Waterford, the oldest continuously incorporated village in the United States, is situated at the confluence of the Mohawk River and the Hudson River. It became known as the gateway to the Erie Canal and the Champlain Canal systems, as well as a hub for rail lines. This strategic location introduced transportation networks, combined with the power generated by the Mohawk River's falls, which fueled Waterford's prosperity throughout the 19th century and brought significant wealth to the area during the Industrial Revolution. Traces of that era remain visible today in the historic architecture and remnants of old canals and the manufacturing industry.

The modern Erie Canal now defines the village's landscape, while the remnants of the original Champlain Canal wind through the heart of Waterford as part of the Champlain Canalway Trail. Just beyond Lock 2, the old mule path turns north and the trail follows the old canal bed for 62 miles, stretching from Waterford to Whitehall. You can follow the path alongside the old canal bed for several miles, passing the remains of historic locks, some still holding water. A stroll along Broad Street in downtown Waterford makes it impossible not to sense the weight of two centuries of maritime heritage that shaped the community.

The Visitor Center is within sight of Lock 2, the first of the historic "Flight of Five" locks that raise vessels nearly 150 feet from the Hudson River in less than two miles. Watching the boats as they make their way up or down the flight is known as "gongoozling." Waterford offers boaters convenient provisioning. From June through October, the local farmers market is held on Sundays on the lawn beside the Visitor Center. Across the canal, Peebles Island State Park provides scenic views of the Mohawk River waterfalls and miles of walking trails. Canalside festivals add to the village's charm, including the Steamboat Meet (Weekend after July 4th), Canal Fest (Mid-May), and the Tugboat Roundup (Second Weekend in September).