EASTON, Pa. — As autumn colors brighten the Lehigh Valley, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is inviting residents to step back into America’s canal era with seasonal activities at Hugh Moore Park.
The 520-acre park, nestled between the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River, features more than two miles of restored waterway and the National Canal Museum, one of the country’s largest institutions dedicated to canal heritage.
The park’s signature attraction, the 48-ton Josiah White II canal boat, continues weekend operations through October 26th, offering passengers a glimpse into 19th-century transportation. Pulled by mules along the historic towpath—as is tradition—the 45-minute tours depart at noon, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The canal boat crew, dressed in period attire, interprets the history of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal canals and the workers who operated them. The wheelchair-accessible vessel runs rain or shine, except during severe weather. Reservations are not required.
The season concludes with Canal-o-ween on October 25th and 26th, combining Halloween festivities with canal history. Visitors in costume receive 50% off museum admission from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm both days. Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor members enter free.
The family-friendly event features Halloween games, trick-or-treating throughout the park and appearances by the park’s signature mules. It marks the final weekend for canal boat rides this season.
Recent upgrades have transformed Hugh Moore Park into a destination for active families. A playground, bike skills course, and dog park complement the historic canal, while multi-use paths wind through the property nestled between the canal and Lehigh River.
Visitors can rent bikes, canoes, paddleboats and kayaks to explore at their own pace, weather permitting.
Inside the National Canal Museum, hands-on exhibits bring 19th-century canal technology to
life, showing how these quiet waterways sparked an industrial boom. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The museum is located at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton. For information, contact [email protected], or call 610-923-3548.
Regular admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and older, and $6 for children ages 3-15. Children under 3 enter free.
