C&O Canal in Western Maryland Provides Replica Launch Boat Tours and More

Date: May 26, 2016
Contact: Ben Helwig, 301-582-0813

Williamsport, Md. –The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) welcomes visitors to the Cushwa Basin in Williamsport, Canal Place in Cumberland, Ferry Hill Plantation in Sharpsburg, Bowles House in Hancock, and Brunswick Visitor Center starting Memorial Day weekend.

"While stretching 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, there are many visitor centers, interpretive programs, and events to experience during the summer season," Park Ranger Ben Helwig states. "We'd love for folks to join us as we celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service this summer."

Experience the canal at the Cushwa Basin during the inaugural weekend of the Replica Launch Boat Program starting Saturday, May 28, 2016 and running through Memorial Day on Monday. Park Ranger-led 1 hour interpretive programs begin at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm and at the Williamsport C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center. The programs are free of charge, but donations are welcome.

Tours will continue every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and July 4 weather permitting.Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Williamsport C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center and reserve their seat for this unique interpretive program. Seats are limited to 12 visitors per program and reservations will only be taken on the day of the tour.Due to construction at Williamsport, please call ahead or check our website for possible tour cancellations.

Along with the Replica Launch Boat Program, the Williamsport C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center will also be open weekly Wednesday thru Sunday 9:00am –4:30pm. For more information please contact the Williamsport C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center at 301-582-0813.

Canal Place in Cumberland, Maryland welcomes visitors seven days a week from 9:00am –5:00pm as they learn C&O Canal history through interactive and educational displays. Please contract Canal Place at 301-722-8226 for more information.

Step back to the Civil War era when visiting Ferry Hill Plantation, the former home of Henry Kyd Douglas and an example of an upper Potomac Valley plantation. Ferry Hill Plantation welcomes visitors from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00am –4:00pm. For more information, contact the Williamsport C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center at 301-582-0813.

Experience decades of history including the life of early settlers, as well as the C&O Canal by visiting the Bowles House in Hancock. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am –3:00pm. Contact the Williamsport C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center at 301-582-0813 for more information.

The Brunswick Visitor Center welcomes visitors Thursday and Friday 10:00am –2:00pm, Saturday 10:00am –4:00pm, and Sunday 1:00am –4:00pm while learning how the C&O Canal and railroads influenced the creation of Brunswick. For more information, please contact the Brunswick Visitor Center at 301-834-7100.

For a complete list of interpretive programs and events along the Chesapeake &Ohio Canal National Historical Park, visit nps.gov/choh.

C&O Canal NHP stretches 184.5 mile from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. The C&O Canal was constructed over 22 years and operated from 1850-1924 as a water route for hauling coal, lumber, and other goods. The C&O Canal became a National Monument in 1961, thanks in part to the efforts of Supreme Court Justice William Douglas, and in 1971 the C&O Canal became a National Historical Park. Today, the entire 184.5 mile long towpath is open to visitors.