The Erie Canal Village in Rome is where construction of the canal actually began, one group of workers heading east, the other west. Some 20 buildings were moved here to create a replica of a canal-side town, complete with church and tavern. On a section of the 1825 waterway, visitors can ride on a packet boat pulled by mules. Travelers can also rent their own packet boats at Troy and Skaneateles for self-steered trips on the canal. Several communities on the route provide tour-boat trips on the enlarged, turn-of-the-century canal.
Outside Rome is Delta Lake, a new 2000m- (6500ft-) long rowing course.