Residents of Lyons will have an opportunity to step back into Erie Canal history on Friday when the historic Seneca Chief canal boat docks in the village as part of the 2026 Back to Buffalo Tour.
Hosted by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the visit is designed to bring the story of the Erie Canal to life through hands-on learning, demonstrations, and tours aboard a full-size replica of the original 1825 Seneca Chief.
Activities will begin with Family Hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A welcome ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., followed by public visitor hours from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Lyons Fire Department.
The Seneca Chief’s stop in Lyons is part of the Back to Buffalo Voyage, a 22-day journey running from June 6 through June 27. The voyage follows the Erie Canal westward to Buffalo, returning the vessel to the community of volunteers who built it. The tour includes stops at 16 ports across New York State.
Visitors will have the chance to board the replica canal boat, meet crew members and volunteers, watch demonstrations, and learn about traditional wooden boatbuilding techniques. Educational exhibits and presentations will also highlight the environmental, economic, cultural, and Indigenous history of the Erie Canal.
The Back to Buffalo Tour is a statewide educational initiative running from May through October, offering opportunities for residents, students, and visitors to explore the canal’s lasting impact on New York’s history and development.
Organizers say all ages are welcome to attend Friday’s events and experience a unique piece of New York’s maritime heritage firsthand.
