Niagara Falls, New York, located in the Buffalo/Niagara Region
Generations of sightseers from all over the world travel to Niagara Falls, one of the most dramatic natural wonders of the universe. You’ll stand in awe as millions of gallons of water surge 300 feet over the falls in a roar of thrilling thunder and splash up in a magnificent mist. The average water flow over the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls varies from 60,000 to 75,000 gallons per second. The water falls at an accelerating rate of 32 feet per second. Twenty percent of the fresh drinking water in the US goes over the Falls. Best of all, it’s right in our backyard.
The oldest state park in America, the Niagara Reservation State Park is a scenic preserve covering 400 acres of nature’s beauty with premier observation areas to see the Falls. Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead designed this wonderful gem. You’ll find hiking trails, picnic sites and pathways to the Three Sisters Islands, just above the river’s drop. A network of trolleys circulate throughout the reservation during the peak tourism season and one can disembark and rejoin the circuit at various points of interest.
While it’s true that Niagara Falls continues to earn its reputation as "the honeymoon capital of the world," you don’t have to be a lovebird to enjoy its natural beauty and many attractions.
Here are a few ways to experience the awe of the Falls:
Ride the historic Maid of the Mist boat along the lower Niagara River right to the foot of the magnificent waterfalls, in the basin of the Horseshoe Falls.
Take the Cave of the Winds walking tour, where you are guided onto a series of wooden decks to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls bringing you as close as two feet to the water. Goat Island, also on the US side, is a perfect spot for family picnics and weekend outings.
At the New York State Observation Deck, at Prospect Point, you can stand directly above the fast-moving current. The visitor center features displays, exhibits, and a theater that helps tourists understand and interpret the natural environment of the Falls. Discover great photo opportunities along the Great Gorge Rim Trail, which takes you through Goat Island, the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. The nearby Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is a park facility that relates the natural and local history of the gorge and the falls through informational and interactive displays. Take on a different point of view when hiking along the trails of the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge, which takes you down the whirlpool stairs and up river to the whirlpool sandstone. Get a birds-eye view, with a helicopter ride via Rainbow Air, conveniently located at the Niagara Falls downtown heliport and entrance to the Rainbow Bridge.
The Aquarium of Niagara, featuring over 1,500 aquatic creatures from sharks to sea lions, and piranhas to electric eels, is one of only fourteen institutions to house a colony of endangered Peruvian penguins. Shark Shanty, featuring a specially constructed 17,000-gallon tank, is home to a variety of sharks. The Niagara Aerospace Museum displays a large collection of antique planes and artifacts and features a 200-seat theater with full surround sound.
Located just a few blocks from the falls, the Seneca Niagara Casino tempts you with the latest reel-spinning and video slot machines and your favorite table games. Experience the heritage at Eight Clans Gift Shop, featuring authentic Native items such as jewelry, blankets, soapstone sculptures and sweetgrass baskets.
About five minutes from downtown is an area being developed as "Little Italy". Located on Pine Avenue and streets intersecting, you’ll find authentic, family owned and operated Italian restaurants featuring made-from-scratch breads, sauces and pastas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with bakeries and shops displaying fresh cannolis, tiramisu, cookies and confections.