a portage between the St. Mary and Auglaize River

With deep historic roots stretching back to its time as a portage between the St. Mary and Auglaize River systems this town became important to the Miami & Erie Canal. 

Grand Lake St. Mary was created as a water reservoir for the canal flowing northward.. The 13,500 acre lake, now a state park, was for many years the largest man-made body of water in the world. 

Docked in Memorial Park is the canal boat replica “The Belle of St. Mary.

Canal Feeder from Grand Lake St. Marys

Location: RT.33, 10 miles west of I.75 

The Belle of St. Mary

St. Mary's - CANAL SITES

Site of historic aquaduct