mill Hours
- Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Last Day for Tours: October 29, 2023
Please Note: Pets are not permitted on the boat.