Canal Tunnel Park
Union Canal Tunnel Park
In April, 1950, the Lebanon County Historical Society purchased the Union Canal Tunnel, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1974. Throughout the years, many volunteers have donated their services at the Tunnel, together with county donated manpower, to maintain and prepare it as a recreational site open to the public.
Friends of the Union Canal Tunnel Park
The Union Canal Tunnel Park, located at 25th Street and Union Canal Drive, was dedicated by the Lebanon County Historical Society on October 9, 1988. The Union Canal Tunnel was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior on April 19, 1994. The Park is maintained by a group of volunteers know as Friends of the Union Canal Tunnel Park.
On September 9, 2006, the North section of the Park, located across Tunnel Hill Road, was dedicated and opened to the public. Together with the original property, the Union Canal Tunnel Park is comprised of 100 acres of recreational open space.The Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, with picnic tables and pavilion, benches, and several marked walking trails. There is no admission charge.
Narrated boat rides on the canal and through the tunnel are available for a nominal fee every Sunday, as weather permits, during the months of June through October, beginning at 12:30 PM. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride while learning some of the history of the Lebanon Valley. Private groups can make reservations for rides at other times by calling 717-272-6949. The Park is also available for class reunions, family gatherings, and weddings. For group reservations or more information, call the Historical Society office.
Each spring, the Friends of the Union Canal Tunnel Park sponsor Union Canal Days.
Public Service Announcement: April 1, 2012
It has come to the attention of the Board of Trustees of the Lebanon County Historical Society that dogs have been let loose to run at the Union Canal Park even though signs have been in place to have dogs-on-a-leash. Please be kindly advised from here on, all dogs must be leashed. Due to some events of unacceptable interaction between owners’ dogs and the public we have received notice from some individuals and our insurance carrier to put into effect a no-tolerance policy of dogs unleashed. If after 30 days from this notice, this notice is not followed, we will have to exclude pets from the Union Canal Park. Please obey the signs so everyone can enjoy the park!
