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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Museum, Historic Site (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
400 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Erie Canal Museum
Alright, buckle up, history buffs! As we roll toward the Erie Canal Museum, you’re approaching the very spot where Syracuse truly began to rise. This is the only remaining weighlock building in the entire United States, built in 1850. Back in the canal’s heyday, boats would float directly into this structure so officials could lower the water, weigh the cargo, and calculate tolls. Picture the noise and energy here—creaking timbers, shouted orders, and constant movement as goods flowed across New York State.

The Erie Canal opened in 1825 and changed everything. Before it, Syracuse was a small village built around salt production. After the canal? Instant boomtown. Farmers, merchants, and travelers poured through, bringing new industries, ideas, and prosperity. This “Eighth Wonder of the World” connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and helped turn New York into the Empire State.

Inside the museum—if you return later on foot—you’ll find a full-size replica canal boat and exhibits that highlight the lives of the “canawlers” who worked these waters. But for now, as we continue driving, take one last look at this historic building. It’s more than a museum—it’s the foundation of modern Syracuse.

  https://eriecanalmuseum.org/
Place #2
Distance: 0.27mi , Attraction : Public Square, Historic Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
N Salina St & W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Clinton Square
Next up, we arrive at Clinton Square, Syracuse’s historic town square, and truly its public living room. This isn't just a pretty park; it’s a site steeped in centuries of history, a place where the city has gathered, celebrated, mourned, and made its voice heard. Before it was a square, this was a vital crossroads for the salt industry, with the original Erie Canal running right through it, literally splitting the square in two! The canal was rerouted in 1918, but you can still feel its presence in the very layout of the area.

Named after Governor DeWitt Clinton, the square has witnessed countless pivotal moments. It was once a bustling marketplace where farmers sold their wares, a parade ground for soldiers during the Civil War, and a gathering point for abolitionists. Frederick Douglass, the famed orator and abolitionist, spoke here in 1852, addressing a crowd on the injustices of slavery. In more modern times, it’s where Syracusans celebrate the holidays with tree lightings, enjoy summer concerts, and gather for various community events. Look around at the architecture – you'll see a blend of historic buildings, reflecting the city's growth and prosperity, often built with locally quarried Onondaga limestone. The beautiful fountain in the center, a beloved landmark, provides a refreshing focal point, especially on a warm day. It’s a place that genuinely reflects the enduring spirit and evolution of Syracuse.

Please turn right when you reach Fayette Street.

Read More

  https://www.syracuse.ny.us/departments/parks-recreation/parks/clinton-square/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Erie Canal Museum
Map Pin Place 2 Clinton Square
Map Pin Place 3 Armory Square
Map Pin Place 4 Museum of Science & Technology
Map Pin Place 5 Landmark Theatre
Map Pin Place 6 St. Paul's Syracuse, the Downtown Episcopal Church
Map Pin Place 7 Onondaga Historical Museum
Map Pin Place 8 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Map Pin Place 9 Everson Museum of Art
Map Pin Place 10 Syracuse University
Map Pin Place 11 Thornden Park Rose Garden
Map Pin Place 12 Thornden Park
Map Pin Place 13 Syracuse History
Map Pin Place 14 Destiny USA
Map Pin Place 15 NBT Bank Stadium
Map Pin Place 16 Onondaga Lake Park



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 0.5 to 1 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 16 stops, covering top attractions such as Erie Canal Museum, Clinton Square, Armory Square, Museum of Science & Technology, Landmark Theatre.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Erie Canal Museum (Address: 400 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!