Generations of Lockportians have enjoyed the warm weather months at Widewaters on the Erie Barge Canal. The canal widens here near the eastern border of the city and today's great grandfathers will recall it as a favorite retreat for fishing and telling tales of youth. It's still a favorite fishing area but in 2002, so much more! Today it's one of the most-valued jewels in the Lockport Park System!
A very nice canal marina, operated by the city, was built here several years ago and named to honor one of Lockport finest past Superintendent of Parks, Nelson J. Goehle. Oh, boy, when Goehle directed the parks in Lockport around the mid-20th century, we had showplaces of greenery unmatched on the Niagara Frontier! It is quite appropriate that this marina area on Lower Market Street is named after him. It's one of Lockport's finest park stretches.
Canal travelers can stop here for fuel and feast. Gasoline is sold at the marina, which normally is staffed daily from Noon until 9PM. There are also facilities here for boaters to do laundry and empty holding tanks. A public telephone is on site along with fresh (city) water. An inexpensive taxi can be called from here to take you to the city downtown area or Lockport's tourist attractions. The Towpath Trolley is another means of transit out of here and into all the neighborhoods of business and beauty in Lockport. There is plenty of free parking. A very modest fee is charged for tying up a boat here or launching your watercraft from the launch facilities. From canoe to luxury yacht, the Goehle Lockport Public Marina can meet the boaters' needs.
The Widewaters Drive-In, directly across Market Street from the marina provides superior summertime drive-in fare. You'll notice the quality of the meat here is a couple steps above what you'd expect. Picnic tables are all over the area at the drive-in and along the city park properties with outdoor charcoal grill fixtures.
See Also:
Our
"Wings
Over Widewaters" Pictorial