The National Park Service operates mule-drawn canal boat rides at two locations along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Washington, DC. Park rangers dressed in historical clothing transport passengers back in time to the 1870s aboard a one-hour trip on a reproduction of a 19th century canal boat. This is a unique way to learn about the Cheasapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park.
Locations
Georgetown Visitor Center - 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW, Washington, DC (202) 653-5190. One block south of M Street. Nearest Metro is Foggy Bottom/GWU (orange and blue lines). Metrobus #30, 32, 34 or 36.Great Falls - 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD (301) 767-3714
Departure Days and Times
Boat rides are offered from early April through the end of October. In April, the "Georgetown" will run on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the "Charles F. Mercer" (Great Falls location) will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Both boats will operate Wednesdays through Sundays beginning in May and continuing through October. Trips depart at 11:00, 1:30 and 3:00. Reservations are taken for groups of 10 or more.Canal Boat Ride Prices
$5 Ages 4 and overChildren ages 3 and under are free
Students in groups of 10 or more ride at a discounted rate of $4.00 per person, chaperones included.
