The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief Visitor Experience in Medina
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Event has endedThe Buffalo Maritime Center has built a replica of the historic Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, which opened the Erie Canal in 1825. In 2024, the Seneca Chief completed trial runs through Lockport, Medina, Brockport, and Rochester to prepare for its 2025 voyage to New York City.
The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be a centerpiece of the 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial, retracing Gov. DeWitt Clinton's inaugural voyage from Buffalo to New York Harbor to celebrate 200 years since the canal's opening and honor communities across the state.
The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will return to Medina on September 25th, 2025, on its way to New York City, and will host activities and free boat tours open to the public.
The Erie Canal boat Seneca Chief is expected to arrive in Medina at about 3 p.m. with VIP guests on board, followed by a welcome ceremony. Free boat tours and hands-on activities for kids and adults will begin at 4 p.m.
Vendors and other exhibitors will be on-site, including:
- Orleans County Tourism (free marketing materials and bicentennial merchandise for sale) / Medina Tourism
- USFWS Aquatic Invasive Species Exhibit
- Tonawanda Historical Society Reservation
- Buffalo Maritime Center (merchandise for sale)
- Big Ditch Brewery
- Distiller's Guild
Be sure to explore the shops, restaurants, attractions and more in the historic downtown Medina!
