Great Falls Canal Boat Rides

Great Falls Canal Boat Rides Resume in 2021

Boat programs will not operate in 2020 due to COVID-19, please contact the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for more information.

 

Charles F. Mercer replica canal boat docked in front of Great Falls Tavern

NPS Photo

Enjoy a Mule-Drawn Boat Ride

Journey back in time to the 1870s and ride a boat pulled by mules. Rise eight feet in a lock and hear staff in period clothing describe life for the people living, working, and floating on the canal.

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

11710 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
301-767-3714

Cost

Purchase tickets and board the boat at the Great Fall Tavern Visitor Center

• $8.00 for adults (ages 16–61)

• $6.00 for seniors (ages 62+)
• $5.00 for children (ages 4–15).
• Children aged three and under ride free.

Program Length and Capacity

• Program lasts approximately one hour.
• The boat holds 65 people

Reservations

• Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Ten or more people are required to make advance reservations for the boat ride. To reserve, call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center or stop by when the visitor center is open. If you call after operating hours, leave a message and park staff will confirm your reservation details. Please speak with a ranger before the day of your requested boat tour.

Seasonal Schedule

Boat programs not operating at this time please contact the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for more information.

Please call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center as special circumstances may affect this schedule.

Spring

• April through May
  Saturday and Sunday
  11 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm

Summer

• June through September
  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
  11 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm

Fall

• September through October
  Saturday and Sunday
  11 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm

School Group Information

Visit Field Trips for programs both on and off the canal boat.

Private Event Information

Visit the Private Canal Boat Tours to learn more