You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
A mule and his driver are cemented in time here at Canal Place. A popular photo site, the statue sits in front of the former Western Maryland Railway station, now used as the headquarters and visitors center for the Canal Place Heritage Area. The statue signifies Cumberland’s role in the C&O Canal. Mules were used to tow boats along the Canal because they were cheaper to purchase than horses and were less prone to illness and injury. The mule and driver statue was erected in 2000 and is made of bronze.
We know that to preserve something, you need to experience it, so we are proud to provide support to the C&O National Historical Park as their official philanthropic partner.
Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
For more information and nearby places to stay or grab a bite to eat, please visit our local tourism partners:
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C&O Canal Explorer!
There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains accessible to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Scheduled C&O Canal Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled.
Learn more about what the shutdown means for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.