merrickville blockhouse museum

543utew

This attraction is run by the Merrickville & District Historical Society and is accessible by donation. Unfortunately we arrived half an hour before it closed, so were not able to give the exhibits the time they deserved.Three things caught my attention: the one-room school house that was moved from a nearby community and rebuilt inside the blockhouse (!), the lockkeeper's gigantic, yet abridged, family bible, and the upstairs rooms furnished and decorated as they may have been when the lockkeeper and his family lived in the blockhouse before moving to a much nicer house up the road. We were trying to figure out how they would have kept warm over the winter.We had seen the signs to Merrickville on the 401 for years, and were glad to finally have come to the town and to have seen this blockhouse. Recommended for all history and military buffs.

takev

Many artifacts from the area's agricultural and manufacturing past. History of the Rideau Canal and growth of the community

biker01

The Merrickville Block and Lock located at the north end of St. Lawrence Street along the Main Street is a picturesque stop if you are in the area or even worth a slight deviation off your driving route. The Blockhouse Museum which contains a collection of artifacts and history is located alongside the Rideau Canal at the locks and would be interesting for anyone to take a walk through.The museum, canal locks, lockmasters house and Merrickville Ruins (on the north side of the canal) are situated in a park setting with convenient vehicle parking for this attraction as well as the towns restaurants & shopping which are just across the street. We make it a point to visit the area at least once a year.

Cleofysh

Very interesting. We didn't realize this was here so we were pleasantly surprised. Found it to be very informative and well presented.

CanadianButterfly60

The 3 young ladies who volunteer at the Blockhouse were most enthusiastic and helpful. We had a wonderful visit and got a great history lesson. My husband posed numerous questions and most were answered. The remaining ones were subject to a lively discussion. It was great fun.A picnic down at the locks was very nice on a sweltering day.We strolled along the shops and had a wonderful homemade gelato at the ice cream store - a treat not to be missed on a hot summer day.

Foxlad47y

A pleasant under an hour drive from Ottawa, is the little historic town of Merrickville, Ontario. The main street is lined with century builidings containing boutiques and restaurants. Merrickville is also the site of one of the boat locks on the Rideau Canal....fun in summer to watch the boats go through. Lots of green space and on the opposite of the road to the locks is an area with picnic tables beside the Rideau River. On the lock side is actually in "in town" camp site -- convenient for those who camp and want to walk to a restaurant to have a drink and sandwich. The Blockhouse Museum located at the lock side is also a pleasant diversion. Built in 1832 or so by the Royal Engineers...the Blockhouse is one of four built for defence of the canal. The Museum, which opened in 1966, comprises a collection of local artifacts and archives reflecting the history and industry of the canal and the surrounding community. Some great photo taking opportunities along the canal and river.

MB2andE

Classic, so close to the locks. Live nearby, quiet quaint museum - beautiful location. Great place for picnics

Special_K_n_Marj

Interesting remnants of important history.I spent half an hour here waiting for my wife while she shopped. I could have spent more time. Volunteers are helpful.

ChristineH525

Took a day trip along the Canal and Merrickville is extremely well maintained. Blockhouse full of history and everyone had a great day.

DaveandSharon766

The displays are outstanding. They take you back in time, with interesting replications of the living spaces in the upper level. - also be sure to go to the relics, just across the bridge.

Ali2792

This place has a very interesting collection of things related to the history of the region. Great if you are into that kind of things. It's free but you'd better give some donation to help them survive

joseph34

The Blockhouse Museum is split in two equally nice and very informative parts. On the first floor, there are panels explaining the construction of the blockhouse and the adjacent locks, as well as the prominent role Col. John By played into Merrickville's history. There's also a section devoted to tools used by pioneers. The second floor is more of a community museum, displaying artefacts from the Merrickville area. The museum is free.

SylvieB397

Merrickville; a great place for history buffs. Plenty of historical buildings but more, so residents who are keen to share their love of the place as they meet you on the street. A great getaway place.