Following the towpath

Tonawanda Creek section of the Erie Canal

Historical markers along this 1.2-mile Canalway path reminds one to imagine this area as 1825. A countryside with packet boats, and lumbar laden canal boats being pulled by mules along the towpath. Located in Tonawanda, NY, between Buffalo and Niagara Falls you will find this historic walking trail. The calm surface of the water is popular for kayaking, hydro bikes, and stand up paddle boards.

The Erie Canal connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. This remarkable waterway changed the course of America in the 1800s.

Yay! we found a castle along the walk !!! From Tonawandacastle.com:

“Indeed, it is admitted by experienced military men that no finer institution of the kind exists on the American continent at the present writing.” (The Tonawanda Herald, March 4, 1897)

The history of the Tonawanda Castle is both unique and powerful. Constructed as an armory for the 25th Separate Company of the National Guard, the massive 38,000 square-foot armory was built in the impressively short span of half a year, between the winter of 1896 and summer of 1897. With a foundation of Warsaw blue granite and walls of deep red mason brick, this historic building has presided over Delaware Street in the city of Tonawanda for more than 100 years.