Canal Boat Ride In Ohio
Ohio has a long, rich history with canal boats in the Coshocton area dating back to 1830. These hand-dug canals were the gateway to prosperity and westward expansion for a growing nation. We took some time out of our schedule and go for a ride back in history on the Monticello III. This 25-ton canal boat is 14 1/2 feet wide and 74 feet long and keeps history alive on the Ohio Erie Canal in Coshocton County.
Where to Purchase Tickets for Monticello Canal Boat:
There are 3 locations to purchase tickets, the Roscoe Visitor Center, Toll House, or the Canal Boat Landing. We found that purchasing tickets at the Roscoe Village visitor center allows you to walk along the towpath from the center to the canal boats docking area. It is a beautiful paved walkway with stunning views of nature surrounding Historic Roscoe Village. The Toll House is located in the middle of Roscoe Village, and the Canal Landing location is right by the dock. We picked up our tickets there at the dock and grabbed a snack at the gift shop before the ride.
Finding the Monticello:
Finding the Canal Boat landing was easy, and our GPS took us right there. It is located at 23253 OH-83, Coshocton, OH 43812, and is situated directly off the road. Parking is ample, and we found a spot to park with ease. Weekends are probably a bit more crowded than on a weekday arrival.
There is plenty of outdoor space to relax in while you wait for the canal boat ride to commence. They have a covered porch, picnic tables, and a covered picnic area for you to use. We enjoyed noshing our snacks while we waited.
Unique lodging and camping are located nearby at the Coshocton KOA; read more here.
Ride on the Monticello III Canal Boat
Once you are seated on the Monticello, you can sit back on the wooden benches and think about what an 80 hour trip on something like this would be like. Back in the 1800s, this trip would have been smooth and easy compared to the bouncing of a wagon or on the back of a horse. Make sure to watch the hoggee lead the huge team of draft horses as they pull the canal boat gently along its way.
The captain of the Monticello III gave us a wonderful narration of how the canals were dug, how the right of way worked, and what life on the boat might have entailed. He also spoke to us about “canal rage,” a bit like today’s “road rage,” but on the water. Just sitting there thinking about what the conditions of a canal boat would have been like makes me thankful for airplanes and our modern-day vehicles!
Experiencing the Monticello canal boat ride is something I would tell you to make bucket list-worthy. The fact that the opportunity to take a 45-60 minute trip down a hand-dug canal on a replica-made canal boat is special. I am thankful Ohio has living history places for us to come and experience what the 1800s would have been like.
General Information about the Monticello III:
The Canal Boat leaves promptly on the hour, and the ride is typically 45 minutes in length. The horse-drawn Canal boat will turn around in the basin and return to the landing where guests board the boat.
Rates:
Adults – $8.00 Seniors(ages 60+) – $7.00 Students(ages 6-18) – $6.00 Children 5 & under – FREE
Veterans & Active Duty Military with ID – $5.00
Canal Boat Runs
1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00PM Friday-Sunday
Memorial Day – Mid-October
I can assure you a weekend spent here in the historic Roscoe Village area will not disappoint. You will be transported back into time and enjoy hands-on learning within the village. Taking this one-of-a-kind canal boat ride on the Monticello III will fill your mind with awe about the thousands of hands that dug the canal and the families that ran the boat lines. Make a trip to Coshocton County and enjoy a historical adventure with your family; it’s well worth the trip to this beautiful area.
Happy Adventures,
Matt and Brandy and the Gleason Crew
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The Monticello III is Gleason Family Approved for a Family Friendly Trip.
FULL DISCLOSURE: We were hosted by the Coshocton County CVB during our most recent stay, however, we have previously ridden this on our dime. All opinions are my own.
