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You’re Invited to the Erie Canal’s 200th Birthday Party!

People on a colorful boat celebrating Erie Canal Bicentennial with city skyline in the background.

Join the fun and activities as Corn Hill Navigation celebrates 200 years of the Erie Canal in downtown Rochester on September 27. Welcome and tour the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, a replica of the very first canal boat to traverse New York State in 1825.

Enjoy free tours of Seneca Chief, demonstrations, live music, and more. Kids can try their hand at oar-making, and learn about traveling the canal in the 1800s. As a special “birthday” treat, Riverie will provide 30-minute cruises between 4-6 pm (tickets are just $10). The day will end with a fireworks display over the Genesee River. It’s a day to celebrate our heritage, the natural beauty of our waterways, and good old family fun.

Corn Hill Navigation’s Erie Canal Bicentennial Festival is a highlight of the City of Rochester’s ROC the Riverway Weekend on Saturday, September 27 from 2 – 6pm. The fireworks start at 8pm — you can book tickets to be on the water during the fireworks! For more information, please visit Erie Canal Bicentennial Special Event

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  • Saturday, September 27th

Erie Canal Bicentennial Special Event

Join us as we welcome the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to Downtown Rochester on September 27th, 2025!

All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted!

30 minute $10/passenger cruises are available on Riverie

Click the time to book your ticket:

3:30pm

4:15pm

5:00pm

 

2 hour cruise from 6:30-8:30pm to board Sam Patch or Riverie to view the Fireworks Display!

Tickets are $75/passenger and include a glass of champagne and dessert

Book Here!

Or join us on shore from Corn Hill Landing!

More Information