Many thanks to the Black River Canal Museum staff for hosting the CNY NCTA for the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day 2011.

The museum is located in Boonville, NY.

The museum's main entrance is at the Hemlock Mercantile. Follow the main corridor through a series of buildings, each showing the hard work and devotion of the volunteers who have brought the museum to life.

Continue through the displays, out the back door, and yes - that is an actual canal boat in the process of restoration.

The museum honors all who worked the canals. A pair of mules enjoys some well-deserved rest in the long grasses of Summer along side the Walter G. Pratt.

Living quarters inside the canal boat were spartan. The hold sheltered the boat's family, cargo, and a stall for the mules. The small opening in the picture on the left leads to the family's quarters: kitchen, sleeping and bathroom.

Black River Canal Museum

Antiques related to canal town life, and centry-old photos line the main hallway.

A working model of the canal system fills an entire room. The circulating water allows visitors to raise and lower model canal boats by operating the gates that control the water level.

Other sights within a two-block area include an ornate covered bridge, and a restored example of a Whipple Bridge.