Things to Do in Lockport, NY

Lockport is one of the best day trips in Western New York. The Erie Canal runs right through downtown, and there's history, boat rides, trails, and wine country all within a few minutes of each other. Here's our local guide to spending a day in Lockport, and where to end it.

Erie Canal & the Locks

The canal is the reason Lockport exists, and it's still the main event.

• Flight of Five Locks: The restored 1840s locks that gave Lockport its name, right alongside the modern Locks 34 and 35. Walk the canal path and watch boats rise and drop through the locks.
• Erie Canal Discovery Center: A good first stop for the story of the canal and how Lockport was built around it.
• Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises: Ride through the locks yourself on a narrated canal boat cruise. A local favorite with visitors.

Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

Take a guided walk through a hand-blasted tunnel from the 1800s and finish with an underground boat ride. It's one of the most unusual things to do in Western New York. Seasonal, so check their schedule before you go.

Locks Heritage District & Downtown

Stroll the historic canal district downtown, cross the "Big Bridge" over the canal, and browse the local shops. The Palace Theatre hosts concerts, shows, and movies throughout the year, and the Kenan Center offers arts programs, gardens, and community events.

Biking & Walking the Canal Trail

Lockport sits on the Erie Canalway Trail, part of the Empire State Trail. Bring a bike or walk a stretch along the water. It's flat, scenic, and easy for all levels.

Niagara Wine Trail

Lockport is in the heart of the Niagara Wine Trail, with wineries, cideries, and tasting rooms a short drive out of town. Pick two or three for an afternoon.

Niagara Falls

The Falls are about a half-hour drive from Lockport, so it's easy to pair a morning at the Falls with an afternoon and evening in Lockport.

End the Day at Short Street

After the canal, the cave, or the wineries, come relax at Short Street Patio Bar, a neighborhood bar in Lockport, NY.

• Eat: Wood fired pizza and jumbo wings, rotisserie chicken, and pizza by the slice. See the full menu.
• Drink: Cold drinks from our full bar, out on the patio.
• Play: Four bocce courts in our covered pavilion. Fridays are Free Bocce Friday, 3–10pm, walk-ins welcome. We also run seasonal bocce leagues.
• Celebrate: Bringing a group? We host private parties and events.

Short Street Patio Bar
1 Short Street, Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 280-3642 · Parties: (716) 335-2347
Mon–Fri 3–10pm · Sat 3–8pm · Sun closed