Ever since its formation approximately 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls has captured the imagination of explorers, tourists and daredevils.
The town of Niagara Falls, USA is located in New York State along the US-Canadian border. Named after its namesake waterfall, it attracts millions of domestic and international visitors every year. Niagara Falls, USA is easily accessible by road, rail and by air. Easy accessibility and the wide range of activities that one can enjoy are some of the reasons why Niagara Falls USA Tourism thrives.
Visitors are surprised by the number of attractions Niagara Falls USA Tourism has to offer apart from the famed Niagara Falls. With so many affordable activities for visitors, especially families, Niagara Falls USA has become a favourite holiday destination for families in North America.
Niagara Falls State Park – The Highlight of Niagara Falls USA Tourism
In order to preserve the natural beauty of the area, prevent rampant commercialization and to make the place accessible to the general public, the Niagara Falls State Park was established in 1885 as Niagara Reservation. The Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, is open throughout the year and it is always free to walk into the park and see the Niagara Falls. The park was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for designing New York City’s Central Park. The 162-hectare Niagara Falls State Park has the Niagara Falls and Niagara Gorge, lush gardens and vegetation, hiking trails and other attractions.
The only way to view Niagara Falls from the US side is if you visit the Niagara Falls State Park, USA. Ride the Niagara Scenic Trolley for an overview of the Niagara Falls State Park. This guided tour offers historical anecdotes and tips about the most popular attractions in the park.
Places to see in Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park, USA also has Goat Island that separates Horseshoe Falls from the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The Three Sisters Islands in the Upper Niagara River are accessible from Goat Island via footbridges. They were named in 1816 as Asenath, Angeline and Celinda Eliza after the three daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney who was an early settler and founder and operator of the Cataract House Hotel (destroyed in 1945 by a fire). You will get a clear view of the Upper Niagara River Rapids from the islands. The lush vegetation and the view are amazing.
From Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park, you can view all the three waterfalls that constitute Niagara Falls. From Terrapin Point, the furthest point on Goat Island, you can view the Horseshoe Falls and see them plunge into Niagara Gorge below.
Luna Island is a small island between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It is accessible from Goat Island and offers great views of both the American and Bridal Veil Falls.
Cave of the Winds
This attraction is located on Goat Island and takes you very close to the Niagara Falls.
Before descending into the Niagara Gorge, learn about Niagara’s history as you travel through the World Changed Here Pavilion, an indoor multimedia experience.
Take an elevator into the Niagara Gorge and follow the wooden walkway which takes you close to the Bridal Veil Falls. The “Hurricane Deck” is so close to the Bridal Veil Falls, you will be drenched by the waterfalls. This is a seasonal attraction and remains closed during winter.
Prospect Point
From Prospect Point, you can see the American Falls and rapids in the Niagara River. The Visitors Center, Niagara Adventure Theater, the Observation Tower and the Maid of the Mist are all located here.
The Observation Tower at Prospect Point extends over the Niagara Gorge and provides unobstructed views of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls. Bird watching is another favourite pastime enjoyed from the Observation Tower. The area is a natural habitat for many bird species and you can spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and various gull species.
Crow’s Nest and Maid of the Mist
Elevators at the Observation Tower take visitors to the base of the Niagara Gorge. This is where one can board the Maid of the Mist, a boat ride on the Niagara River that takes you close to the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the basin of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
From the base of the gorge, there are a series of stairs that take you to Crow’s Nest, a great place to view the American Falls.
Other attractions from Niagara Falls USA Tourism
Niagara Falls USA Tourism is not concentrated just around the Niagara Falls. There are many other attractions, activities and nearby places that can be explored while in Niagara Falls, USA.
Niagara Falls USA Tourism has attractions galore! – Niagara Falls State Park, hiking, Niagara Wine Trail, fishing, water activities, biking, golf, bird related activities, camping, farms and agriculture, casino, breweries, cideries, shopping, local towns, and more!
If you are planning a vacation in Niagara Falls, USA, you should first visit the Niagara Falls State Park to see the jaw-dropping Niagara Falls. There are many affordable attractions that make Niagara Falls USA Tourism an attractive option. You can buy the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass, which gives you admission to some of the Niagara Falls USA Tourism attractions in Niagara Falls State Park such as the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Adventure Theatre and unlimited rides on the Scenic Trolley for the day.
Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino
The casino was built by the city to compete with the casinos in Niagara Falls, Ontario. You can spend some time playing the casino’s slot machines and other card games after a day of sightseeing.
Niagara Wine Trail – Niagara Falls USA Tourism
The area between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario is called the Niagara Wine Trail, USA and is home to many wineries, breweries and cideries. This is perhaps the most elegant of all Niagara Falls USA Tourism attractions and tours. There are year-round festivals and events at the wineries, so it will be exciting whichever season you visit.
With a Vino Visa Passport, you can save on wine purchases and wine tasting. The passport booklet will include coupons for transportation, lodging, local restaurants and more.
Niagara Falls USA Tourism Blast from the Past – A peek into the military past of Niagara Falls
Visit Old Fort Niagara and take a look at how life was in the barracks during the 18th and early 19th centuries. You will tour original buildings where Native American, French, British and American soldiers lived and worked from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
You can witness musket and artillery demonstrations in the summer months. On special occasions, view reenactments of garrison life in the 18th century and demonstrations of Native American life. The fort was controlled at various times by the French, British, and Americans. The Iroquois Confederacy also played an important role in the control of Fort Niagara.
Outdoor Activities – the adventure never ends with Niagara Falls USA Tourism
If you are an outdoors person, then you will love what Niagara Falls USA Tourism has to offer. Aside from the Niagara Falls State Park, you can explore some of the other state parks that are close by. With miles of hiking trails, beautiful scenery, wildlife, fishing and boating opportunities, these parks are an invitation to an adventure in the wild. Given below are some of the trails and parks you could explore:
- Artpark State Park Gorge Trail, Lewiston
- DeVeaux Woods State Park Nature Trail, Niagara Falls
- Devil’s Hole State Park Gorge Trail, Niagara Falls
- Erie Canal Towpath, Lockport
- Upper Niagara River Hike and Bike Trail, Niagara Falls
- Whirlpool State Park Trails, Niagara Falls
- Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, Wilson
For a dangerously thrilling ride on the Niagara River, you can take the Whirlpool Jet Boat trip down the Niagara River. The jet boats skim over the swift waters of the Niagara River and the class 5 white water rapids in Niagara Gorge.
You could also visit the Lockport Locks on the Erie Canal, which is within 30 minutes of Niagara Falls.
You could try your hand at fishing or do some bird watching with Niagara Falls USA Tourism at one of the many state parks in Niagara Falls USA.
There are many picturesque golf courses too for visitors interested in golf.
There are bike tours available into Niagara wine country or along Erie Canal. Enjoy the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment with these bike tours. There are many farms and restaurants along the bike paths where you can take a break for some rest and to enjoy the local cuisine. Bike rentals are available from May to September on Old Falls Street near the entrance to Niagara Falls State Park and by LaSalle Waterfront Park.
Get a taste of the agricultural bounty of Niagara Falls USA. You can visit the farms and select from a wide range of produce from berries to vegetables and dairy products.
Summertime – Peak time for Niagara Falls USA Tourism
Tourist footfall is highest in summertime when it is the warmest and most pleasant in Niagara Falls, USA. Summertime sees a number of free outdoor concerts, festivals and events for the entertainment of visitors.
Summer is when all the attractions are open. If you do not want to miss attractions like Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, you should visit in the summer.
Shopping – A wide range of choices with Niagara Falls USA Tourism
Niagara Falls USA Tourism offers the best shopping for visitors. From outlet malls, small boutiques, antique shops and farmers markets, the region has everything a tourist could want. You could explore the neighbourhood for specialty shops, mom and pop stores, jewelry and handcrafted gifts.
Explore places nearby with Niagara Falls USA Tourism
There are a lot of interesting places near Niagara Falls, USA where you can explore the neighbourhoods and mix with the locals. If you are in Niagara Falls, USA for more than a day, you could tour historic Erie Canal in Lockport, NY.
Lewiston, N.Y., just 7 miles from Niagara Falls USA, is a lovely town known for its boutique shops, festivals and great history. Youngstown is another town you can visit.
Visit North Tonawanda for its antique carousels, marina, and food scene.
Newfane and Olcott Beach on the shores of Lake Ontario are charming towns with lovely cottages and quaint shops. It is located along the Niagara Wine Trail, USA.
Plan a vacation to experience what Niagara Falls USA Tourism has to offer
Nature beckons you with pristine terrain, streams and hiking trails. Plan ahead to have a great vacation as there are many places to explore in Niagara Falls, USA. It is a great destination to visit with family, friends or for a romantic getaway.
