CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)—The Wabash & Erie Canal Park in Carroll County is taking the way we learn history to another level.
"We're excited about bringing the history alive,” said Canal Association President, Dan McCain.
McCain along with many volunteers made the decision to build Irish Shanties. In laymen's term, they're cabins.
"Well we have been told by many people over the years that we really need to have one of these buildings available for rent,” said McCain. “So it's an opportunity to now provide that for someone who wants to stay a day or two."
With donated materials, volunteers have spent a year building these Irish Shanties. They offer three sizes of small, medium and large.
"Hopefully we can bring that feeling back of what it was like to live in the 1850s,” said McCain.
McCain said this will not only be a great experience for families, it'll re-create history.
"We have to think back to when the 1850s and 40s were when the Irish were around here that were building the canal,” said McCain. “And it was an important part of their lifestyle to have a place to stay."
While families spend a few days at the park they have access to the 3500sqft museum full of local historical artifacts.
"This museum takes you through a dozen galleries,” said McCain. “Each gallery moves you through time. Time represents before the canal was even conceived. All the way through construction, operation of the canal and finally its demise."
McCain said he hopes people will take away a piece of history they'll never forget.
"If you come to Canal Park you've got a lot of other things to do,” said McCain. “Including hiking, you can go on our ten-mile trail system. So there will be a lot of things for people to do.”
McCain said the Irish Shanties will be available for families to rent starting this summer. They are expected to rent out for around fifteen to forty dollars a night.
The Wabash & Erie Canal Park offers a wide variety of things for tourists. For more information, click here.
