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Experience the Engineering Marvel of the St. Lawrence Seaway

Two visitors on an elevated observation deck at the Seaway Visitor Center looking at a large red freighter in Eisenhower Lock. Interactive trivia signs are mounted to the railing in the foreground.
Two visitors on an elevated observation deck at the Seaway Visitor Center looking at a large red freighter in Eisenhower Lock. Interactive trivia signs are mounted to the railing in the foreground.

About Your Visit

Admission: Free
Average Length of Visit: 1½ hours
Location: 76 Barnhart Island Road, Massena, NY 13662

Regular Days & Hours of Operation

 
DaysOpen Daily 
Hours9:00 AM—5:00 PM

 

  •  Vessel Transit Information  Ship arrivals!
    For real-time, lock-specific, information on vessels preparing to enter any of the 18 locks, select the drop-down toolbar, within 'Order of Turn by Lock' to select a location.
  • Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock
    Phone:  315-764-3208
  • St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center—Eisenhower Lock
    Email: GLS_VisitorCenter@dot.gov
    For additional questions or more information please email us directly.

Firearm Policy

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, firearms and other weapons are not permitted on
federal property.  If you arrive with a firearm, you will be asked to leave the property
immediately.

Upon arrival, please check the signage at the entrance for a full list of other prohibited items.
Thank you for helping us keep this space safe for everyone.


Accessibility Services

The Visitor Center building is fully accessible to all individuals. Family and accessible restrooms are conveniently located throughout the Visitor Center. Listening devices with audio descriptions of all exhibits are available at the Information Desk.

For further information or assistance regarding accessibility needs, please contact the Visitor Center directly prior to your visit. We are committed to ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and inclusive experience at the Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock. 

Service Animals

In accordance with federal regulations, we do not permit pets or emotional support animals on the premises. However, certified service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, are welcome. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

For further guidance see Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA | ADA.gov


About the Seaway Visitor Center:

A Historic Engineering Triumph

Carved into history in 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway forever connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. For over 60 years, the Eisenhower Lock has stood as a monument to American and Canadian engineering and teamwork.

Experience the Seaway Today

Today, the newly enhanced visitor center brings this history to life. Step inside to pilot a virtual vessel through our interactive simulations, watch real captains navigate massive international freighters from our observation decks, or catch an immersive film in our theater.

The Green Highway of Tomorrow

See how the Seaway continues to serve as a vital, eco-friendly green highway for global transportation, steering maritime commerce safely into the next century.

What to Expect at the Seaway Visitor Center:

🚢 Watch the Giants: 

Step onto the observation deck to see ships transit the U.S. lock.

🕹️ Be the Captain: 

Try your hand at navigating a ship in our interactive simulator.

🎬 Discover the History: 

Watch the story of the Seaway unfold in our comfortable12-seat theater.

🏢 Community Spaces: 

Learn about hosting your next community-focused event in our conference room.


Looking for More Information? 

Shipping Schedule—Eisenhower Lock 
Call 315-769-2422, for a voice recording of the daily projected lockage schedule. 

Track Marine Traffic on the Seaway Map
For the latest details on ships currently in transit within the Seaway System, visit the Great Lakes-Seaway binational website, which updates every 15-minutes. 
 
Connect With Us on Social! 
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.


Groundbreaking at the Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock


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The north exterior of the three-story brick Seaway Visitor Center has two full building-length terraces.  The timer in north vestibule of the Seaway Visitor Center reads, "Next Ship Arriving In" is set to 00:00 and a ship passing through the Lock can be seen through the window. On either side of the vestibule are walls covered with murals and text associated with a variety of exhibits.  The tugboat called the Seaway Guardian is passing through the Eisenhower Lock.