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The Indy Times is launching a new online magazine "Our Indiana" which celebrates Hoosiers, places and traditions that make Indiana a great place to live.

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Back in Time at the Wabash & Erie Canal Park!

by Yvonne McCann 
History is alive at the Wabash & Erie Canal Park and Interpretive Center, a heritage tourism attraction. The Canal Park celebrates the role the canal played in the mid-1800s through 1870. Despite efforts to make the Wabash & Erie Canal work, the project was impractical. Its limited use (the canal disabled by freezing temperatures, drought, or flooding) couldn’t compete with the railroad’s reliability. However, the Wabash & Erie Canal had a significant influence on all aspects of life in Delphi. Take a self-guided jaunt, usually lasting 45 minutes, through the world-class museum to learn the history. They offer group tours, which must be arranged in advance for a fee. More information on these tours can be found on their website at https://wabashanderiecanal.org.


A series of oil paintings highlight the historical sites starting with the canal’s creation by artist Terry Lacy. The museum opens from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon every day starting Memorial Day weekend and continues through Christmas. 

A replica boat, “The Delphi,” takes passengers on a re-watered section of the canal. Public boat rides are on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. She operates from mid-May into October.


The  Historic 1850s Pioneer Village buildings are “fully” run by volunteers on two festival days, “Canal Days” in July and “Christmas at to the Canal” in December. The buildings include the Blacksmith, Broom/Basket Maker, School House, Loom House, Fouts Cabin, Cooper, and Papermaker. Pets are welcome in the Village but not in the cabins. Visitors are also welcome to walk through Pioneer Village on their own.

Source: https://wabashanderiecanal.org