A Step Back in Time: Riding the Monticello III Canal Boat
Coshocton County – Ohio Foothills
A road trip to Coshocton and Historic Roscoe Village isn’t complete without a ride aboard the Monticello III Canal Boat. This 45-minute journey in a historic canal boat, pulled by a team of draft horses, offers a memorable step back in time.
Hand-dug by immigrant laborers in the 1820s and early 1830s, the Ohio & Erie Canal transformed travel and trade across the state. Once completed, it offered one of Ohio’s best ways to move passengers and freight, opening new connections between communities and markets.
As the boat glides along, it’s hard not to think about the workers who shoveled mile after mile of earth, built locks, and endured harsh conditions for little pay. The canals were dug to a minimum width of 40 feet at the top and 26 feet at the bottom, with a depth of 4 feet. Imagine excavating even a driveway by hand—then multiply that effort across hundreds of miles.
At the start of the tour, the hoggee—the horse handler—guides two draft horses, Diesel and Tim, along the towpath beside the canal. A rope connects their rigging to the boat, and as they move steadily forward, they pull passengers along the water just as horses once transported travelers and freight.
Along the way, I learned that Ohio U.S. President James A. Garfield once worked as a hoggee on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The job was demanding: hoggees cared for the horses, guided them along the towpath, and kept them from slipping into the canal. According to our captain, these workers were often young boys who earned little for their hard work.
As we traveled, our very knowledgeable Captain shared stories about the canal and the passengers who traveled on the boats. The history wasn’t always picturesque: without onboard restrooms or modern sanitation, waste from travelers and horses often ended up in the canal. Because people also relied on that water for drinking, illness was common.
At the halfway point, the Monticello III reaches its turnaround. The captain and crew carefully shift the towrope from one side of the boat to the other, allowing Diesel and Tim to retrace the towpath and pull the boat back to the landing—a simple maneuver that brings the canal era vividly to life.
The ride is an enjoyable and relaxing one. If you have the chance and you visit during Canal Boat season, the Monticello III Canal Boat Ride should be added to your bucket list.
Monticello III Canal Boat Ride
Canal Boat Landing, Lake Park
23140 OH-83, Coshocton, OH 43812
740.295.9881 | roscoevillage.com
2026 Pricing: $10 Adult | Seniors $9 | Students $8 (Ages 6-18) | Free – Ages 5 & under.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
🔹The Canal Boat ride is seasonal. Memorial Day through mid-October. Weekends only. Departures 1pm, 2pm, 3pm 4pm.
🔹I would advise you to purchase your tickets ahead of time. Tours are known to sell out during certain times of the season.
🔹Arrive at least 15 minutes early. There is a slight hill you will need to climb from the parking area to the ticket office/gift shop. Handicap parking is available near the ticket office. Call ahead and inquire.
🔹In addition to tickets, the ticket office also sells snacks, including fresh popped popcorn and beverages. 🔹You can also spray yourself with supplied mosquito spray. The day of my visit the mosquitos were not bad, but on hot humid days you may want to add a little protection.
🔹Dress for the weather.
🔹Restrooms are on-site. There are no restrooms on the boat.
🔹After your tour, there is an optional tip bucket if you want to tip the horses.
🔹Seize the day. Take time to explore, shop and dine at Historic Roscoe Village.
🔹Want to learn more? The staff at Visit Coshocton can help you plan your trip, find nearby accommodations, as well as send you a FREE visitor guide. If you find yourself in town you can also stop by their office. It is located 432 North Whitewoman St., Coshocton, OH 43812
Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need ideas to add to your Ohio Foothills itinerary, or visitohiofoothills.com.
DISTANCE –
To Baltic OH
Cleveland – 120 miles
Cincinnati – 185 miles
Indianapolis – 250 miles
Marietta – 85 miles
Pittsburgh – 115 miles
Toledo – 150 miles
KEEP ON EXPLORING!
This article is part of my “Ohio Foothills” road trip series. As I continue my travels through all 10 Ohio Counties that make up the Ohio Foothills, I will be sharing additional itineraries. Stay tuned.
~Diane
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Visit Coshocton and Ohio Foothills for sponsoring my excursion. As always, my opinions are my own.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
