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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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