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National Historical Park
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Washington, D.C., Maryland, West Virginia
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Families can start at the visitor center for maps, exhibits, and Junior Ranger materials; always check nps.gov for current hours and conditions before you go.
Hours, roads, and programs change with the seasons. Check current conditions on the official Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park website before you go.
Wild Base Family is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Park Service. Park brochures and Junior Ranger books are free official materials published by the National Park Service; our links open the official PDF (on nps.gov) when one is available online.