BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief is making its way back through New York State after its 2025 bicentennial journey as part of a tour celebrating New York’s maritime heritage.
The “Back to Buffalo” Tour runs from May to October and features educational boat tours, hands-on demonstrations, public events and a homeward voyage along the Erie Canal.
The centerpiece of the tour is the Back to Buffalo Voyage from June 6 to 27, which includes stops at 16 ports and is expected to reach more than 5,000 students and thousands of community members. The boat will visit Little Falls from June 9 to 10 at Rotary Park, Rome from June 11 to 12 at Bellamy Harbor Park and Sylvan Beach on June 13 at the Erie Canal 1st Bypass.
The tour offers longer port stays for school visits and deeper learning experiences. Students and visitors can learn traditional boatbuilding skills and explore the Erie Canal’s environmental, economic, cultural and Indigenous history.
Those interested in scheduling a field trip can fill out a form to be contacted by the Buffalo Maritime Center’s Education Director. Field trip spots will be filled on a first come first serve basis. That information as well as all of the other stops along the canal can be found here.