History of MidLakes Navigation, 50+ Years on the Waters of New York State

Have you taken a cruise on Skaneateles Lake or the Erie Canal? Did you know the Judge Ben Wiles boat was built in Borodino? How did Gustav Stickley help to save the Erie Canal? Join Dan Wiles, whose family owned MidLakes Navigation for 52 years until selling the business in 2019 for the inside scoop! […]

Adolph Kastor & the Camillus Cutlery Company

Curious about the construction at the Cutlery Building in Camillus? Wondering how Camillus and cutlery came together? Presenter Doug Sutherland will bring the story to life, past and present, for you! Doug Sutherland is the managing partner of Franklin Properties in Syracuse. Franklin Properties and its affiliates have restored and repurposed a half-dozen vulnerable historic […]

Volunteer Orientation Day

Did you know that all the activities and maintenance at the Camillus Erie Canal Park are operated by volunteers? Do you love history and want to share with visitors? Are you a retired teacher who would like to be involved with our school programming? Do you enjoy lawn work (we have zero-turn mowers!) and operating […]

Canal Clean Sweep!

Spring is in the air and everything needs a little Spring Cleaning! Would you like to help clear trails, clean & straighten the museum, paint, weed whack or do any of the other hundred jobs we need to get done to open to the public? This is a great time for families to volunteer! Lunch […]

Opening Day 2023!

You know Summer is around the corner when we go back to our full calendar hours! Please join us for our kick-off day and see what we've been working on for you over the Winter! Sims Store Musuem Open 12 - 4 Steam Engine Exhibit Open 12 - 4 Admission is FREE, donations are always […]

First Boat Rides of 2023!

Come travel the historic Erie Canal over the only rewatered and navigable aqueduct remaining from the First Enlargement of the Erie Canal left in the World! This 45 minute narrated trip is appropriate for all ages and will teach you a lot about local history. Trips are Sunday, May 7th at 1pm, 2pm or 3pm […]

Steam Engine Exhibit Open!

Step back in time and visit our Steam Engine Exhibit, across Devoe Road from the Sims Store Museum. See the impact improvements in machinery had on the local economy. Talk with the volunteers who restored these valuable pieces of history! Watch history in motion! This event is FREE to the public.

Cycle the Erie 2023

Come cheer on over 700 cyclists who are traveling the entire length of the Erie Canal over a 6 day period, from Buffalo to Albany! They love coming to Camillus because we are the HALF-WAY STOP! Come welcome riders in, volunteer to help feed them, or in our unique Post Office where they can send […]

Tow Path Day

Go back in time for this family-oriented event celebrating the Erie Canal right here in Camillus! Lots of entertainment, children's activities, narrated boat rides, crafters, vendors, food and MORE! FREE admission & FREE parking in the Department of Transportation parking lot - FREE shuttles to the Park! Contact Lisa Wiles at Lwiles@TownofCamillus.com for vendor information […]

Saturday Fun at Sims Store!

Maxwell Library at the CanalCraft for children of all ages.Free. No registration needed.Join Jenny, Director of Maxwell Memorial Library, at the Camillus Erie Canal Sims' Store Museum to make a mallard duck felt hand puppet. This drop-in program is a great way to enhance your family's visit to the Camillus Erie Canal Park. For more […]

FREE Saturday Story Time

Join local author Joni Lincoln as she reads her book, Maud the Erie House Dog, at 1pm and 2pm here at Sims Store. Maud was a real dog & major fixture at the Tavern in Port Byron which 100 years later would become the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park. Mrs. Lincoln will have autographed books […]

Holiday Shopping at Sims Store

Shop from local crafters & get the perfect gift for those "hard to shop for" friends & family! Today we will highlight local crafter Lori Mackessy and her wonderful stuffed animals! She has some of the best made & cutest animals around at a very affordable price! Be sure to check out our gift shop […]