Discover Lock Haven

Lock Haven brings together traces of the Pennsylvania Canal, museums, public art, and activities along the Susquehanna River. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to decide on a main focus first: Would you like to explore canal history, learn about aviation and historic architecture, or plan time by the water? The city’s attractions offer different experiences and provide concrete points of reference.

Canal History and Trails

In the historic district, Canal Park is preserved as a monument to Pennsylvania’s canal era. The 1.25-acre, lighted walking path runs from Church Street to Water Street and is located on the site of the West Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal. The park includes the original canal lock for which Lock Haven is named. Canal Park thus brings together the path, the lock, and the memory of the canal era—a concrete point of reference if you’re interested in the town’s historical development.

The William Clinger Riverwalk complements the historic park with a different kind of trail: It is 2.5 miles long, paved, and runs along the levee. The difference is clear when choosing between the trails: Canal Park combines a walking path with the lock; the Riverwalk is a paved route along the levee. Each offers a different perspective for exploring the city.

Museums and Architecture

A 1962 Piper Apache is on display in the first-floor hangar at the Piper Aviation Museum. The combination of the aircraft, its year of manufacture, and its specific exhibition location brings aviation history in Lock Haven to life. At William T. Piper Memorial Airport, a shuttle is available to take visitors to local attractions and downtown. Destinations include the Piper Aviation Museum and downtown.

The Heisey House Museum occupies part of a brick Federal-style farmhouse built around 1831. The Boyd Grieb Ice House displays an extensive collection from an archaeological excavation. Architecture and archaeology thus complement the aviation theme with other topics to help you get your bearings in Lock Haven.

Art Around Town

The Roots & Wings Tour is a self-guided public art project throughout Lock Haven. Unlike a single museum exhibit, Roots & Wings is designed as a tour of several locations. A map is provided to help visitors find the different bald eagle locations; these sites are within the city and can be reached on foot. The tour format connects the art project with an exploration of several spots around the city.

Along the Susquehanna River

City Beach offers public access to swimming in the Susquehanna River. If you plan to make swimming an integral part of your stay, check seasonal availability before your trip. The J. Doyle Corman Amphitheatre is an entertainment area with a floating stage. This gives you different options: public swimming in the river or an entertainment area with a floating stage.

Discover more destinations: Renovo, Mill Hall, Westport.

Return to the broader travel overview: Clinton County.