Images of the Navel Ship Yard, Niagara Falls and Science Museum in the Buffalo/Niagara Region

Sightseeing in Buffalo, Niagara Falls & the Buffalo/Niagara Region

There are plenty of things to do and see in the Buffalo/Niagara region. Attractions and museums create an engaging environment for adults and children of all ages, with many hands-on exhibits. Waterfront tours feature the beauty of our great lakes and the Niagara River. There's many historic landmarks throughout the city to explore featuring prominent architecture treasures. Children’s programs abound in the summer months. Many green spaces in the Buffalo/Niagara region were designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted including the Niagara Falls State Park, which is the oldest park in America. The beauty of Niagara Falls is breathtaking, no matter what the season. Almost every weekend in the summer months is host to at least one outdoor festival throughout the region - many of these summer festivals are free. To keep track of the many festivals and events throughout the year, refer to our events page.

Attractions

Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575 or (800) 500-4609
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Niagara’s other Water Wonder! Dive into a world of discovery beneath the waves. Encounter fishes from the Great Lakes to the Coral Reefs, including sharks, skates, piranha, and clown fish. California sea lions, and a colony of the endangered Peruvian penguins will greet you daily with scheduled activities. Gift shop. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Niagara gorge from the 2nd level Observation Deck! The Aquarium is open year 'round at 9am and is a short stroll from the Falls. Parking is free! Handicap accessible..
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park
One Naval Park Cove
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 847-1773
e-mail: info@buffalonavalpark.org
www.buffalonavalpark.org
The Park, with its three U.S. Navy ships, military museum, and artifacts from all of the Armed Forces, is the largest inland park of its kind in the United States. You can go aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock, the submarine USS Croaker, and the destroyer USS The Sullivans. Also on display are vintage fighter planes, a helicopter, armored vehicles, and a PT Boat. There are also many other educational and inspiring exhibits. Open daily from 10am to 5pm through October. Admission is charged, although children under six are admitted free.
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
9993 Allegheny Road
Darien Center, NY 14040-0091
(585) 599-4641
www.GoDarienLake.com
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is New York’s largest theme park and resort, located between Buffalo and Rochester, and just a short drive from Niagara Falls. New in 2007, Le Grande Cirque, debuting in June, is a spellbinding and magical show that will quite simply take guests’ breath away and deliver a performance beyond their wildest imagination. We offer three on-site lodging choices including a hotel, RV rentals and campground. With rides, shows, kids’ park, waterpark and outdoor concert venue, Darien Lake is your family vacation destination. Theme park operates May through October.
Elmwood Village Association
890 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 881-0707
www.elmwoodvillage.org
Elmwood is an animated Avenue of restaurants, shops, cafés, and galleries harmoniously nestled into a residential community. The Elmwood Village has something to offer everyone, whether you are seeking art and architecture of world class magnitude, the most distinctive shops in Western New York, a remarkable mix of cuisine, or a stimulating destination on a lazy weekend afternoon. Located just minutes from downtown Buffalo. Visit us online at elmwoodvillage.org for all that's happening in the Elmwood Village Shopping and Cultural District.
Maid of the Mist
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 284-8897
www.maidofthemist.com
Explore the roar of Niagara Falls on the Maid of the Mist. This world-famous boat ride cruises up to the base of the American Falls, then to the basin of the commanding Horseshoe Falls. Feel your heart race as you take in the experience of confronting millions of gallons of water crashing down like thunder into enormous rock formations at the foot of the Falls. Since 1846, when the first boat was a wooden-hulled, coal-fired steamboat, the fleet has ferried adventurous presidents, kings, film stars and millions of tourists through the swirling currents. Board the Maid of the Mist on either the Canadian or United States landing. Trips, lasting about one half hour, depart every 15 minutes beginning at 10 a.m. Boats run from May-October. For more information, visit maidofthemist.com.
Miss Buffalo/
Buffalo Harbor Cruises

Dock Location-
Erie Basin Marina, Downtown Buffalo
Office Location-
79 Marine Drive
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 856-6696
(800) 244-8684
www.buffaloharborcruises.com
“See Buffalo from a sailor’s point of view.” Cruise Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront while experiencing Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and the Black Rock Locks and Canal. Enjoy narrated sightseeing aboard the Miss Buffalo II. Snack bar and fully-licensed beverage bars on board. Adult fee - $13.50, and children 6-12 - $9. Group rates are offered. Reservations are recommended.
Niagara Adventure Theater
Located within the Niagara Falls State Park
1 Prospect Park
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(866) 750-4629
www.niagaramovie.com
Discover the story behind the thunder as the film "Niagara: Legends of Adventure" immerses you in action. See the majesty that inspired settlers and explorers to worship and challenge the mighty Falls. Now exclusively featured at the Niagara Falls State Park Niagara Adventure Theater, located at the Visitor Center. Shows hourly on a giant new screen. Multi language headsets available. Hours of operation: May - June 25, 9am - 6pm; June 26 - Sept. 3, 9am - 8pm; Sept 4 - Oct 31, 9am - 6pm; Nov 1 - Dec 31, 10am - 5pm; Jan. - Feb., Closed.
Niagara Falls State Park
Located off the Robert Moses Parkway
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 278-1796
www.niagarafallsstatepark.com
Plan a family adventure at Niagara Falls State Park. Travel our many nature trails around the majestic Falls. Navigate your way around the gorge to the Cave of the Winds and touch the plummeting waters. Then board the Maid of the Mist for a heart-pumping ride into the mouth of the Falls. There’s plenty more to experience; discover it all at www.niagarafallsstatepark.com and find out how you can save over 35% with our Passport to the Falls.
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
1023 Swann Rd. (just off Route 18 East in Lewiston)
PO Box 167
Youngstown, NY 14174-0167
(716) 754-7489
www.fatimashrine.com
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine is a place of natural beauty, art, communal prayer, and renewal to thousands who visit each year. An awe-inspiring glass Dome Basilica crowned by a 13 foot high, granite statue of Our Lady, highlights the beauty of the Shrine. Gardens and over 150 life-size marble and bronze statues of Saints line the impressive approaches to the Basilica. The Shrine has a cafeteria that also has youth and banquet menus. There is a religious article and bookstore and an auditorium for conferences. Free Bus Parking.
Rainbow Air, Inc.
454 Main St.
(next to Howard Johnson’s)
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 284-2800
www.rainbowair.us
Rainbow Air, Inc. invites you and your family to experience the splendor of the Niagara by air. Our quiet turbine engine helicopters will provide you with the most unique experience of your visit to Niagara Falls. Your limousine to the sky awaits you and yours to enjoy the majestic power and beauty of the falls from the air. Conveniently located at the Niagara Falls downtown heliport and entrance to the Rainbow Bridge. Open daily at 9:00am until dusk. Longer flights and charter flights are available by reservation. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Skylon Tower
5200 Robinson Street
Niagara Falls, ON
Canada L2G 2A3
(905) 356-2651
(800) 746-8860
www.skylon.com
There are many ways to take in the majesty of Niagara Falls. However, no view is more panoramic or more breathtaking than from high atop the Skylon Tower, 775 feet above mighty Niagara Falls. Three glass enclosed "Yellow Bug" elevators travel up the outside of the Tower, transporting guests to the dome. At the top of the Tower, an indoor/outdoor observation deck offers visitors an unforgettable view of the Falls. On a clear day visibility is up to 80 miles. This awe-inspiring sight is even more memorable when viewed from the comfort of the world famous REVOLVING DINING ROOM (featuring world class dining, soft piano stylings and great service), or from the SUMMIT SUITE buffet dining room (with superb brunch, lunch and dinner buffets). In addition, the Skylon features a variety of specialty shops, casual cafés, a new 3D/4D Theatre and the Skylon Fun Centre...an interactive high-tech playground for dynamic family fun. We're affordable for the whole family, and just minutes away! From the Peace Bridge take QEW to McLeod East exit, turn left on Stanley, turn right on Robinson. From the Rainbow Bridge take QEW to Stanley exit, turn left, go to Robinson and make another left. SKYLON TOWER, 5200 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls, Canada. In Buffalo 1-800-746-8860, or in Canada (905) 356-2651. Or visit us on the web at www.skylon.com.
Smokin Joes Family
Fun Center

304 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 278-0178
www.smokinjoes.com
Bounce, slide and climb in the newest attraction to hit Niagara Falls - the Smokin Joes® Family Fun Center in downtown Niagara Falls USA. It’s a whirlpool of excitement for birthday parties or a day of fun! Climb, crawl and slide through the 3-story A-MAZE-Ment Zone; practice your swing in the major-league batting cage, bounce as high as you can in the Sponge-Bob Bounce House, or play your favorite video game in our action-packed arcade. Our new gift shop features one of a kind novelties and souvenirs. There is something for everyone at the Family Fun Center!

Museums

Albright-Knox Art Gallery
1285 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 882-8700
www.albrightknox.org
This world renowned center of modern and contemporary art houses works by stellar artists such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., "Gusto at the Gallery" is free from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy lunch daily or dinner on Friday overlooking the Gallery's beautiful Sculpture Garden and see unique gift items at the Gallery Shop.
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
(Best Street exit off Kensington Expressway - Rt. 33)
Buffalo, NY 14211
(716) 896-5200
www.buffalomuseumofscience.org
Dinos and mummies and bugs, oh my! There is always something new to do at the Buffalo Museum of Science. Guests of all ages will enjoy our more than a dozen interactive exhibit halls. Don't miss Connections, our hands-on learning and exploration gallery that lets people conduct real science with real stuff! Explore life inside out as you investigate changing ecosystems, observe a giant ant colony, investigate cultural artifacts, get your hands wet in our huge stream table and engage in activities at our Discovery Stations. Little ones will delight in the newly renovated Camp Wee Explorers, designed for children ages 2 to 7. The gallery allows our youngest visitors to learn and play with a water table, discovery boxes and creative crafts. They will also have the opportunity to explore our Mastodon Dig, with fossils from more than 10,000 years ago, and perform within our Cultural Dramatic Play Area. The museum is handicapped accessible and there is plenty of free parking. Special rates are available for student and senior groups. For more information on hours and admission prices, call 896-5200.
Explore & More…
A Children’s Museum

300 Gleed Avenue
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 655-5131
www.exploreandmore.org
Spark your kids’ creativity, curiosity and imagination at the region’s only museum designed just for kids, Explore & More...a children’s museum. With thousands of square feet of hands-on fun, your kids can explore, discover and learn about the world around them. Call for details on exhibits, location and hours.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex
125 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 856-3858
www.darwinmartinhouse.org
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House complex is a National Historic Landmark constructed between 1903-05 and is one of the finest residential designs from his Prairie House period. Tours of the Martin House underscore timeless themes of daring vision and American spirit revealed in the famed architect’s genius in creating the ideal home for his most loyal patron and friend, Darwin D. Martin. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call us or visit our website for more information.

Transportation

Buffalo Transportation
71 Military Road
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 877-5600
www.buffalotransportation.com
Buffalo Transportation is a full-service transportation company focused on customer service and value. We offer limousine and taxi service at the best rates in America. Our drivers maintain perfect driving records, and our taxis are clean and serviced. Offering full size 4 door sedans and 'Millennium-model' Lincoln Town cars which are custom built stretched limousines sporting either black or white leather upholstery and seating 8 to 14 passengers. Each car is equipped with television, DVD and CD players, mini-bar, mood lighting, and fully tinted windows to ensure your privacy. Serving Buffalo, Niagara Falls & Western New York. Corporate accounts are welcome.
The Limousine Service
1165 Erie Avenue
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 695-4905 or
(716) 835-LIMO (5466)
24-hour service
www.thelimousineservice.us
Convenience & Style at a Reasonable Price! Leave the driving to us with our new Lincoln & Cadillac stretches and our luxury vans, whether you're going to the casino, the prom, a sporting event, a concert, or out for the night. Are you visiting the area? Call The Limousine Service for a private tour of Western New York and Canada. We provide door-to-door airport service in elegant new sedans, and service all local airports: Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport, and the Rochester and Niagara Falls International Airports. Check us out on the web or call Steven George at 695-4905. All major credit cards accepted.

Top

p: 716 839-3121 | f: 716 839-1187 | email: info@welcome-magazine.com