Eisenhower Lock

The Eisenhower Lock is a chamber lock that forms part of the St Lawrence Seaway system and moves vessels between different water levels. It has massive gates at both ends and an interior chamber where water is pumped to raise or lower ships to the appropriate elevation.

The lock opened in 1958 and received its name after President Eisenhower, though it was originally called Robinson Bay Lock. The project was part of a larger initiative to enable shipping between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.

The naming honors President Eisenhower and reflects the waterway's importance as a vital link for inland commerce. Visitors today can observe the interaction between different water levels and understand how this facility connects distant regions through a single passage.

Visiting requires patience since a ship takes about 10 minutes to pass through, and the best view is from the public observation deck. Arriving early in the morning helps you avoid crowds and get a clear view of the passing vessels.

The system raises ships more than 180 meters above sea level, allowing large cargo vessels to reach inland waterways from the Atlantic. This elevation difference is taller than an 18-story building, revealing the engineering achievement behind this facility.