Lock Haven: Canal History, Art and River Routes

Lock Haven invites you to discover canal history, river routes, art and aviation in one place. At Canal Park, a lighted, 1.25-acre walking path runs from Church Street to Water Street across the grounds of the West Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal. The original canal lock, after which Lock Haven was named, is also located there. The park is in the historic district and is preserved as a memorial to Pennsylvania’s canal era. This gives a walk a tangible historical connection: the lock is not only part of the path but is also connected to the town’s name.

Walking Trails and Water Activities

Those who enjoy walking can think of Canal Park and the William Clinger Riverwalk as different walking experiences. The Riverwalk is 2.5 miles long, paved and runs along the levee. This gives you a choice between a walking path on a former canal site and a paved route along the levee as separate ways to explore. The Riverwalk’s stated length can help you keep the distance in mind when planning your day; it does not indicate walking time or difficulty.

There are also different ways to include time on the water in your stay in Lock Haven. City Beach offers public swimming access to the Susquehanna River. This is a different way to spend time by the water than focusing on the walking routes. If you are traveling with children, you can take these different interests into account when choosing outings without having to combine all the activities into one shared itinerary.

Museums with Unique Insights

The Piper Aviation Museum displays a 1962 Piper Apache in a first-floor hangar. The aircraft and its setting give the museum a clear focus on aviation. The Heisey House Museum offers a different historical perspective: it is part of a brick Federal-style farmhouse built around 1831. Those interested in historic houses will find a tangible connection here to the building’s architectural history.

The Boyd Grieb Ice House is also part of the Heisey House Museum. It displays an extensive collection from an archaeological excavation. The house and collection offer different focal points: one conveys the history of a Federal-style farmhouse, while the other displays finds from an excavation. This connection can help you decide whether you would prefer a visit centered on historic architecture or archaeological objects.

Art Around Town and a Floating Stage

The Roots & Wings Tour is a self-guided public art project in Lock Haven. The locations of the tour’s bald eagles are around town and can be reached on foot. This makes the tour a way to discover public art while exploring, without needing to join a guided tour. If you prefer to decide for yourself what to focus on, you can include the individual locations in your own exploration.

Another distinctive feature is the J. Doyle Corman Amphitheatre, an entertainment venue with a floating stage. Together with the museums, walking routes and art project, it shows how varied a stay in Lock Haven can be: centered on history, activity, art or a look at an unusual performance venue.

Getting Around and More Places to Explore

A shuttle vehicle is available to visitors at William T. Piper Memorial Airport, taking them to local attractions such as the Piper Aviation Museum and downtown. If you want to plan your visits around this transportation option, the museum and downtown are among the destinations mentioned.

For more ideas of places to visit, you can also explore Mill Hall, Renovo and Westport.

Mill Hall Mill Hall, Renovo Renovo, Westport Westport

For the broader travel overview: Clinton County.