Niagara Falls State Park

jescapes on 04 19, 2009

The Niagara Falls State Park is home to about 15 different exciting attractions. Top in the list of the 15 Niagara Falls State Park attractions is the Niagara Falls State Park itself. The list starts here:

1. Niagara Falls State Park. Start your adventure at this oldest state park in the USA. Stand and watch within feet of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The falls will surely take your breath away. The park itself has a lot to offer. It features a restaurant, snack bars, gift shops, picnic tables, hiking and nature trails.

2. Cave of the Winds. The Cave of the Winds starts at the Goat Island. If you want to try this adventure, it takes taking an elevator ride down 175′ to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk along the base of the falls on a  series of wooden stairs and decks. Don’t worry, you’ll not get wet as you will be provided with raincoats and sandals. Here at the base, you can feel and experience the power of Niagara Falls from the Hurricane Deck just feet from the pounding waters.

3. Niagara’s Legends of Adventure. You can watch the Niagara’s Legends of Adventure show in the Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center. The show will let you discover the story behind the thunder as it immerses you in action. You will see the majesty that inspired settlers and explorers to worship and challenge the mighty falls.

4. Goat Island. The Goat Island is your access to the Cave of the Winds, Three Sisters Islands, Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Falls and Upper Rapids viewing. The island is quiet and a great place for walking where you can also see a close-up view of the rapids and cascades and the Top of the Falls Restaurant.

5. Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is a world-famous scenic boat tour of the American and Canadian Falls. It is a spectacular half-hour ride that will give you the memory of a lifetime. Get your cameras ready as the boat moves closer to the Falls and make sure you have your raincoats on. Feel the falls waters as it splashes upon your head and shoulders. The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is accessible via the Observation Tower elevator at Prospect Point in the state park.

6. Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is a resource center full of information about the natural and local history of the Niagara Gorge and Falls. There are interactive displays that you can enjoy seeing, including the virtual reality Gorge Elevator Experience and the Real Time Gorge Camera.

7. Luna Island. Coming over to this island will give you a fantastic close-up view of both the American and Bridal Veil Falls. It is a small island located in between these great falls.

8. Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building. The Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building is your primary access point to the Niagara Gorge Trails. There are guided hikes into the Gorge that are being offered each week with varying degrees of lengths and difficulties and cover a variety of topics related to the Falls and its unique environment.

9. Observation Tower. The Observation Tower is the glass-walled elevator towers that you will see towering above the dramatic views of all three Falls.

10. Prospect Point. The Prospect Point is your prime viewing area for the American Falls and Rapids and your link to the Maid of the Mist. It is also home to the Visitor Center and the Observation Tower. A great viewing point to look for rainbows or just to watch the Falls illuminated in colored lights every night.

11. Niagara Scenic Trolley. The Niagara Scenic Trolley is a great way to hop around if you are already tired of walking. The trolley stops at several locations, including major park attractions. You may choose to board and stay on for the entire route or you can get on and off at different stops. It’s your pick! The trolley always comes with a guide that will share the history of the park as the scenic trolley driver drives around a three-mile route through the park.

12. Three Sisters Island. The Three Sisters Island are connected with three historic walking bridges that link the Goat Island to the Three Sisters. The islands offers a unique view of the upper rapids as the river races for the Falls. History has it that the islands were named after the three daughters of prominent local businessman, Parkhurst Whitney. There is also a Little Brother Island near the tip of the third sister.

13. Top of the Falls Restaurant. Located at the Goat Island, this restaurant serves American and regional favorites from its open kitchen and one of the best vistas in Niagara Falls State Park overlooking Horseshoe Falls. Customers will surely get a great seat as the restaurant has tiered seating and two outdoor dining decks.

14. Terrapin Point. Located at the Goat Island, the Terrapin Point offers a view of the thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping curve of the Horseshoe Falls.

15. Visitor Center. The Visitor Center, located at the Prospect Park, is Niagara Falls information center where you will find gift shops and food services. You’ll also find here specialty coffees, ice cream, deli and patio grill. The Visitor Center’s footpaths will lead you to every area of the park. The Niagara Scenic Trolley also departs near the Visitor Center traveling all across the park to many points of interest.

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