Located in downtown Syracuse - where the Erie Canal once ran (who knew?) - this pleasant museum offers an interesting, detailed look at the Canal's history. Housed in a former "weigh house," where canal boats were weighed and assigned a toll to be collected, the museum includes a replica canal boat that you can walk through. Convenient on-street parking is available right in front of the museum. I really enjoyed my visit.

We stopped in here on our way through Syracuse. They have a ton of displays and it's really, really well organized. We thought we'd spend half an hour here but ended up there for 3x that. Staff also very friendly helpful knowledgeable. They ask for a $10 donation but in theory it's optional. Highly recommended.

Went to Syracuse for the eclipse on the 8th and needed a place to sleep before making the long drive home. Stayed at the Red Roof Inn. Not a luxury place by far, but certainly suitable for the night, and very reasonable. We saw the Erie Canal Museum the next day before going home - it was interesting.

Nicely curated history and artifacts from when the Erie Canal existed in Syracuse. Great for kids with interactive exhibits (a school group was here during my visit). You'll get to go inside an actual canal boat replica to get a sense for size and what it might have been like to travel the canal, learn about how the canal and its lock system, and better understand the role it played in our country's expansion. Small but nice gift shop at the entrance, and chatty and knowledgeable staff just waiting to make sure you get the most out of your visit. There is a recommended "donation" for admission - pay it as it's a really nice collection and so much a part of American history. Don't miss the mule sculpture across the street!