Historic Palace Theatre
The 90-year-old proscenium-arch style theater is one of the most elegant show houses in the region and is reminiscent of days gone by. Come watch a movie or a live performance surrounded by history.
2 East Ave. | 716.438.1130
lockportpalacetheatre.org
The Kenan Center
The Kenan Center, known for its diverse visual and performing arts offerings, is often referred to as the “cultural heart” of the community. Located on a beautifully landscaped 25-acre campus and anchored by an 1850’s Italianate-style mansion, the Kenan Center features a year-round gallery, beautiful gardens, and events that attract visitors from across the region.
433 Locust St. | 716.433.2617
kenancenter.org
Locks District Museum
The story told at the Locks District Museum is the use of stone and hand tools in the construction of the Erie Canal, compared to the use of concrete and mechanized equipment in the construction of the Erie Barge Canal.
The Locks District Museum is open seven days a week, from 8 am – 5 pm during the canal season. There is no charge for admission.
Art247
Another canalside treasure awaits you opposite the home of Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. The original Market Street Art Studios, Art247 is part of a long history that provides arts and cultural education, lessons, and exhibitions to the Niagara County community, as well as studio spaces to regional artists. Once an old factory, it is now home to two art galleries, nearly 40 artist studios, and one unique gift shop.
Open daily and free admission.
247 Market Street | 716.404.9884
theart247.com
The Lock Tenders Tribute
Lockport remembers and celebrates those who labored 12-hour days from April through November every year to enable boats to navigate through the Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks and deliver their freight to Buffalo, east to New York City or points west with subsequent final destinations that included other continents. An 1897 photo of 12 Lockport Lock Tenders and a little girl has been hailed as a striking depiction, worthy of memorializing as the Lock Tenders Tribute
Niagara County Historical Society
Whether you’re interested in agriculture, Native American history, pioneer settlers, the Civil War, or the Victorian era, the Niagara Historical Society has an exhibit for everyone. The Outwater Memorial Building, located at 215 Niagara Street in an 1863 brick home, features a Victorian Parlor, Historic Pantry, Old Toy Room, Civil War Room, and a Changing Exhibit Room. The Erie Canal Discovery Center (24 Church Street) and Col. William Bond/Jesse Hawley House (143 Ontario Street) are also part of the Niagara County Historical Society Museum organization.
215 Niagara St. | 716.434.7433
niagarahistory.org
Tiffany Windows
Marvel at the outcome of a unique glassmaking method and stop at the First Presbyterian Church, which is home to a stunning collection of original Tiffany windows.
Visitors must call for reservations.
21 Church Street | 716.433.5905
1stpreslockport.org
Locks 34 & 35
Locks 34 & 35 replaced the original 19th Century Flight of Five locks. These two locks together can accommodate two-way traffic at the same time. The upper Lock fills the lower Lock. When the water level is the same across both locks, boats can crisscross. One may think of the Locks as a big teeter-totter. As the upper side goes down, the lower side comes up and vice versa. In the 2021 season alone, there were over 2,000 boats that went through these two locks, including personal boats as well as boat tours or commissions.
Erie Canal Discovery Center
Celebrate the opening of “Clinton’s Ditch” in 1825 with a visit to the Erie Canal Discovery Center. From the moment that you gaze at the 20’ x 13’ “Opening of the Erie Canal” mural by artist Raphael Beck, you know that your visit will provide you with an unparalleled experience of what it was like to be a 19th Century ‘canaller.' View “Gateways East & West,” a 15-minute movie about the building of the canal, the Flight of Five and the Deep Cut– the massive project at Lockport. Part-way through the movie, visitors board a “packet boat” for a simulated night-time ride up through one of the 1820s locks! Interactive displays let visitors try their hand at moving a boat through locks. After learning about the locks and canal, visitors can walk through the Locks District with a better understanding of what they are seeing, and a greater appreciation of the monumental engineering feat that took place in Lockport.
24 Church Street | 716.439.0431
https://niagarahistory.org/ECDC.html