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 |
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 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 |
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort 9993 Allegheny Road Darien Center, NY 14040 (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. We offer on-site accommodations, including a 162-room hotel, RV Rental and 1,200-site campground. With more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, including a kid park, water park and 20,000-capacity outdoor concert venue, Darien Lake is your vacation destination. The season kicks off May 9, 2009 with an all-new in-park concert series, featuring your tween’s favorite popstar sensations. For information call us or visit GoDarienLake.com. Top |
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. Top |
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. Learn about Glenn Curtiss, his "Pusher" and P-40 Flying Tiger; along with Larry Bell, the X-1, the rocket belt, WNY’s Aviation & Space Hall of Fame, hundreds of models and "Kids Corner". Hours: Saturday/Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (May 23 to June 18) and Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (June 19 thru Fall). Admission: Adults $7, Seniors/Students $5, Family (parents w/children) $15, Groups of 10 or more $3 each. |
| 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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Martin's Fantasy Island 2400 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 (716) 773-7591 www.martinsfantasyisland.com |
Martin's Fantasy Island is Western New York's favorite family theme park with a water park, shows and rides featuring the Sliver Comet, which is rated one of the top 35 coasters. You can also enjoy Flight, a 140 foot high vertical swing, Kiddie Land, Lazy River, Wave Pool, Cannon Bowl water ride and an authentic Western Shoot Out. New for 2009 is the Mega Disk'o Coaster providing a breathtaking dual rocking/spinning motion on a circular platform while sitting on a motorcycle-like pedestal seat facing outward. The park is located 10 minutes from Niagara Falls with plenty of FREE PARKING. |
Miss Buffalo II / 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 Lock and Canal. Enjoy narrated sightseeing cruises aboard the Miss Buffalo II. Snack bar and fully-licensed beverage bars on board. Adult fee - $14.00, and children 6-12 - $9. Group rates are offered. Reservations are recommended. Top |
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 |
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 Niagara USA Discovery Pass to the Falls. Top |
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.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. 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 |
Snow Park Niagara Falls 427 First Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (877) TUBING4 (882-4644) www.SnowParkNiagara.com |
Every day is a snow day at Snow Park Niagara Falls. Covered with a fresh dusting of daily snow is a ten lane tubing hill, skating rink and snow play area - fun for the entire family. Tubing is by reservation only for a 2 hour scheduled tubing/skating session. Admission to the skating rink includes unlimited skating and skate rental. Play the day away by making a snowman, building an igloo or any other sculpture you can think of in our Snow Play Area - we provide all the tools for fun. All activities are outdoors. Buy tickets in advance online. Top |
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 |
Mac Limousine Company 6707 Lincoln Avenue Lockport, NY 14094 (877) 622-3239 Toll Free (716) 439-1062 www.maclimo.com |
Serving all of WNY and Southern Ontario, a MAC limousine is the perfect way to visit the region’s many wineries, attend concerts and sporting events, explore the area’s cultural and architectural treasures, visit Niagara Falls, attend the wedding you’re in town for or enjoy a hassle-free night out while you travel in style and comfort. MAC offers the newest fleet of luxury limousines and limousine buses, perfect for all occasions. Our vehicles accommodate from 2-28 passengers. Call and let us help you plan your trip in a MAC limousine!
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