Explore some of the highlights of Lockport, New York – a city that got its name from the famous, historically important Erie Canal locks.

Highlights of Lockport

Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

Have you ever wanted to live underground and go full-on subterranean? Although I’m sorry to say that humankind hasn’t quite yet figured out how we can live like mole people (if you dare to dream hard enough, one day it’ll be a reality). There is, however, an underground boat ride in a cave (I know some of you might be disappointed that you can’t live out your life like Mole Man from the Fantastic Four, but beggars can’t be choosers. Plus, who wants to be a supervillain anyway? I hear their Union is a mess). During the tour you’ll learn the history of the cave from your tour guide as well as well as walk inside it. Keep in mind that you’ll actually be doing a lot of walking, and it tends to get hot because a cave is an enclosed space, so make sure to pack some sneakers and plenty of water. If you’re looking for a little underground adventure with a nice mix of walking as well as boating, give this one a shot. Maybe it will inspire you to figure out a way for people to sustain living conditions underground.

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

This is perhaps Lockport’s most famous attraction because it takes you through the locks of which the city is named after. Enjoy the majesty of the Erie Canal as your tour guide tells you about the canal’s history. Or ignore the tour guide and just enjoy the sensation of being in the locks as you go up or down based on the direction (I’m sure they won’t appreciate being ignored, but at the same time they have to realize this sort of thing would happen when they took the job).

The Upside Down Railroad Bridge

Built-in 1902 by the prolific and noteworthy King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio, this bridge was referred to as the “Upside-Down Bridge” because as a deck truss, it looks like a through truss positioned upside-down. A deck truss bridge is a variation of a beam structure with enhanced reinforcements. The deck is in tension. The trusses handle both tension and compression, with the diagonal ones in tension and the vertical ones in compression, for those of us who aren’t bridge architects. The bridge was rumored to have been built as such by the railroad to limit the size of boats that could use the Erie Canal and try to put the canal out of business. No one is certain of the validity of this claim. Perhaps the strangest part of the bridge is, beside it being upside down, it is really just a regular bridge. If you’re one of those people that appreciate all the architecture, you have to check out this one at some point.

Spring Lake Winery

The goal for this winery since day one has been to produce quality wines relying on the freshest local New York State ingredients. And judging by the numerous awards, the winery has amassed during its existence. It looks like a lot of its patrons agree with this mantra as well. So, if you want some great wine made up of only the best local ingredients available, you know where to go in Lockport!

The Transit Drive-In Theater

In 1940, an entrepreneurial couple Irving Cohen and Mary Gossin were buying and selling property in order to get more theatres built in their area. They purchased the historic Allendale Theater in Buffalo, which they remodeled in the 1950s and leased to several different operators. In 1949 they built the Van Buren Drive-in in Dunkirk, which they operated until it was sold to the Dipson Theatre chain in 1979, just to name a few. Then in 1957, they purchased the Transit Drive-in from a group of Buffalo-area businessmen. Despite the theatre’s numerous setbacks over the years, the theatre has always stayed a family business, with three generations operating the theatre up until today. On June 29, 2001, the Transit Drive-in became the largest drive-in theatre in the State of New York. The Transit Drive-In Theater has stood the test of time not only as a solid family business but a fun place to take in a movie with friends and family as well. May the drive-in theatre keep going strong for many years to come!

Explore Lockport

Lockport has a lot of attractions that have to do with the water, there’s no escaping that, but hopefully this piece has shown that Lockport has interesting things to do off the boat as well as on it. Take in a movie at the drive-in. Get some delicious wine with the best local ingredients available. Whatever you do, it’s sure to be a good time. If all else fails, you can take a calming boat ride on the water (just don’t make it too obvious that you’re not paying attention to the tour guide, I hear he’s onto you).