UTICA — Those looking for a ride on the Erie Canal, and a trip through its history, are invited to the Oneida County History Center for Tuesdays on the Towpath in Utica.

The guided tour takes place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6. The ride starts and ends at the Trailhead for the Erie Canalway Trail on Harbor Lock Road West in Utica. All riders who have at least some experience on a bike are welcome. Pre-registration and helmets are required.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of this award-winning ride and the Oneida County History Center’s second year participating.

Leading the tour is OCHC Director of Public Programs Patrick Reynolds.

“In trying to diversify our audience and expand our offerings, we’re looking to get out of the museum building and to the people and nature,” Reynolds said. “It’s a great way to connect with people we normally wouldn’t while telling the story of the Canal, how the city developed, and more.”

For the OCHC’s first Tuesday on the Towpath last year, Reynolds said around 25 people were attending who were enthusiastic about the trip. “And earlier this year, we had a program called ‘Beers, Bikes, and Barges,’” Reynolds said. “It was along the same lines — get on a bike and ride along the Canal — but it ended at a brewery. And that got sold out. We’re seeing a desire in the community from the people. Now, [post-COVID-19 lockdowns], people can go out and be safe, get together, and do things.”

This guided tour includes lectures on history, ecology, and other topics along the historic Erie Canal given by Reynolds.

When asked about topics for talks, Reynolds said there’s an abundance to discuss on the Canal — and much related to Utica.

“We’re riding along the entrance to Utica’s Inner Harbor,” Reynolds said. “Once the Erie Canal was built, it changed the waterfront of Utica. And the Canal originally went through downtown Utica, and as a response, Utica built the Inner Harbor. And for many years, industrial goods, oil, and coal were delivered. But now, it’s more used for recreation, and some people look at it as prime waterfront. And there are great plans for Utica’s Inner Harbor.”

This and more will be up for discussion along the Erie Canal.

Admission to this program is free for the general public; donations are encouraged. Registration and additional information can be found at https://www.oneidacountyhistory.org/programs.html.

The Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley for present and future generations.

Contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit the OCHC website (www.oneidacountyhistory.org) for additional information.