Explore Lake Hopatcong history with a cruise and guided hike

August 27, 2021| Arts & Culture, Events, Recreation

By: Donna Macalle-Holly

The Lake Hopatcong Foundation, in cooperation with Musconetcong Watershed Association, will host a sightseeing cruise on the LHF Floating Classroom followed by a hike along the Morris Canal Towpath to discover the history of Lake Hopatcong and the Morris Canal. 

The 75-minute cruise will depart on Saturday, September 25 at 10 a.m. from Hopatcong State Park and a short, easy hike along the Morris Canal Towpath will follow the cruise.  Both the cruise and the hike will be narrated by local historian Marty Kane, who serves as president of Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum and board chair of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

After the hike, the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum will be open for visitors until 2 p.m. The museum, located in a 19th-century building, which originally served as a Morris Canal lock tender's house, offers an enjoyable and informative look at the history of New Jersey’s largest lake. 

We hope you can join us for this fun event with our friends at the Musconetcong Watershed Association as we explore and learn about New Jersey’s largest lake which is the headwaters to the Musconetcong River!

Cost: $20 donation

Duration: 2.5 hours (not including museum visit)

Registration for this event is now closed. 

Added notes

• Space is limited. Registration is required.
• PFD must be worn on the Floating Classroom for children 12 and under.
• Restrooms are not available on the Floating Classroom but are available at the State Park.
• Entry into Hopatcong State Park and the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum will be free.
• Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy at the park afterward!.

Your guide

Marty Kane retired after working for 37 years as an attorney and in program management for the Marine Corps and Army. Growing up on Lake Hopatcong as a summer resident, Marty has served as the president of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum since 1990. He is the author of several books on local history as well as co-author with his wife Laura of the script for the award-winning documentary Greetings from Bertrand Island. Marty has been a board member with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation since its founding in 2012 and currently serves as board chair.  He is also active with his Lower East Side, New York high school and serves on various boards and commissions within Morris County and the State of New Jersey.

Our partner

The Musconetcong Watershed Association is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River and its Watershed, including its natural and cultural resources. Find out more at musconetcong.org.

Then and now, the Morris Canal