As a native of Western New York, I have been making trips to Niagara Falls since I was a little kid. To this day, we always make at least one trip to the falls annually. Why? Because Niagara Falls is spectacular. This is one destination that absolutely must be checked off your New York State bucket list; after all, Niagara Falls is one of the great Natural Wonders of the World.
Fun Facts About Niagara Falls
- Niagara Falls State Park is America’s oldest State park.
- Niagara Falls is actually 3 waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Falls, and Horseshoe Falls (which is on the Canadian side.)
- Over 9.5 million people visit Niagara Falls State Park every year.
- Niagara Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall, but it is the biggest in width and volume of water flowing over. An astonishing 700,000 gallons of water flow over the Falls per second.
- Frederick Law Olmsted designed the State Park and was a member of a group of conservationists who fought to preserve the area around the Falls.
- Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse built the first hydroelectric plant in 1885 at Niagara Falls. The Falls are an enormous source of potential power; They are capable of providing over one-fourth of the electricity used in New York State and Ontario, Canada.
When to Visit
Niagara Falls State Park is open every day, 365 days a year. It is also one of the few state parks that is entirely free (besides the parking fee.) However, some times of the year are better to visit this world-famous destination than others, depending on your tolerance for cold or large crowds.
Summertime is, of course, one of the most popular times to visit any New York State destination, but Niagara Falls is a whole other animal. People are quite literally bused in on tourist buses to the Falls and surrounding areas. To say it is packed at the falls doesn’t even begin to cover it. If you don’t mind large crowds, then visiting in the Summer won’t bother you. Otherwise, you might want to adjust the timing of your visit.
Wintertime is my favorite time of year to visit. Yes, it is cold, and I mean FREEZING, but the crowds are at a minimal. Although several of the lower viewing areas, close to the falls, are closed off, you can still enjoy incredible views without being elbow to elbow with mobs of people. Bonus: the ice and snow make everything that much more beautiful.
Viewing the Falls
There are many spots to view the falls at Niagara Falls State Park because there are a lot of falls to view. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of one side of the Horseshoe Falls (usually referred to as the Canadian Falls), Bridal Falls, and the American Falls.
Unfortunately, the best view of all the falls is across the river in Canada, however, visitors to the Falls on the American size get an up-close look at the sheer size and power of these incredible natural wonders.
If you really want an impressive view of the falls, keep reading for two awesome one of a kind experiences that you can only have at Niagara Falls.
Terrapin Point
Terrapin Point is located on Goat Island and provides visitors with a view of Horseshoe Falls. While this isn’t the only view of Horseshoe Falls, it is the closest you can get from the American side.
Luna Island
Luna Island is a small island between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls has an incredible view of both waterfalls. This area is not always open to the public in the Winter.
Prospect Point
Prospect Point is the best viewing point for the American Falls. It also happens to be where the majority of the Niagara Falls attractions are located.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower
The view from the deck of the Observation Tower is spectacular. On a clear day, visitors can see all the way up the river to the center of Horseshoe Falls.
FUN FACT: The area of the Niagara River between Goat Island and Prospect Point on the Mainland is called Hell’s Half Acre.
Goat Island
You can’t visit Niagara Falls without visiting Goat Island. Goat Island has so much natural beauty and several amazing experiences, and fantastic views of the falls. Goat island also has some lovely nature trails where you can take a relaxing stroll (and escape the crowds.)
Three Sisters Island
Three Sisters Island is one of my favorite places in Niagara Falls, and it is often overlooked by tourists visiting the falls because it isn’t right in the heart of the action. But this small island, connected to Goat Island by a bridge, gets you right up close and personal with the rapids flowing towards the Falls. It’s spectacular!
This is an exceptionally peaceful place to visit, and more often than not, we have had the place almost all to ourselves, which in Niagara Falls is downright impressive.
Nikola Tesla Monument
The Nikola Tesla Monument, created by Franco Krsinic, was a gift to the United States from Yugoslavia in 1976. The Statue sits in the approximate location of the old Niagara Falls power plant. The hydroelectric plant built with the help of Tesla in 1895 was the first giant hydroelectric power plant in the World.
Cave of the Winds
This is one of the most unique experiences you can have just about anywhere on Earth, walking beneath the Falls. We did this experience a few years ago, and it was beyond amazing. We visited in the Summer, and even though the temperature was in the 80s, the temperature under the falls was unbelievably cool. They call the top platform under the Falls the Hurrican Deck, which lives up to its name. Read more about visiting this one-of-a-kind experience.
Black Squirrels
If you have visited Niagara Falls before, you know these adorable little critters are everywhere. They have a genetic variant known as a melanistic variant, making them black rather than the traditional gray of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. Typically, animals with this variant have coats that change colors by season to protect them from predators. However, due to a genetic mutation, these squirrels retain their black coat for their entire life and pass this mutation on to their offspring.
Some of these squirrels seem to have little fear of humans, and some will even come right up to you. Please don’t try to touch or feed them.
Nightly Illumination of the Falls
On September 14th, 1860, the Falls were illuminated for the first time in history to honor the Prince of Wales when he visited Niagara Falls. Over the next 50 years, the Falls would be illuminated to celebrate visiting members of the Royal Family or in celebration of important events.
In 1925, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board was formed. The lighting of the Falls has been upgraded several times over the last 90 years. In 2016, a significant energy-efficient upgrade was given to the lights, and now the lighting contains 12,600 LED lights, consisting of red, blue, green, and white lights. The Falls are illuminated every night. Certain nights of the year have different colors to celebrate events (such as green for St. Patrick’s Day and Pink and Red for Valentine’s Day.)
Other Niagara Falls Experiences
There is no shortage of activities and experiences that visitors to Niagara Falls can enjoy. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Maid of the Mist
I had always heard how amazing the Maid of the Mist was, but I always thought it was hype until I actually rode it myself. Getting that close to the thundering falls of one of the most majestic landmarks in the World is absolutely awe-inspiring. This is a fantastic bucket list experience that everyone should do at least once in their life.
Devils Hole State Park
Visit the Devil’s Hole State Park and hike down to the Devil’s Hole Rapids. This park is famous for picnicking, hiking, and fantastic scenic views. Take the stone staircase to the base of the gorge and the Devil’s Hole Trail, where the best views of the gorge and the rapids.
Whirlpool State Park
Explore the gorgeous beauty that is Whirlpool State Park. This park is divided into two levels. The top level has incredible views of the whirlpool and the rapids; the lower level takes visitors to hiking trails along the gorge. Hikers can also reach the Devil’s Hole State Park from here.
Niagara Wax Museum of History
The Niagara Wax Museum of History can be a bit corny and, let’s face it…somewhat creepy. The Niagara Wax Museum of History is a fun museum that will entertain and educate. It may not be the most sophisticated wax museum you can visit, and admittedly, it is a bit on the cheesy side; however, it is still a very affordable way to pass an hour or so in Niagara Falls.
Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is an opportunity to explore and learn about some of the Earth’s most precious habitats, the water of the oceans, lakes, and rivers. The exhibits at the aquarium contain exceptional examples of aquatic life and are beautifully designed.
Old Fort Niagara
Old Fort Niagara is living history at its very best. This historic park allows visitors to literally step back in time and see what life was like when three nations, Great Britain, France, and the United States, fought to dominate the New World. Old Fort Niagara has the distinction of being the oldest constantly utilized military fort in North America.
Where to Eat
Of course, if you are going to spend the day in Niagara Falls, at some point, you are going to work up an appetite and need sustenance. There are many great food options in Niagara Falls, from fine dining to food trucks.
Hard Rock Cafe
There is a Hard Rock Cafe located quite close to the Falls. This is a must-visit for any music fan. Take a stroll around the Cafe as you wait for your food to come and appreciate the memorabilia from music history. I have eaten here twice and both times were fantastic!
Rainforest Cafe
Quite a possibility one of the most unique dining experiences available. Enjoy eating delicious food amongst audio-animatronic animals and sound effects. The food here is nothing short of amazing. It was the only time in my adult life that I actually considered licking my plate in public.
Food Trucks
There are tons of food trucks located around Niagara Falls, especially if you enjoy Indian food (which I do.) We have enjoyed a quick (and delicious) bite to eat when want to walk around and see the sights rather than eat at any of the sit-down restaurants.
Food Court
There is a food court located along Niagara Falls Blvd at the One Niagara Welcome Center. The food here is on the expensive side, but it does offer a variety of options to satisfy everyone. Also, you can shop for souvenirs here as well.
Where to Stay
There are numerous hotels available in the Niagara Falls area.
Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino
Quality Inn & Suites at the Falls
Chartered Bus Tours
My parents used to book a bus tour from Rochester to the Seneca Niagara Casino. Guest could have the option to stay the night or return home on the bus. They also receive a voucher for the casino. My parents found this a great way to enjoy Niagara Falls and have to opportunity to have a bit of fun at the large casino there.
Parking
There are lots of parking lots in Niagara Falls, but they are all going to cost you money to park there. In typical tourist trap fashion, the closer you are to the Falls, the more expensive the parking lot. If you are willing to walk a bit, you can find places that are free or, at the very least, won’t cost you one of your kidneys.