Sightseeing, attractions, museums and more in the Buffalo/Niagara Region in Western NY
There are plenty of places to go and places to see in the Buffalo Niagara region. Sightseeing, attractions and museums create an engaging environment for adults and children of all ages, with many hands-on exhibits. The beauty of Niagara Falls is breathtaking, no matter what the season. Waterfront tours highlight the Buffalo Niagara region's great lakes and the Niagara River. Explore historic landmarks throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls featuring prominent architecture treasures. 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. Almost every weekend in the summer months is host to at least one outdoor festival and event throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls - many of these summer festivals and events are free. To keep track of Buffalo's and Niagara's many festivals and events throughout the year, refer to our events page.
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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. Top |
Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 4746 Town Line Road Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 434-8030 www.ArrowheadSpring.com |
Perched high on the Niagara Escarpment USA, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards offers panoramas of pastoral Niagara County and spectacular sunset views. A "feast" for the eyes while sipping the handcrafted wine is pure pleasure for the palate. Arrowhead Spring Vineyards has a focus on making the highest quality barrel aged wines from our estate vineyard and locally grown grapes. Specializing in wines that pair well with food, our wine list includes Syrah, Meritage blends, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Ice Wine. Come sip with us! Open daily 12-6pm.
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Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Avenue Buffalo, NY 14218 (716) 827-1584 www.buffalogardens.com |
A local and national treasure, the Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures. This breathtaking glass conservatory is home to many palm trees, fruit trees, hundreds of tropical plants, exotic varieties of orchids, begonias, herbs, cacti, succulents and ivy, just to name a few. Other highlights include "life-size" dinosaur topiaries, a koi pond, a 27 foot waterfall, interesting water features and much more! The Gardens is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promote an enduring harmony between people and the natural world. Top |
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park One Naval Park Cove Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 847-1773 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. Top |
Buffalo Harbor Cruises/ Miss Buffalo II 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 Lock and Canal. Enjoy narrated sightseeing cruises aboard the Miss Buffalo II. Snack bar and fully-licensed beverage bars on board. Adult fee - $15 and children 6-12 - $10. 5 and under FREE! Group rates are offered. Reservations are recommended. Top |
Buffalo Museum of Science 1020 Humboldt Parkway (Best Street exit off Kensington Expressway - Rt. 33) Buffalo, NY 14211 (716) 896-5200 www.sciencebuff.org |
There’s always something exciting to do at the Buffalo Museum of Science! Enjoy special exhibits and more than a dozen exhibit halls, including "Dinosaurs & Co." and "Our Place in Space"! Do real science with real stuff in the interactive "Connections" gallery and our youngest visitors (ages 2-7) can interact with their parents in "Explorations". Our Museum offers free parking and is handicapped accessible. View our online event calendar or call for admission prices and hours, as well as information on special exhibits, programs and events. Top |
| The Clarence Historical Society maintains a local museum in a 1840s limestone building. Exhibits highlight the history of the oldest existing town in Erie County, including community, military, industry, household and the workshop of Wilson Greatbatch, inventor of the implantable cardiac pacemaker. On-site also is a 1820s log cabin and railroad display. Open Wednesday 10am-2pm, Sundays 1-4pm. Tours can easily be scheduled at other times. Call for additional information. Visit us on Facebook. Top |
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Darien Lake Theme Park Resort 9993 Allegheny Road Darien Center, NY 14040 (585) 599-4641 www.GoDarienLake.com |
Darien Lake Resort is New York’s largest Theme Park and Water Park Resort, and is located between Buffalo and Rochester, just a short drive from Niagara Falls. Get a combo ticket and explore the best of both worlds - Darien Lake Theme Park and new SplashTown Water Park! SplashTown adds Swirl City Water Slides, Flotation Station Lazy River and the Lazy Days Lagoon Wave Pool! Stay at the Forts-o-Fun Kid Suites in our hotel, and relax in the fully-equipped family friendly Brown Bear Cabins along the lakeside. With more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, Darien Lake is your vacation destination!
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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. Open Wednesday - Saturday 10-5; Sunday 12-5, and the first Friday of every month 10-8. Open select school holidays. Admission $5 per person. Top |
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 his finest residential designs from his Prairie House period. Tours of the Martin House underscore timeless themes of daring vision as revealed in the famed architect’s masterpiece for his most loyal patron and friend, Darwin D. Martin. Awarded a 5-Star Rating for Tourist Destination. Reservations strongly recommended. Call us or visit our website for more information. |
Ira G. Ross Aerospace Museum HSBC Arena Seymour Knox III Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 297-1324 www.irarossaerospace.org |
Western New York’s aviation story is here. Help celebrate Naval Aviation’s 100th year by learning about Glenn Curtiss, "Father of Naval Aviation". See his Model D "Pusher" and the other Aviation and Space accomplishments of Bell, Moog, Calspan, Consolidated and other Western New York institutions. Hours: Open 11-4 weekends only May 29 thru June 20; Thursday thru Sundays and Holidays thru September 6 (Labor Day). Admission: Adults $7, Senior/Students $5, Children $3, Family (parents with children) $15, Groups of 10 or more $3 each. $1 discount for paid visitors to Naval & Military Park. |
| 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. Top |
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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. Multi-language headsets available. Hours of operation: March 15-April 30, 10am-4pm; May 1-June 18, 9am-5pm; June 19-Sept. 6, 9am-8pm; Sept. 7-Oct. 24, 9am-5pm; Oct. 25-Dec. 31, 10am-4pm; Jan. 1-March 14, Closed. Top |
Niagara Falls State Park Located off the Robert Moses Parkway Niagara Falls, NY 14303 (716) 278-1796 www.niagarafallsstatepark.com |
Get closer at Niagara Falls State Park! Get soaked under the Falls on the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds. Then board the Maid of the Mist for a heart-pumping ride into the roar of the Falls. Learn more about the oldest state park in America at the Niagara Adventure Theater. Discover it all at www.niagarafallsstatepark.com and find out how you can save over 30% with the Niagara USA Discovery Pass to the Falls.
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Niagara Power Vista 5777 Lewiston Road (Route 104) Lewiston, NY 14092 (716) 286-6661 or (866) NYPA-FUN www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm |
Enjoy Free Family Fun at the Niagara Power Vista, the NYPA Niagara Power Project’s handicapped accessible visitors center located just four miles downstream from the Falls. We’ve got fun down to a science with more than 50 interactive exhibits so all ages can learn about hydroelectricity. Enjoy spectacular views from the observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara River. Free parking and admission. Open daily 9am - 5pm excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Self and guided tours are available. Top |
| Welcome to your Niagara Falls. See what’s new on Old Falls Street located in the heart of downtown Niagara Falls, USA. As the main thoroughfare in downtown, you will find this location host to a variety of special events. This newly renovated cobblestone street has become the hub of activity leading straight into the Nation’s Oldest State Park and American Falls. Home to the Falls Street Rib Festival, Taste of Niagara, Weekly Storytelling hour, Fitness at the Falls Pilates Sessions, Niagara Falls Blues Summit & Festival, Hard Rock at the Falls Outdoor Summer Concert Series, and much more. For more information visit our website.
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| Visit an 18th Century Fort under siege and meet the people who made America. Located at the scenic convergence of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, the Fort offers six original 18th Century buildings, including the c.1726 French Castle, as well as Living History Programs, Musket Demonstrations, Artillery Firing, Historical Characters, Native American Interpretation, Children’s Games and Exhibits. Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm; July & August 9:00am-7:00pm. In Youngstown, just minutes from Niagara Falls, via the Robert Moses Parkway North.
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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 an oasis 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. Top |
Rainbow Air, Inc. 454 Main St. (next to Howard Johnson’s) Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 284-2800 www.rainbowairinc.com |
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. Top |
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 the mighty Niagara Falls, but none are more famous or breath-taking than the view from high atop the Skylon Tower. At the Skylon Tower 3 glass-enclosed “Yellow-Bug” exterior elevators will whisk you silently to the top. Here the view from indoor and outdoor Observation Decks promises once-in-a-lifetime panoramic photos of the Niagara River, the mighty Falls, Great Gorge, Niagara Wine District and even the city skylines of Buffalo, New York and Toronto. This spectacular view is even more enjoyable when viewed from the comfort of the world-famous Revolving Dining Room featuring award-winning Continental Cuisine or from the family-affordable Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room featuring Niagara’s best all-you-can-eat-buffet. Both are 775 feet above the Falls. At night enjoy the spectacular Falls Illumination, city lights below and seasonal Falls Fireworks. The Skylon Tower is Niagara’s best dining value. The admission to the Skylon’s Ride-to-the-Top and Indoor/Outdoor Observation Decks is always FREE when dining. From the Peace Bridge take QEW to McLeod Rd. East then left on Stanley to Robinson Street. From the Rainbow Bridge take the QEW to Stanley Ave. Left on Stanley to Robinson. Left on Robinson to the Skylon Tower. Visit us on our website. Top |
| Established in 1992, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is an exhilarating white water experience on the Niagara River with awe-inspiring scenery, historical significance and Class Five Rapids through Devil’ Hole. Get absolutely soaked aboard our "Wet Jet" experience or remain completely dry while aboard our "Jet Dome" tour. Tours depart daily from the Water Street Landing in Lewiston, NY, the Niagara Adventure Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario as well as the King George III Inn in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. For a unique and exciting Niagara adventure, visit our website for more information. Top |
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Transportation |
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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 SUVs, 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 |
