8 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Niagara Falls, NY
The Niagara Falls are one of the most famous and impressive waterfalls in the world. They are located in the far northwest of New York State, along the Niagara River, which forms the US/Canadian border. Water from Lake Erie cascades over a nearly 200-foot drop into Lake Ontario, attracting more than 12 million visitors each year.
Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls are the three waterfalls in total. The river rushes through a narrow passage in Niagara Gorge, then churns into a massive whirlpool downstream. The falls can be viewed in a variety of ways, including from dry land and up close in the spray. There are plenty of things to do in this lovely upstate town, as well as just across the river in Niagara Falls, Ontario, once you’ve taken in the spectacular falls.
1. Niagara Falls State Park
The oldest state park in New York, Niagara Falls State Park, was established in 1885 and is home to a trio of spectacular waterfalls and five islands on the Niagara River. The park spans 400 acres and includes nature and bike trails, picnic areas, and scenic photo opportunities.
The park’s vintage-style trolley transports visitors to the park’s main attractions, including the Observation Tower, which offers panoramic views of all three falls. Sightseeing tours are also available, including boat tours like the Maid of the Mist and other up-close encounters.
Historical exhibits, a gift shop, multiple restaurants, and the Adventure Theater are all available at the park’s visitor centre. Visitors can take part in a 40-minute “4-D” presentation that combines film and sensory effects, such as spray from the falls, to create an immersive experience for the entire family.
2. Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist, which has been operating since 1846, is the longest-running boat tour of the falls. It is, without a doubt, the most popular attraction at Niagara Falls State Park. Tourists board a double-decker boat from the base of the Observation Tower, donning blue ponchos and setting out on the river into Niagara Gorge.
The 30-minute tour takes you up close to the base of both American and Horseshoe Falls, where hundreds of thousands of gallons of water pour down every second. From April to November, this unforgettable tour is available, and tickets can be purchased at the state park’s visitor centre.
3. Goat Island’s Cave of Winds
A path leads from Prospect Point to Little Green Island, which is located in the middle of the rapids just above the American Falls, and then to Goat Island, which is located between the American and Horseshoe Falls. The entrance to the Cave of the Winds is on Goat Island, at the foot of the American Falls, where boardwalks lead to just beneath the falls.
Visitors to the Cave of Winds are given ponchos and souvenir sandals before descending the 175 feet into the gorge — a must for anyone who doesn’t want to spend the rest of the day in soggy shoes. The wooden platform, known as the “hurricane deck” because of its constant state of stormy conditions, is only 20 feet from the tumbling water of Bridal Veil Falls.
Tourists can also reach Luna Island via a gangway from Goat Island’s northern tip, and a network of walkways offers additional opportunities to see both American and Horseshoe Falls from different angles.
4. Whirlpool Rapids
The river changes course again three miles below the American Falls, forming a whirlpool in the great cauldron created by tectonic movements, before turning northeast over the Lower Rapids and into Lake Ontario. With 100,000 cubic feet of water moving through the narrow Whirlpool Gorge every second, these rapids are among the most dangerous in the world.
Visitors can hike down a series of paths and stairs from the New York side of the river to an observation point that was once a stop on the Great Gorge Railway. The Whitewater Walk, which is wheelchair accessible and requires a visit to Canada’s Niagara Park in Ontario, is a more navigable way to view the whirlpool and rapids.
The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, which spans the Niagara River between the United States and Canada, is another popular spot for viewing the falls from above.
5. Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is a great option for chilly or rainy days and a fun diversion for families. More than 200 aquatic animal species, as well as 30 educational exhibits, can be found here. A sea lion show, harbour seal presentations, and penguin feeding are among the aquarium’s attractions.
Visitors can also have an animal encounter with seals and Humboldt penguins, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at their care, training, and social lives. The aquarium is also a wildlife rescue centre for injured animals.
6. Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University
The Castellani Art Museum was established in 1976 by the Castellani family to promote art education and appreciation at Niagara University and throughout the region. From the 1850s to the present, the permanent collection contains over 5,600 works in a variety of media.
Paintings, drawings, photos, and sculpture, as well as pre-Columbian ceramics, are examples. The majority of the museum’s collection focuses on contemporary art created since the 1970s, with prominent and emerging artists featured. On the Niagara University campus, the museum is located.
7. Old Fort Niagara
Visitors can tour Old Fort Niagara, one of the most important forts of the 18th century, which was crucial in maintaining control of access to the Great Lakes during the colonial wars. Exhibits and artefacts can be found in the visitor centre and the fort’s many restored original buildings. Throughout the summer, there are living history interpreters who demonstrate daily life, from chores to working artisans.
In addition to guided tours, visitors are encouraged to watch an orientation video and explore the grounds on their own during the off-season. Special events, such as re-enactments, are held at the fort throughout the year, and there are hourly musket demonstrations.
8. Excursions to Canadian Sites
One of the best aspects of Niagara Falls is its proximity to its Ontario counterpart, Niagara Falls. There are a variety of tourist attractions here, including some unique ways to enjoy the river’s and falls’ natural wonders. Visitors can see the underside of Horseshoe Falls through portals carved into the rock beneath the falls, which are accessed through tunnels carved more than 130 years ago.
The vintage 1916 aerial cable car, known as the Aero Car, provides unparalleled views of the whirlpool from above. The Clifton Hill amusement park offers a variety of entertainment options, including midway games, bowling, arcades, and coaster-track go-karts. It also houses Canada’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara Skywheel, which provides breathtaking views of the falls and the Niagara Gorge.
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