Lockport is a beautiful and cozy New York State community located just twenty miles from the iconic Niagara Falls. The city is the location of the historic Erie Canal and several iconic locks in the Canal Street District.
This is a picturesque, friendly, and relaxed city to visit for a day or two or you could use it as a longer-term base to explore the local area.
The surrounding countryside is full of historic and picturesque wineries for connoisseurs to explore, as well as parks and trails. The beautiful waterways offer plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and lovely river walks, while the downtown area of the city is home to plenty of fantastic restaurants, bars, and eateries.
Here’s a round-up of the Best Things to do in Lockport…
Explore The Lockport Cave And Underground Boat Ride
The Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride location are one of the top attractions in the area and a firm favorite with visitors.
The fascinating historical attraction offers tourists a magical experience exploring the underground tunnels and caves of the Erie Canal Locks.
You will be able to enjoy an informative and fun guided tour from a local expert as you are led around canal locks dating back to 1838 and then head beneath the ground to access the underground waterways.
You can take an atmospheric underground boat ride through the subterranean canals, explore historic caves, and get a true sense of what it would have been like for canal workers to spend their days down there during the 1880s.
The Lockport Cave and underground boat ride is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Lockport.
Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride Location: 5 Gooding St, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Take A Long Walk Along The Historic Erie Canal
The famous Erie Canal is Lockport’s most iconic landmark and consists of an impressive, functioning water route that is 363 miles long.
The historic waterway was opened in 1825 and was considered an engineering wonder at the time, due to its five staircase locks that allowed huge commercial boats to raise or lower on the route to New York.
The canal area is now a designated National Heritage Corridor and can be explored all year round on various guided cruises that take you along the waters.
This is the perfect place to take an evening stroll, watch the boats float by, and admire the wonderful waterways as the sun sets.
Alternatively, you can take your engagement even further and book one of the local guided coat tours to enjoy a relaxing and leisurely trip through the canals – The canals are one of the best things to see in Lockport.
A good place to start is the Erie Canal “Flight of Five” combined locks in the center of Lockport, easy enough to get to.
Erie Canal “Flight of Five” Combined Locks Location: 80 Canal St, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Pay a Visit to the Blackman Homestead Farm
This picturesque, 160-acre family-owned farm is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon amongst beautiful surroundings and the stunning Niagara hills and landmarks.
The farm has been producing fruit for over 150 years and you can spend a sunny afternoon walking among their fields, picking their fruit, and learning all about the history and workings of the historic concern.
This is a wonderful location to visit for a few hours in the fresh air surrounded by the relaxing sights and sounds of the local countryside.
After your visit is over you can pick up a few delicious farm-produced delicacies such as unique fruit butter and freshly produced apple cider.
Blackman Homestead Farm Location: 4472 Thrall Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Enjoy a Tasting and Guided Tour at the Freedom Run Winery
Lockport is in the heart of New York Wine Country and has several wonderful wineries to recommend the area as a fantastic location for wine drinkers and connoisseurs.
Surrounded by stunning Niagara scenery this award-winning winery has been producing lovely boutique wines on the site since 2005.
The unique micro-climate and the make-up of the soil in the local area made this the perfect place for the Manning family to set up this beautiful, local winery.
A tour of the Freedom Run Winery will show you how the company produces American, French, and Hungarian-aged wines which give their medal-winning drinks their unique taste.
After learning all about how the drinks are made you can enjoy samples in the beautiful tasting hall and pick up a few bottles of your favorite tipples.
Freedom Run winery Location: 5138 Lower Mountain Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Spend some time in the Historic Lowertown District
The Historic District of Lowertown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beautiful and charming area to visit.
The district features numerous beautiful historic buildings which make it the perfect place for a relaxing walking tour around town.
Buildings to look out for in the area include the 1831 Western Block Company Warehouse, the 1864 Vine Street School, the 1829 Bank Building, and the 1831 Washington Hunt House.
There are also many historic private homes to admire along the way, especially on Market Street which is lined with beautiful buildings and overlooks the Erie Canal.
You can book an expert-guided tour around the area to learn more about the local legends and the history of the individual buildings.
Pay A Visit To The Famous Honeymoon Trail Winery
Another beautiful winery in this stunning area is the well-known Honeymoon Trail estate which has produced award-winning wines since the 1970s.
The Honeymoon Trail Winery is set along the Historic Honeymoon Trail and creates its wine using local ingredients found in the state.
As well as touring the grounds and sampling the winery’s best bottles, you can visit the beautiful fireside café or patio outdoors to enjoy high tea, cheese and food platters, and even more wine!
Honeymoon Train Winery Location: 4120 Ridge Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Watch a performance at The Historic Palace Theatre
The Historic Palace Theatre was built in 1925 and stages a wide range of theatrical performances such as plays, musicals, and independent stage productions.
The beautiful building features a glamorous art deco period arched ceiling, ornate decorative details, beautifully hand-painted wall frescoes, and stunning crystal chandeliers.
As well as theatrical shows, the historic theatre also offers acting classes and theatre workshops which you can attend if you are in the area for a while.
Lockport Palace Theatre Location: 2 East Ave, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Stroll around the vineyards and parks at the Spring Lake Winery
This lovely winery is set in particularly lovely surroundings with gorgeous hills, a beautiful lake, and lots of charming nature trails to follow.
You can enjoy an expert-guided tour of the vast, beautiful estate and then taste the best of vineyard fare under the eyes of an expert who will educate you in all the ways of wine production and drinking!
The winery has plenty of other features including a 1940s Coach Ride around the countryside and a café serving delicious farm foods and wines from the estate.
If you are looking for somewhere to escape for a few days deep in the rustic beauty of New York Wine Country, this winery also has appointed overnight accommodation.
Spring Lake Winery & Cafe Location: 7373 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Spend Some Time At The Kenan Center
The Kenan Center is found on a beautiful 25-acre landscape surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, beautiful flower gardens, ancient trees, ponds, and herb gardens.
The center serves as a community hub for the region and houses an art gallery, a preschool, an arena, and a theatre.
The Taylor Theater puts on a variety of theatrical shows throughout the year and the Arena is a venue for various local sports and events and functions.
This gorgeous complex is a fantastic place to visit for a relaxing walk in picturesque surroundings during the daytime and a wonderful place to catch some local entertainment in the evening.
Kenan Center Location: 433 Locust St, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Visit The Erie Canal Museum
To learn more about the historic Erie Canal you can visit this charming small local museum which will tell you the story of the famous canal.
The Erie Canal Museum features film and interactive exhibits to give you a deep sense of the local history and you can enjoy a guided tour from local experts who will be able to give you even more of an understanding of the canal and its importance.
You should allow about an hour to fully appreciate all the museum has to offer and can combine a trip to the building either before or after you make your way to the canal itself.
Erie Canal Museum Location: 24 Church St, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Take A Stroll Along The Town of Lockport Nature Trail
To enjoy the beauty and nature of New York Wine Country, you should take some time to have a relaxing stroll through the woods and wildlife of the Lockport Nature Trail.
This is a fairly flat path so is suitable for people of a variety of health levels and family strolls.
You’ll find some lovely old trees and well as a picturesque trail leading to a beautiful small waterfall scene along your way.
This is a wonderful place to decompress, enjoy the peace and quiet and take some great photos of the local wildlife.
Visit The Upside-Down Railway Bridge
Take a boat trip along the canals and you will be able to see this structural oddity which is only visible when you are on the water.
This railway bridge is an interesting remnant of the golden days of railway travel and is located within the picturesque canal and lock area.
The bridge is still in use today, but trains run infrequently so you will have to be particularly lucky to happen to be there while one of these vehicles thunders past.
Combine a visit to this interesting structure with a trip to the Erie canal caves and an underground boat ride.
Upside-Down Bridge Location: Erie Canal Heritage Trail, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Learn About The Area In The Niagara County History Center
For a fantastic guide to the history of the Niagara area, you can visit this informative Niagara County Museum location which houses plenty of interesting exhibits and artifacts from the early history of the area.
The museum complex consists of seven buildings on three different sites where you can visit galleries, film presentations, interactive exhibits, and period buildings to gain a deeper understanding of the history of this beautiful area.
The admission price for this fascinating collection of buildings is only $4 and will provide an enjoyable couple of hours as you explore the fascinating story of the town, its people, and its place in American history.
Niagara County History Center Location: 215 Niagara St, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Visit ART247 For Some Local Art And Culture
On the banks of the Erie Canal, you will find this lovely community arts center which promotes the work of over forty local artists.
The center is a fantastic and interesting showcase for local arts and crafts, from painting to woodwork and pottery.
Two large exhibition spaces also play host to exhibitions of nationally renowned artists alongside the best works that the local talent in Lockport has to offer.
This is a lovely way to spend a quiet and relaxing hour or two and can be combined with trips to other local venues such as the underground boat tour and upside-down railway bridge.
ART247 Location: 247 Market St, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Spend Some Time In The Day Road Park
Just outside of Lockwood you will find this large, clean, green park which is the perfect place to go for a long trek, cycle ride, or to take the dogs. Don’t forget the little ones – This is one of the best outdoor things to do in Lockport with the kids.
If you want to escape Lockport city for a few hours this is a great space to head to with long trails through large fields as well as children’s playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, and flower gardens.
This is a popular spot with local families and a lovely place to visit in Lockport for a picnic during the summer months.
Day Road Park Location: 5014-5098 Day Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Summary: Best Things To Do In Lockport, New York
As you can see Lockport NY has a host of interesting, unique, and fun venues you can visit while you are in town. As part of New York Wine Country, there are several stunning wineries you can visit nearby, which offer tours and tastings, making this part of the area a haven for wine experts and connoisseurs.
The historic Erie Canal also forms the basis for several fascinating museums and experiences around the area. Niagara Falls stands only 20 miles from the town so this picturesque area can be an excellent and homely base from which you can embark on trips further afield.
When heading to the area, we hope that you keep the above best things to do in Lockport, NY in mind when planning your trip. The area is a lovely, picturesque slice of America and has lots to offer tourists throughout both the summer and winter months.
Map of Lockport, NY
Lockport by Video
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