Delphi Canal PArk

We are exploring day trip ideas from Indianapolis.

Yesterday, we drove to Delphi, Indiana,, about 1hour, 15 minutes from Indy,

and visited Canal Park.

 This is a park where a section of the Wabash & Erie Canal has been preserved.

Measuring 468 miles, the Wabash & Erie Canal was the longest man-made canal in the U.S.

It stretched from Toledo,OH to Evansville, IN, linking the Great Lakes to the Ohio River.

After 30 years of use, the canal era ended in the 1870's.

 Delphi has the only remaining accessible Indiana portion which still has water in it.

 Canal Park has canal boat tours on a replica canal boat on the weekends.

The boat, which allowed our well behaved dogs on board,  takes you under scenic bridges

And past historic lime kilns.

There are also 10 miles of trails, some utilizing the old towpath along the canal

where you can bike, hike or walk your dog.

Several historic steel bridges have been saved, restored and placed over the canal.

This steel bridge was being repaired & readied to create a new walkway over the canal.

There is also a museum and conference center.

The museum is excellent, with hands-on exhibits, detailing the canal, locks, lime kilns

 and the history of the area.

 There are also several restored log cabins.

In addition, there is a canal boat turned into a playground,

 bike, paddleboat & kayak rentals, camping and picnic shelters.

This park is a gem and well worth a visit.