About the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center

The Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center (GVC) is the product of a collaborative effort of non-profit and federal, state and local governments to introduce locals and travelers alike to the historically significant and culturally unique Champlain Canal Region of Lakes to Locks Passage. The GVC will be centrally located along the 60-mile path of the Champlain Canal on Route 29/Ferry Street in Schuylerville, NY where it will serve as an orientation point for visitors to explore communities in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties. By boat, by car, by bicycle or even by foot, the GVC will direct visitors to the region’s cultural, natural, historical and recreational destinations and define the narrative that links these destinations together.

About the Site

The future site of the Champlain Canal Gateway Visitors Center is as significant as it’s purpose. The structure will be built on Route 29/Ferry Street, a road that supports 10,000 vehicles per day, close to Fort Hardy Park and the Field of Grounded Arms, where General Burgoyne’s troops surrendered their weapons following defeat  at the Battles of Saratoga. The center also will be within sight of an intact section of the historic Champlain Canal. It is accessible to boaters at the nearby Schuyler Yacht Basin and by pedestrians on the parallel Champlain Canalway Trail.

About the Timber Frame Guild

The Champlain Canal Gateway Visitors Center will be a timber frame structure, inspired by the architectural stylings of the nearby Schuyler House. The work will be completed, in part, by the Timber Framers Guild.  The Timber Framers Guild is dedicated to the art and science of Timber Framing and uses timber framing workshops to educate volunteers and the public in timber framing as they build and raise a timber frame structure for a local community.  The Gateway Visitor Center has been chosen by the TFG as their Community Building Project  for 2016.

Community Building Project Brochure

Learn More: www.tfguild.org

An Economic Development and Sustainable Tourism Opportunity

Lakes to Locks Passage has begun to assemble the key components of community-based destination stewardship, also called sustainable or place-based tourism. Place-based tourism engages  all members of the community and builds community pride in the place they live. Each community has the opportunity to deliver an authentic tourism experience that is designed to spread benefits beyond individual attractions. It encourages  visitors to stop, stay and spend money in a manner that benefits the entire community, serving as a basis for community revitalization and a sound local economy.

Purpose:

• Gateway to Lakes to Locks Passage
• Direct visitors to Communities & Assets
• Introduction to the key partners, authentic experiences and interpretive themes.
• Provide interpretation of key features of the site.

Lakes to Locks Passage Heritage Center Strategy

Learn More: www.lakestolocks.org

 

 

Project Supporters

Funding for the project came from New York State and Federal  grants,  including  generous support and contributions from the Saratoga County IDA and Saratoga County.