Buffalo/Niagara Region
Lockport Sightseeing Tour
Lockport
Due to the 60ft elevation change in the Lockport area, 5 locks were built on the Erie Canal in 1825. The locks were called “the flight of five” and the time that it took for boats to pass through the 5 locks gave people navigating and travelling on the boats plenty of free time to eat or get supplies in the area. And that is how Lockport was born! Almost 200 years later the canal still passes through 2 much bigger locks than the original 5. The town also has 20,000 residents, some major U.S. manufacturing factories, and some great things to see and do. Here our Lockport Daycation recommendations….
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Lodging
Breakfast - Bonjour Crepes is a great way to start your Lockport Daycation! We were partial to the Cherry Cheesecake crepe, but if you want something on the more traditional side of breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Scram-Ham Cheddar crepe. Another great option is Tom’s Diner. Not only is the breakfast food fantastic, but way back when they had an employee who was an artist and he painted pop-culture murals on all of the walls and they are really cool.
Morning Itinerary
Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Tour
(Temporarily Closed)
The cave was built in 1864 as a hydraulic power source to power various manufacturing facilities using excess water from the Erie Canal. It was also used to provide public drinking water and fire protection using a hydrant based system in the town which was invented here by the Holly Manufacturing company. Lockport was one of the first towns to have a system like this and in the next 30 years, over 100 American cities used the system for their water and hydrants. The 2100 foot long tunnel was eventually mothballed, but now you can see the original tunnel then ride a boat through the tunnel. You can even see small stalactites that have formed on the ceiling from the 150+ years of water dripping. For the thrill seekers in your group, after your boat tour, you can go ziplining over the canal gorge for a fun aerial view of the area.
Erie Canal Discovery Center
Built in 1843, the building that houses the Erie Canal Discovery Center is an attraction in its own right, but learning the history of the canal is an added bonus. Pictures like the one seen here line the walls of the museum and helps you to imagine what the town was like 150 years ago. The museum includes a 15 minute movie about the construction of the “Flight of 5” locks and takes you on a virtual packet boat ride through them.
Lunch - Lock 34 Bar & Grill has great lunch fare and a great view of the Locks that gave Lockport it’s name. Another great choice is Wagners Restaurant. Great soups and sandwiches, and how can you go wrong with Breaded Deep Fried Ravioli? Well, your arteries might not thank you for that, but your taste buds certainly will!
Afternoon Itinerary
There is no better way to learn about the Erie Canal than to take an afternoon cruise through the famous Locks and the surrounding area. Three million gallons of water will fill Locks 34 & 35, the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal, and raise the boat 50 feet. On the tour, you will pass under numerous bridges including the widest bridge in the United States at 399 feet.
Arrowhead Spring Vineyard
Arrowhead Spring is one of our favorite wineries in the Buffalo/Niagara region, and is one of the Top 5 Wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. The wines are great and the tasting room is downright beautiful. They also have a great port wine that we always get a bottle or two of whenever we visit there.
Freedom Run Winery
If you want to taste great Rieslings and have a tasty afternoon snack, then Freedom Run is your place. The soil on the Niagara Escarpment along with the elongated growing season that the proximity to Lake Ontario provides, makes for some great wines in this area and Freedom Run is definitely a place that you have to check out.
Dinner
If you are in the mood for great steak and seafood, then Danny Sheehan’s is the place. Filet, Prime Rib, Lobster - they have all of the standards covered. If you are feeling adventurous, try Uncle Shakey’s Steak and Mushroom Pie! Steak tips and mushrooms in a delicious sauce topped with mashed potatoes served in a piping hot ceramic dish. If something more eclectic is on your mind, try Shamus Restaurant. Panko Crusted Halibut Filet, Grilled Rack of Lamb, Buttermilk Fried Chicken - all are excellent. If sushi and Asian cuisine is more your fancy, try Streak Stone & Sushi. There are non-sushi items on the menu as well in case you aren’t a sushi lover. The Chilean Sea Bass is excellent.
Evening Itinerary
Kenan Center
If you want to see a good play after dinner, then the Kenan Center is the place. Besides having great shows and plays, touring the 1800’s mansion and the gardens out back are great for a summer stroll.
Lake Effect Ice Cream
Everybody loves ice cream, right? Lake Effect is a locally owned ice cream maker that has creative flavors like Paula’s Glazed Donut and Big Wayne’s Cake Batter. What better way to end your Lockport Daycation than with a couple of scoops in a waffle cone!