Established in 1885, Niagara Falls is the oldest state park in the country and spans more than 400 acres, with 140 acres of that below water. The beautiful attraction was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City.
Trails and Trolleys
There are more than 15 miles of hiking and walking trails that allow you to enjoy the stunning views of the falls. Or, take the Niagara Scenic Trolley to enjoy a narrated train ride that highlights the history of the park. Want to go a step further? One of the most popular experiences here is the Maid of the Mist, a boat tour that goes into the basin of the falls. Be prepared to get wet—every rider is given a souvenir poncho to shield them from the splash.
Things to Do
And it’s not just the falls you can explore. There’s an on-site aquarium, an observation tower, and an adventure theater where you can enjoy a 30-minute film experience that captures the majesty of the park. The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is another great place to learn about the history of the falls and see interactive exhibits. And you can even check out The Schoellkopf Power Station, which was formerly the largest hydroelectric power station in the whole world.
Nighttime Visits
If you’re visiting the falls in the evening, make sure you watch the Niagara Falls Illumination, which lights up the night sky with LED displays every night of the year at dusk.
Eat
Want to grab a bite to eat? There’s plenty of in-park dining to be found, including the Top of the Falls restaurant, which overlooks the water, plus a sit-down eatery, the Prospect Point Cafe, and several snack bars.
Admission and Souvenirs
It’s completely free to enter the park, but parking and the attractions cost a small fee. And of course, there’s also a gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir before you head home.
