History Comes to Life in

 Historic Roscoe Village!

In the early 1800s, plans were well underway to develop the means to transport people and goods from the ports on Lake Erie and the Ohio River to the developing towns and villages throughout this new state. In August of 1830, the first canal boat docked at Roscoe Village and the vivid history of this port town on the Ohio and Erie Canal began.

Canal Town Journey

Our historic buildings offer a glimpse into the daily life of the craftsman and his family, the lessons of the one-room school, the distinctive home and office of the town's doctor, and the fascinating miniature displays of canal construction in the Visitor Center complex. Our artisans display the workmanship of daily life in the 1800s as they practice the trades of blacksmithing, broom making, weaving, printing, bucket making and more. All of this combines to make the tales of history entertaining for all ages.

Click here for School Tour information

 Click here for Scout Patch Program information

Our exhibit buildings are available on a seasonal basis.  We recommend that you call 800-877-1830 or 740-622-7644 for specific tour times when planning your visit or refer to the online listing in the Hours Link.

Hands-On Crafts

All of the Roscoe Village hands-on activities are based on crafts practiced during the canal era.  "Children of all ages" can try their hand at candle dipping, tin punching, rope making and more in our hands-on facility located in the Visitor Center.  Hands-on activities are offered daily from 10:00-4:00 June – August and on a limited basis in April and May, and September through December.  While in our hands-on room, take time to discover the sites and sounds of the canal era with games, puzzles, music and activities in our discovery area.

Group Hands-On information

Monticello III Canal Boat

Tours can also include a ride aboard the Monticello III along a restored section of the Ohio and Erie Canal. This forty-five minute horse-drawn ride is an experience not to be missed!  It is important to note that the Monticello III does not make regular runs on Mondays (with the exception of Memorial Day and Labor Day).  Tickets for the Monticello III are separate from Canal Town Journey Tour tickets or admission to the Johnson Humrickhouse Museum and can be purchased at the Canal Boat Landing or at the Visitor Center in combination with your Canal Town Journey Tour ticket.

Tour Prices

Canal Town Journey

Apple & Autumn Canal Town Tour

Spirit of Roscoe Tour

Adult, $9.95; Student, $4.95; Family, $29.95

 AAA, Senior, and Group rates are available

Contact Sales Coordinator at 1-800-877-1830

Hands-on Activities

$2.00 per person - per craft

Monticello III Canal Boat

Adult $7.00; Student $4.00

Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum

Purchased at the museum:  Adult $3.00; Student $2.00; Family $8.00

Purchased at the Visitor Center in combination with your Living History ticket:  Adults $1.50; Students $1.00

Special Seasonal Tours

Apple & Autumn Canal Town Tour

Autumn was certainly an important time of the year for canal-era farmers. We celebrate the sights, smells and tastes of autumn each October with our largest festival, Apple Butter Stirrin' in Roscoe Village. Our Canal Town Journey Tours during the autumn months focus on the apple harvest and the role of this simple fruit in this 1800s canal town. 

Spirit of Roscoe Tour

Learn about a "spirited" canal town on this tour of Roscoe's Living History Buildings. Learn about the mysterious facts and legends surrounding the people of Roscoe Village in the 1800s. Hear about Roscoe's firebug, the tragedy at the hotel, the danger and humor of being a post boy, and the fear of "King Cholera". Tour begins at 7pm from the Visitor Center. Reservations are requested and taken until 5 p.m. Additional dates available for groups of 10 or more by calling the marketing department at (800) 877-1830.  Book at least 1 week prior to tour date.

A Roscoe Christmas

     Experience a true old-fashioned Christmas at this candlelight tour of the Living History Buildings decorated for Christmas. Hear about the evolution of the Christmas card as your print your own 1800s Christmas postcard. Play with some Canal Era toys and make a simple toy to take home. Learn about 1800s Christmas decorations and sample a few Christmas treats. Reminisce about "visions of sugarplums" from  Christmases past at this memorable holiday tour.  Additional dates available for groups of 10 or more by calling the marketing department at (800) 877-1830.  Book at least 1 week prior to tour date.