The breathtaking Niagara Falls are a truly unique attraction. They are located within Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States, established in 1885 as the Niagara Reservation. It is currently considered a national historic site in tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted, who successfully advocated for its declaration as a natural reserve to protect this stunning treasure. There is an immense amount to see and do within this park. Pack your bags!
Niagara Falls: how to get there and begin your visit
Niagara Falls location: Niagara Falls State Park is situated at 304 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, New York, on the border between the United States and Canada. This park welcomes visitors 365 days a year, and admission is free.
It is located approximately 406 miles (653 km) from New York City and can be reached by land or air. For better orientation, it is recommended to note the GPS address: 15 Goat Island Loop Road, Niagara Falls, New York, or the coordinates: latitude 43.081528 and longitude -79.064240.
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Have you already located Niagara Falls Canada on your map? If you are traveling in your own car, several interstate highways allow you to arrive from the south, east, and west to Interstate 90. It is advisable to arrive early because, although there are four parking lots, they fill up quickly. The best option is to use alternative means to enter the city and leave your car in one of the downtown parking lots, which are only a few minutes from the park.
From New York, there are transport lines that arrive after a journey of about ten hours, combining local and long-distance bus services. Additionally, there is an international airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, about 25 miles (40 km) from the park.
The official Welcome Center is located at 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls. It is an impressive 28,000 square foot (2,600 square meters) building with glass walls. There you can find information, purchase tickets, use the restrooms, and prepare for an unforgettable day.
How to explore Niagara Falls State Park?
Without a doubt, the main attraction of the park is its awe-inspiring waterfalls. The Niagara Reservation consists of a narrow strip of land along the eastern shore of the Niagara River, centered on the site of the American Falls, and includes a group of islands situated within and between the falls: Goat Island, Three Sisters Islands, Robinson Island, Bird Island, Brother Island, and Green Island.
At Niagara Falls, every second, 3,160 tons of water flow, cascading at a speed of nearly 33 feet (10 meters) per second with a force of 280 tons at the American and Bridal Veil Falls and… a staggering 2,509 tons at the Horseshoe Falls!
Impressive, isn’t it?
Trails
To truly appreciate this natural wonder, the best way to start is by exploring the trails. For example:
- Goat Island Trail. Leads to the historic Goat Island. Several attractions can be visited there. You can reach the trailhead on foot in 10 minutes.
- Lower River Trail. This trail leads to various observation points, the power plant ruins, the Niagara Aquarium, and the starting point of the gorge trails.
- Niagara Falls Downtown Route. Highlights everything there is to see and do outside the park. It has a length of 15 miles (24 km).
And these are not the only ones! You can download a trail map with all the information, from short and easy routes to others with greater difficulty.
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Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley
Another way to tour the park is with the Niagara Scenic Trolley. It is a tourist trolley that operates within the park with a 3-mile (5-kilometer) route and stops at prominent locations and scenic viewpoints. Passengers can hop on and off the trolley as many times as they wish throughout the day, allowing them to explore the park at their own pace.
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The scenic trolley completes a full loop of the park every 30 minutes and is great for familiarizing yourself with the park’s layout and history.
Beyond The View Walking Tour
This is a guided walking tour exploring the different waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. There are two options: the one-hour guided tour and the two-hour combined tour, which ends at the world-famous Cave of the Winds.
It is available from Fridays to Sundays, but between June and September, it runs daily. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Other attractions of Niagara Falls State Park New York
While the waterfalls are the central Niagara Falls Canada attractions of the Park, there are other interesting places to see:
- Cave of the Winds. A different way to experience the falls. An entrance fee is required.
- Niagara Falls Aquarium. Two buildings, one with exotic species and the other with super local natives of the Great Lakes, such as penguins, seals, jellyfish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. In total, more than 1,500 animals. An entrance fee is required.
- Maid of the Mist. A boat tour that begins at the Observation Tower and goes through the cascades and rock formations. Check operating dates and rates.
- Observation Tower. Offers spectacular views of Niagara Falls, with elevators and stairs, birdwatching opportunities, and places to take the best photographs. Free access.
- Schellkopf Power Plant Ruins. This plant was built between 1905 and 1924 and was the largest in the world at the time. On June 7, 1956, at 5 p.m., it collapsed catastrophically. In 2013, restoration of the building began, and the ruins were connected to a hiking trail. Free access.
Useful information to fully enjoy Niagara Falls
- The Park is open 24 hours a day, but the various attractions have their own operating hours.
- Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash shorter than 6 feet (2 meters) long. Pets are not allowed inside buildings and attractions.
- There are water fountains for humans and pets in different areas of the park. Additionally, bottles can be filled in the restrooms located at the various attractions.
- The trails and paths can only be traversed on foot: they are not suitable for bikes or other vehicles. However, some routes are accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Eating and Shopping
When it’s time for a break, you’ll find several places to eat something in Niagara Falls State Park. For example, you can choose from bars and cafes with take-away food to the exclusive Top of the Falls restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the falls from every table.
These establishments are located throughout the park; for example, inside the famous Cave of the Winds, there is a cafe open from March to December, or another in the Welcome Center with the favorite dishes of Western New York.
Don’t leave without visiting one of the four niagara falls gift shop, inside Niagara Falls State Park. They sell souvenirs and officially licensed park items, such as a complete line of quality souvenirs, including clothing, glassware, gifts, and books, as well as last-minute items like batteries, sunglasses, and umbrellas.
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