This detailed diorama showcases the ingenuity and complexity of the Delaware and Hudson Canal’s aqueducts, which carried canal boats over rivers and streams. It’s on display at the D&H Canal Interpretive Center in Summitville.
Summitville, NY – Sullivan County’s Delaware & Hudson Canal Interpretive Center, 16 Bova Road (just off Route 209) in Summitville, will be open to the public Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-27, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Friday, Saturday & Monday) and 12-5 p.m. (Sunday). Admission is free!
The Interpretive Center displays historic remains of the former Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal and sits within the D&H Canal Linear Park, adjacent to the nearly 200-year-old ruins of a lock and waste weir. The Center takes visitors on a journey to explore life on the canal, through each phase of the canal’s construction and its 70 years of operation.
- Learn about the lock system and enjoy the historic features of the site.
- Study intricate dioramas, period illustrations and enlarged photos detailing canal operations.
- Pick up books, postcards, maps and memorabilia about the canal and other local history at the on-site bookshop.
- Hike the original towpath from Summitville to Wurtsboro.
- Restrooms are available.
Whether you are a canal enthusiast or simply wonder why there are remnants of fancy stone walls in strange places along Route 209, the D&H Canal Interpretive Center can solve some mysteries - or at least fill in a few gaps about what people were up to in this area in the 19th century!
The Interpretive Center will be open every weekend starting Father’s Day Weekend through October. Hours for June 14-October will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday.
The Interpretive Center also offers free group tours on select days, perfect outings for school groups, history clubs, and community groups! Maximum group size is 40 people.
Additional information is available on the Parks webpage at www.sullivanny.us/Departments/ParksRecreation, by calling 845-807-0287, or via email at scparks@sullivanny.us.
