History Comes to Life in

 Historic Roscoe Village!

In the early 1800s, plans were well underway to develop the means to transport people and goods from the ports on Lake Erie and the Ohio River to the developing towns and villages throughout this new state. In August of 1830, the first canal boat docked at Roscoe Village and the vivid history of this port town on the Ohio and Erie Canal began.

Living History Tours

Our historic buildings offer a glimpse into the daily life of the craftsman and his family, the lessons of the one-room school, the distinctive home and office of the town's doctor, and the fascinating miniature displays of canal construction in the Visitor Center complex. Our artisans display the workmanship of daily life in the 1800s as they practice the trades of broom making, weaving, printing, bucket making and more. All of this combines to make the tales of history entertaining for all ages.

Click here for School Tour information

 Click here for Scout Patch Program information

Historic buildings can be toured at your leisure during the summer months and on a guided tour basis during April through May and September through December. Hours of operation are seasonal. We recommend that you call 800-877-1830 for specific tour times when planning your visit or refer to the online listing in the Hours Link.

Hands-On Crafts

All of the Roscoe Village hands-on activities are based on crafts practiced during the canal era.  "Children of all ages" can try their hand at candle dipping, tin punching, rope making and more in our hands-on facility located in the Visitor Center.  Hands-on activities are offered on the week-ends in April and May and September through December.  The Hands-on room is staffed daily during the summer 10:00am-4:00pm.  While in our hands-on room, take time to discover the sites and sounds of the canal era with games, puzzles, music and activities in our discovery area.

Group Hands-On information

Monticello III Canal Boat

Tours can also include a ride aboard the Monticello III along a restored section of the Ohio and Erie Canal. This forty-five minute horse-drawn ride is an experience not to be missed! The Monticello III leaves port Tuesday through Thursday on the hour from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and Friday through Sunday on the hour from 1:00pm to 5:00pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Following Labor Day the boat runs on Saturdays and Sundays until mid-October from 1pm to 5pm. It is important to note that the Monticello III does not make regular runs on Mondays (with the exception of Memorial Day and Labor Day).  Tickets for the Monticello III are separate from Living History Tour tickets or admission to the Johnson Humrickhouse Museum and can be purchased at the Canal Boat Landing or at the Visitor Center in combination with your Living History Tour ticket.

Tour Prices

Living History Tour

Adult, $9.95; Student, $4.95; Family, $29.95

 AAA, Senior, and Group rates are available

Contact Sales Coordinator at 1-800-877-1830

Hands-on Activities

$2.00 per person - per craft

Monticello III Canal Boat

Adult $7.00; Student $4.00

Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum

Purchased at the museum:  Adult $3.00; Student $2.00; Family $8.00

Purchased at the Visitor Center in combination with your Living History ticket:  Adults $1.50; Students $1.00

Special Seasonal Tours

Apple & Autumn Living History Tour

Sept. 21 - Oct. 19, 2008

Autumn was certainly an important time of the year for canal-era farmers. We celebrate the sights, smells and tastes of autumn each October with our largest festival, Apple Butter Stirrin' in Roscoe Village. Our Living History Tours during the autumn months focus on the apple harvest and the role of this simple fruit in this 1800s canal town. 

Spirit of Roscoe Tour

October 17 & 18, 2008 (Friday & Saturday) 

Learn about a "spirited" canal town on this tour of Roscoe's Living History Buildings. Learn about the mysterious facts and legends surrounding the people of Roscoe Village in the 1800s. Hear about Roscoe's firebug, the tragedy at the hotel, the danger and humor of being a post boy, and the fear of "King Cholera". Tour begins at 7pm from the Visitor Center. Reservations are requested and taken until 5 p.m. Additional dates available for groups of 10 or more by calling Sales Coordinator at (800) 877-1830.  Book at least 1 week prior to tour date.

A Roscoe Christmas

December 6, 13, & 20, 2008

     Experience a true old-fashioned Christmas at this candlelight tour of the Living History Buildings decorated for Christmas. Hear about the evolution of the Christmas card as your print your own 1800s Christmas postcard. Play with some Canal Era toys and make a simple toy to take home. Learn about 1800s Christmas decorations and sample a few Christmas treats. Reminisce about "visions of sugarplums" from  Christmases past at this memorable holiday tour.  Additional dates available for groups of 10 or more by calling Sales Coordinator at (800) 877-1830.  Book at least 1 week prior to tour date.