History, Mystery, Outdoor & Explorer Fun
Outings are naturally fun in this section of the Canalway - whether you’re exploring nature along the 25 miles of Stark Parks managed Towpath Trail, visiting iconic American places such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the First Ladies Museum, catching CVSR’s Canton-Akron flyer, or traveling back in time on a Canal Fulton canal boat ride.
Family Fun along the Towpath Trail
The Lake Avenue Trailhead — Your family can combine, hiking, biking, and canoeing with a visit to the Lake Avenue Towpath Trailhead in Massillon or at the Canal Fulton Canoe Livery - one Trailhead south.
Canal Fulton — Time Travel & Treats — Families can experience canal life first hand in this canal-era town. Take a ride back in time on the St. Helena III Canal Boat, then stop for some “Canal Mud” - a chocolate and caramel delight - at Deliciously Different Chocolates on Canal Street in Canal Fulton, find ice cream sundaes at one of two shops, or take a visit to The Teddy Bear Shoppe and The Toys Time Forgot. Complete your visit with a stop at Canal Fulton Glassworks - a historic building that showcases Ohio artists and offers free glassblowing demos every Saturday, year-round!
Craig Pittman Memorial Park & Navarre-Bethlehem Park — Both nice locations for picnics. Nav-Beth includes everything you need for a great day out — a children’s playground, covered picnic shelters, renovated restrooms, and baseball fields!
Explorer Adventures at Sippo Lake
Visit the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center at Stark Parks Sippo Lake Park to discover our canal-era past. Learn more at www.starkparks.com.
For an easy day out:
- Stop by the Lily Pad Gift Shop for beverages, candy, maps, history books, birding supplies, and souvenirs of your visit.
- Have a picnic overlooking the lake.
- Take a one-mile stroll to the Sippo Marina where you can rent a boat or do some fishing.
Quest Away a Summer afternoon
Currently, three Quests from our fun, free outdoor adventure series are available in Stark County - and will be active through Nov. 15th:
Canal Fulton is the starting point for two Quests:
A Canal Mule’s Quest let you “see” the canal through they
eyes of a mule - great fun for kids! Head to Questing to learn more.
Visitor’s Tip: This Quest starts in the Canalway Center,
so make sure it’s open before you go!
Canalway Samplers can turn your Quests into a full day of fun.
Samplers are simply a collection of our favorite outings - numbered for easy reference.
Check out Canalway Sampler #25 to make it a full
Canal Fulton Day Out!
Oh, the History of it All!
Driving through the Canalway becomes a bit more fun when following the signed America’s Byway route to key Canalway locations. The ride through Stark County is packed with historic, cultural and national treasures.
From the Lake Avenue Trailhead, follow the blue and orange Byway signs east toward Canton to visit the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center at Sippo Lake Park, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, the First Ladies National Historical Site and Library, the Canton Art Institute, and the Canton Classic Car Museum
Spotlight — William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum - a National Historic Landmark - Canton was the place President McKinley called home - and his Library & Museum features a special children’s wing. The 108 steps up to the Monument will challenge your fitness - and perhaps a little one’s counting ability. Learn more about President McKinley - one of nine children - at http://www.mckinleymuseum.org
Did You Know?
The Stark County section of the America’s Byway intersects with America’s first byway, the historic Lincoln Highway!
Learn more in Byway Driving.
Key Tips from those who’ve gone before you :)
On Towpath Trail outings bring maps, water, sunscreen, be aware of weather conditions, and your child’s limitations.
Canalway Alerts
Check before you go! Each of the Park Districts and the National Park post temporary trail closures. Find them here.