Frazee House Panel
Hand-built Federal brick home from 1825. A Western Reserve pioneer monument—closed to interior, panel visible.
Natural Attraction
A brick Federal-style house anchors Canal Road in Valley View, built by hand in 1825–1827 by Stephen and Mehitable Frazee using local materials and a design inspired by Asher Benjamin's 1806 *American Builder's Companion*. The balanced, symmetrical facade marks the Frazees' rise from frontier hardship to canal-era prosperity, their transition accelerated when the Ohio & Erie Canal cut through their property. An on-site interpretive graphic panel details the family's story; the building interior is closed pending foundation repairs, but the exterior grounds remain fully accessible.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- Drive to 7733 Canal Road, Valley View, Ohio 44125. Park in the auto lot; the interpretive panel is immediately visible from the grounds. The building interior is closed to access pending structural repairs, but the exterior and panel remain fully accessible.
- Parking Availability
- Auto parking lot available on-site.
- GPS Coordinates
- 41.35243122,-81.59237965
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Historic Building
- Main Features
- Brick Federal-style facade emphasizing balance and symmetry; hand-built 1825–1827 with local materials; on-site interpretive graphic panel describing Frazee family history and canal-era settlement.
Facilities, fees & access
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Picnic Areas
- Yes
- Interpretive Signs
- Yes
- Accessibility Level
- Drive-up access. Exterior grounds and interpretive panel accessible to all visitors. Building interior not accessible.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Family-friendly exterior site with detailed interpretive signage. Open grounds, picnic tables, and easy parking make it an accessible stop for all ages. Nearby Towpath Trail offers gentle walking for families.
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- The building interior is closed due to foundation shifting and structural cracking discovered in 2011. Remain in designated visitor areas and avoid the structure itself. Canal Road traffic nearby; use caution when entering or exiting the parking area.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Alexander-Wilson Mill (nearby on Towpath Trail); Towpath Trail (across Canal Road); Sagamore Bridle Trail.
- Connecting Trails
- Towpath Trail (across Canal Road); Sagamore Bridle Trail (at base of driveway).
More details
- Recent Updates
- Building closed since 2011 pending structural repairs and foundation stabilization. Exterior site and interpretive panel remain accessible.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can I go inside the house?
No. The building interior is closed pending foundation repairs. An exterior interpretive panel describes the Frazee family, their craftsmanship, and their place in Cuyahoga Valley's canal-era history.
Why has the building been closed since 2011?
Foundation shifting and structural cracking were discovered in 2011. The NPS closed the structure to monitor damage and secure funding for stabilization—a safety measure and preservation precaution.
Is the visit worthwhile if I can't enter?
Yes. The interpretive panel is detailed and contextualized by nearby Towpath Trail exhibits and the Alexander-Wilson Mill. The exterior architecture is visible from the grounds, and it's a strong historical anchor for understanding the canal era.
Can we stop for a picnic or break here?
Absolutely. Picnic tables, parking, and restrooms are on-site, making it an excellent rest stop along the Ohio & Erie Canal corridor.
Is this site suitable for children?
Yes. The interpretive panel is educational and readable for families, the grounds are open and safe, and the proximity to the Towpath Trail provides connected exploration options.
More at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Tinkers Creek Aqueduct
Concrete aqueduct suspends a historic canal above Tinkers Creek—engineering from the 1800s, still standing.
Everett Covered Bridge
Ohio's last Summit County covered bridge (reconstructed 1986). Walk through preserved 1869 Smith Truss timber.
Canal Exploration Center Station
Historic railroad station with access to scenic train rides and the Towpath Trail.
Lock 35
Historic canal lock with Murphy family heritage panels; walk the Towpath Trail for views of the Cuyahoga River valley.
Lock 37 and Flood Gate
Historic canal lock with floodgate and working 19th-century mill on the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Lock 38 at Canal Exploration Center
See hydraulic butterfly valves raise canal boats—Lock 38, a reconstructed 1800s canal lock. Summer demonstrations.
Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.