This non-profit organization is solely a volunteer effort and has operated since 1974 without any paid staff.

INTERPRETIVE CENTER HOURS

Thursday, Friday, Sunday 1-4 pm
Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
(765) 564-2870

There is no admission fee.

The Canal Center's museum galleries, include over 60 exhibits like a real water model of a canal--including an operational reservoir, aqueduct, lock and gristmill for all to enjoy.

In the life size Canal Boat Cabin exhibit, you can play some of the games the canal travelers played and try out the bunks.
Inside cabin

The setting in Carroll County places Canal Park and this new center at about the midway point of the full length of this historic manmade waterway across Indiana and Ohio. Construction began in 1832 and was completed from Toledo to Evansville in 1853. At 468 miles, the Wabash & Erie Canal was this nation's longest canal. Significant structural remnants of the canal are identified along Delphi Historic Trails. Three National Register Sites are: the Irish workers construction campsite; Lock #33 and lockkeeper’s house site; and the Harley & Hubbard Lime Kilns. The restored 1873 Paint Creek Iron Bridge now spanning the canal is on the State Register. All sites and many scenic vistas are along the 7-mile trail system and are accessible by hiking from the new center. Trails, too, are a product of volunteer efforts for the past 14 years.

Visit the canal model and operate the locks to move the canal boats up and down to the different levels.
Inside cabin

The Canal Center opened on July 4th 2003, showing off state of the art exhibits. This center has become a regional attraction with exhibits to entice children as well as adults.

See some the tools used to build the canal. You can also see the mule skull unearthed while excavating one of the historic locks.
Inside cabin

The Interpretive Center is open to the public year around on weekends and other times by prior arangement for school and group visits. Donations are welcome and have been used for the completion of these galleries. The other half of this beautiful facility houses three conference rooms that can be rented for catered receptions and meetings, reunions, and a variety of community functions. Income from these uses covers the Center's operating expenses. An endowment fund has been started to cover future maintenance and replacement expenses.