The Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center is your gateway to discovering the rich history, stunning natural beauty, and thriving culture of the Champlain Canal region. Located in the heart of Schuylerville, the visitor center provides a wealth of information and resources for travelers and locals alike for the entire region. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s role in America’s history, enjoying outdoor recreational activities, or want to learn more about what’s happening in surrounding communities, our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you. With informative exhibits and displays and a welcoming atmosphere, the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your next adventure. Come and immerse yourself in the stories and landscape that defines this unique part of New York.

The building is a beautifully crafted timber frame structure, inspired by the architectural stylings of a Dutch Barn, similar to what would have once stood on the property of the nearby Schuyler House. Completed with the expertise of the Timber Framers Guild and with the help of numerous community volunteers, the building seamlessly blends historical charm with modern amenities. Large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The result is a stunning facility that serves as a welcoming gateway to the Champlain Canal region.

Graphic for the Lantern Festival. There is a pencil drawing of mules pulling a canal boat, orange and red leaves, and information about the event that can be found in the text.

Old Champlain Canal
Lantern Festival

Join us for an evening of creativity, music, storytelling, and canal history at the Old Champlain Canal Lantern Festival on Sunday, October 25 from 5:00–7:00 pm at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center in Schuylerville.

The evening will include:

  • 5:00–5:30 pm – Workshop
    Free drop-in luminary lantern-making for all ages.

  • 5:30–6:30 pm – Program
    Opening Remarks by Frank Lombardo
    Story and Song with Canal Balladeer George Ward
    Tales and Lore from Cindy’s Cabinet of Crafted Curiosities Puppet Show

  • 6:30 pm – Lantern Procession
    Join us as we process to the Schuylerville Basin for song and a lantern launch.

Make Your Lantern Ahead of Time!

Want to arrive at the festival with your lantern already in hand? Join us for one of our pre-event lantern-making workshops:

  • Friday, October 2 at 3:30 pm – Family Lantern-Making Workshop at the Schuylerville Public Library

  • Thursday, October 8 at 5:30 pm – Adult Lantern-Making Workshop at the Schuylerville Public Library

  • Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm – All-Ages Paper Lantern-Making Workshop at Hudson Crossing Park

Participants are invited to bring the lanterns they create to the Old Champlain Canal Lantern Festival and join us for the evening procession and lantern launch.

All are welcome to join us for this special fall evening celebrating community, creativity, and the stories of the canal.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Have a question about Revolutionary War events or the 250th anniversary?


While the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center shares regional history, Hudson Crossing Park is not affiliated with planning or managing 250th anniversary events.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit:

For questions specifically about the Visitor Center, canal history, or Hudson Crossing Park programs, please use the form below—we’re happy to help!

Visitor Center Hours

**We will be closed intermittently for construction. Please check our Facebook page for current hours.**

Monday ~ 10am - 1pm

Tuesday ~ 10am - 1pm

Wednesday ~ Closed

Thursday ~ 11am - 4pm

Friday ~ 11am - 4pm

Saturday ~ 11am - 4pm

Sunday ~ 11am - 4pm

Visit us at:

30 Ferry St
Schuylerville, NY 12871