Natural Attraction

Lock 38 at Canal Exploration Center

Natural Attraction
Four people in historic costume stand on the left side of a water-filled stone lock.

Lock 38 stands as a full-scale reconstruction of an 1800s canal lock where hydraulic principles meet mechanical engineering: water fills or drains through butterfly valves in the upstream or downstream gates, shifting the internal water level until it matches the adjacent canal level. Volunteers demonstrate this system on summer weekends when water conditions allow. This was the last functioning lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal (also called Twelve Mile Lock), and boats were limited to 75 feet long to navigate its chamber.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
41.3727286365269,-81.612867442967
Accessibility
Paved walkways throughout; wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities; accessible restrooms; elevators and accessible rooms at Canal Exploration Center; level terrain with minimal slope

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Other historic locks on Ohio & Erie Canal (Lock 24, 25, 26, 29, 32, 35, 36, 37, 39); Boston Mill Visitor Center; Ohio to Erie Trail
Nearby Facilities
Canal Exploration Center with visitor exhibits, interpretive programs, gift shop, restrooms, water stations, and accessibility services
Best Time To Visit
Summer weekends when water levels in the canal permit and volunteers are demonstrating the lock operation
Tips Advice
  • Visit on summer weekends when water permits and volunteers demonstrate the system—timing is key to seeing it work
  • Watch the butterfly valve operation during both filling and draining phases to understand the mechanics
  • Bring binoculars to observe details from a safe viewing distance
  • Combine with Towpath Trail for scenic canal-side hiking
  • Visit Canal Exploration Center exhibits before or after viewing the lock to understand Ohio & Erie Canal history

More details

Family Friendly Notes
Educational and engaging for families and school groups; wheelchair accessible makes it suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities; volunteer demonstrations are designed for public viewing; stay supervised near the lock chamber—moving water and heavy gates require caution
Recent Updates
Volunteer demonstrations occur on summer weekends when canal water levels permit adequate filling. Check with Canal Exploration Center for current demonstration schedules and any seasonal access updates.
Attraction Type
Historic Canal Lock
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view with fully paved and accessible pathways
How To Get There
Located at Canal Exploration Center, 7104 Canal Road, Valley View, Ohio 44125. The lock and center are fully accessible from the parking area via paved walkways.
Parking Availability
Yes, dedicated parking lot at Canal Exploration Center with accessible spaces
Road Type
Paved
Entry Fees
No entrance fee
Main Features
Reconstructed 1800s canal lock with functional butterfly valve gates; water-filled lock chamber; volunteer-led demonstrations on summer weekends showing hydraulic water management; connected to Towpath Trail and Ohio & Erie Canal heritage system
What Youll See
A full-scale reconstructed canal lock with operational butterfly valves, lock chamber, upstream and downstream gates; volunteer demonstrations showing water management in action; interpretive signage; Canal Exploration Center exhibits on Ohio & Erie Canal history and engineering
Unique Characteristics
Last functioning lock remaining on the Ohio & Erie Canal; reconstruction of original 'Twelve Mile Lock'; boats were limited to 75 feet long to pass through; demonstrates 1800s hydraulic engineering principles still in use
Safety Considerations
Lock 38 contains a water-filled chamber with moving gate mechanisms. During demonstrations, water levels change rapidly. Keep well back from the lock edge—do not enter the chamber or reach toward operating gates. The chamber depth and moving gates present drowning and crush hazards. Supervise children closely and stay within marked safety barriers at all times.
Visitor Center Present
1
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Flush
Picnic Areas
1
Interpretive Signs
1
Cell Service
true
Water Available
1
Guided Tours Available
1
Trailheads Here
Towpath Trail (connects to Ohio to Erie Trail and broader Cuyahoga Valley trail network)
Connecting Trails
Towpath Trail connects to Ohio to Erie Trail and broader Cuyahoga Valley trail network
Scientific Interest
Hydraulic engineering principles from 1800s canal systems; demonstrates how locks overcome elevation changes without dams; butterfly valve mechanism still operational; mechanical demonstration of water pressure equilibration

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is the lock still functional or just a static display?

Lock 38 is fully reconstructed and operational. Volunteers demonstrate it on summer weekends when water conditions in the canal allow—you'll see real water fill and drain the chamber using the original butterfly valve mechanism.

Will I see actual boats transit through the lock?

No, the lock is a demonstration feature only. The Ohio & Erie Canal is no longer used for active navigation. Volunteers operate the lock to show how the hydraulic system worked during the canal's commercial era.

Is it worth visiting if demonstrations aren't happening?

Yes. The reconstructed lock structure itself is impressive and photographable, and the adjacent Canal Exploration Center has extensive exhibits on Ohio & Erie Canal history and engineering. The site is open daily with full amenities.

Can kids get close to the lock during demonstrations?

Children must remain behind marked safety barriers during demonstrations. The lock chamber is deep with moving gates—proximity rules are strictly enforced to prevent drowning and crush hazards.

What else can we do here besides viewing the lock?

Visit Canal Exploration Center exhibits, walk the adjacent Towpath Trail, explore interpretive panels about canal history, and access picnic areas. The Towpath Trail connects to the broader trail network for longer hikes. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at this site.

Pinery Feeder

Restored river and canal heritage meet at this dam removal site.

Rockside Station

Historic railroad station and trail hub with scenic trains and riverside access. Fully wheelchair accessible.

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Sources

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.