1. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County

2. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
Landsford Canal State Park is located on the Catawba River in eastern Chester County. Visitors to the park are amazed by the 19th century canals built to carry boats past the rocky shoals of the river. These canals were designed by the first architect professionally trained and born in America, Robert Mills. Mills, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, is perhaps most famous for his design of the Washington Monument.
A trip to Landsford Canal State Park offers students a glimpse into our transportation history, as well as a view of the beauty of nature that now surrounds these ruins.
Click here for a detailed lesson plan designed for use at Landsford Canal.

3. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
The Guard Lock
To enter the canal, a boat had to pass through these guard locks. These locks protected the canal from flood damage.

4. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
Stone Culverts
These stone arches allowed small streams to channel beneath the canal. This protected the fragile canal bed.

5. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
Rocky Shoal Spider Lilies
Late spring, early summer
These beautiful spider lilies bloom near an old saw mill along the Catawba River, and are one of the largest populations of lilies in the world. They are a favorite focal point along the nature trail.

6. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
The Davie Mill Complex
These stone walls were added to accommodate the canal to a pre-existing grain and saw mill. The mill was powered by streams that ran beneath the canal.

7. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
Lifting Locks
These lifting locks were the canal’s most important feature. They allowed boats to drop 36 feet in elevation without passing through treacherous shoals. A stone bridge passes overtop.

8. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
View of the main Lifting Locks
The locks as seen from atop the stone bridge

9. Landsford Canal State Park Catawba River, Chester County
Park Hours
Thursday-Monday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(803)
Picnic and recreation areas are available at the park.