Canal Park

Another Paulding County gem is historic Canal Park. Located on St. Rt. 111, just one mile west of Five Span Park at the junction of the Miami-Erie Canal and the Wabash-Erie Canal.

The district’s third acquisition in 2018 came upon the recording of the deed transferring from the State of Ohio to the Park District of all state owned canal property located within Paulding County. This huge transfer has provided more than 18 miles of semi-contiguosus real estate formerly occupied by the historic canal running through our county.

Known as the Miami and Erie Canal Trail it is also part of the Buckeye Trail and North Country Trail. The National Park Service is conducting a feasibility study to potentially designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

The Park Board works with the Buckeye Trail Association to maintain and improve this 18 mile section of the canal. A volunteer for the Trail has cleared and maintains the site where the Wabash Erie an Miami Erie come together at Junction, Ohio.

A historical marker erected at this juncture is maintained by the Park Board and provides fascinating information. A park bench provides a spot to read, relax, and enjoy the sunshine.

In 2023, a young man working on his Eagle Scout badge replaced a rotting foot bridge over a section of the trail. Guture plans are to continue working with the Buckeye Trail Association to maintain and improve the trail as funds become available.

History Fact: The Wabash-Erie Canal was constructed to connect Lake Erie with the Wabash River in Indiana.

Ground was first broken at Fort Wayne, Indiana in the spring of 1832 but didn’t reach completion until 1843.

The Wabash-Erie Canal enters Paulding County from the west and passes through the northern townships. The Miami-Erie Canal enters Paulding County from the south and passes through the eastern townships.

They unite at the village of Junction.