Meet the Mules

C&O Canal has been home to many mules over the years, including the park’s current team – Dolly, Eva, Jen, and Julie. Each mule has their own unique personality, and they share special bonds with each other and the park staff that work with and care for them. Like people, the park’s mules work until they are ready to retire.

 

Dolly is the oldest member of the current mule team.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Dolly

Born: 2003, Virginia
Height: 15.2 hands (60.8 inches)
Weight: 1,100 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Black Bay

Dolly is the most headstrong and independent mule on the team. Because of her intelligence and strength, Dolly is always reliable and ready to work. With her powerful but friendly personality, Dolly guides the younger mules during training and boat programs. Dolly and Eva often work together as a pair when they pull the canal boat. Dolly joined the team in 2008.

 

Eva is the quiet leader of the team.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Eva

Born: 2004, Virginia
Height: 15.1 hands (60.4 inches)
Weight: 1,200 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Black Bay

Eva is the quiet giant of the team. Her size might be intimidating at first, but her calm and agreeable demeanor makes her a natural leader for working with the canal boat and training other mules. She is patient, eager to please, and serves as a steady helping hand to the younger mules. Eva is also the matriarch (or the leader) of the herd, and the other mules look to her for guidance. Eva joined the team in 2009.

 

Jen is a Blonde Sorrel and her coat has a red tint to it, especially in the fall.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Jen

Born: 2013, Kentucky
Height: 15.1 hands (60.4 inches)
Weight: 1,000 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Blonde Sorrel

Jen is a very affectionate mule with a confident personality. She is patient with her handlers and the other mules but is extremely suspicious of unfamiliar animals and sounds. Jen is a quiet protector and can usually be found on sentry (or lookout) duty to make sure that there isn't any danger approaching the herd. She can also be found sticking close to her little sister, Julie. Jen joined the team in 2020.

 

Julie is the smallest and youngest mule on the team.

NPS Photo / E. Cowan

Julie

Born: 2014, Kentucky
Height: 14.3 hands (57.2 inches)
Weight: 950 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Color: Red Sorrel

Julie is the smallest and most timid of the mules. While she is sometimes slow to warm up to new situations, she is sweet and trusting of her fellow mules and the people that she bonds with. Julie is the youngest of the four mules but has a big, affectionate personality that balances the team. Julie joined the team in 2020.

 

Vote for your favorite mule to win Mule of the Month!

NPS/A. Zimmerman

Mule of the Month

Make your voice be HERD by voting for your favorite mule to win the title of Mule of the Month this summer! Beginning on May 1st, visitors can vote in-person and on the park's Facebook and Instagram for their favorite mule. At the end of the month, the votes will be tallied and a new Mule of the Month will be announced! Voting will take place from the first to the last day of each month, with a winner crowned for the months of June, July, August, and September. To vote in-person, just visit the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and submit your ballot.

Who will the fan favorite be? Are you an EVA Beli-EVA? Are you digging Dolly? Will the votes go all the way with Julie J? Or will you go with your friend, Jen?

Trading Cards

All four of the mules are now featured on park trading cards! The cards feature a photo of each mule and fun facts about their personalities and time at the park. The cards make a great souvenir for anyone who visits the park, meets the mules, or goes on a canal boat ride. The cards are available at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac, MD.

Learn More

The team of mules work approximately eight months out of the year. They are the "engines" of the replica canal excursion boat during public boat programs and provide educational opportunities during the 'Meet the Mules' programs. For a complete list of programs visit the park's event calendar. You can also see more photos of the park's mules, including retired mules, by visiting the photo gallery.