MENASHA LOCK AND CANAL WALKING TOUR

Our free public tour will begin at the Menasha Lock and follow along the new canal trail. We will finish at the four pillars called the Veranda near the Racine Street Bridge. Lock System historian Christine Williams and members of the Menasha Historical Society will guide you on your way, bringing life to the waterway's past.

The average immigrant took seven years to get to Wisconsin. Many of the Irish went from state to state to find work and a place to call home. By 1850, in Menasha, the project was focused on building a canal/dam/lock system. The project needed a labor force.

The canal was to be 60 feet wide at the bottom and 4 feet deep.

The system was completed in 1856, beckoning steamboat traffic and inviting commerce. However, in 1858, the canal embarkment near the lock gave way. In 1866, the Fox & Wisconsin Improvement Company cleared, deepened and straightened the canal and constructed a 1000-foot coffer dam.

We hope to see you on the Tour.

You may also like the following events from Menasha Historical Society:

• This September, 11th September, 06:30 pm, All Aboard - Wisconsin Railroads and Lionel Toy Trains in Menasha

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Menasha.