Niagara Falls Attractions
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Thu, May 23 2013
Niagara Falls drops below 50000 for first time since World War I - Business First of Buffalo
Niagara Falls drops below 50000 for first time since World War I - Business First of Buffalo
Attractions
Note: New York State Master Pass can be purchased from Niagara Reservation State Park at P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-0132. Tel. (716) 278-1770. It offers a 20% discount on attractions marked below.
Niagara Falls State Park Attractions
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
151 Buffalo Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY
Access via Observation Tower elevator
at Prospect Point, located at the Reservation State Park.
716-284-8897
World famous boat tour of the three Falls (New York State and Ontario, Canada)
Spectacular one-half-hour ride.
Waterproof clothing provided.
Mid-May until late Oct.
Admission charge and small elevator fee.
Handicapped accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
New York State Park Observation Tower
Prospect Point
716-278-1762.
Dramatic views of all three Falls from this 282 foot structure.
A glass-walled elevator rises above the Falls, then descends
to the base and the boat tour. Admission charged.
Handicapped accessible.
Included in New York State Master Pass.
New York State Park Viewmobile
Prospect Point trams operate throughout the state park.
716-278-1730
Stops at all major points of interest.
Seasonal. Admission charged.
Handicapped accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
New York State Park Visitors' Center
Prospect Park, Niagara Falls.
716-278-1796
An introduction to the Falls and surrounding parks.
Exhibits, Great Lakes Gardens,
tourist information center, gift shop, Falls side Cafe, restrooms.
Free.
Ice Bridge (sometimes appears in the winter)
The falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the Falls and river. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet. If the winter is cold for long enough, the ice will completely stretch across the river and form what is known as the ice bridge.
This ice bridge can extend for several miles down river until it reaches the area known as the lower rapids. Until 1912, visitors were allowed to actually walk out on the ice bridge and view the Falls from below. February 24th of 1888 the local newspaper reported that at least 20,000 people watched or tobogganed. On February 4th 1912 the ice bridge broke up and three tourists lives were lost. Foot traffic on the bridge of ice is no longer allowed
There can also "mini-icebergs" which flow down the Niagara River from frozen Lake Erie. The flow of ice has been reduced considerably by the yearly installation of the "ice-boom" on Lake Erie. The ice-boom is a large floating chain of logs strung from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is usually set in place during the month of December and removed in March. This boom helps prevent the ice from clogging the river and most importantly, the hydroelectric companies water intakes.
Prospect Point
Prospect Park
716-278-1762.
The prime viewing area for the American Falls
and upper rapids. Look for a rainbow in the morning mist or see
the Falls illuminated in colored lights every night.
Handicapped Accessible.
Cave Of The Winds Trip
on Goat Island
Niagara Falls , NY USA
(716) 278-1730
Seasonal. Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
Hours: Daily 9-8, mid-May through Labor Day; 9-5 (also Sat.-Sun. 5-6), day after Labor Day-late Oct. Schedule may vary; phone ahead
Under age 6 must be at least 42 inches tall
Waterproof clothing provided.
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The walking tour follows wooden walkways to within 25 feet of the base of the falls. An elevator takes visitors 175 feet through the Niagara rock escarpment to view the falls from the bottom. Allow 1 hour minimum.
Whirlpool State Park
On the Robert Moses Parkway
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1770
Admission: Free
Daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
The park is on a bluff overlooking the whirlpool that results from the Niagara River's 90-degree turn. Nature trails throughout; Ramps and steps wind along the gorge.
Wintergarden
300 Rainbow Blvd.
Niagara Falls , NY 14303 USA
(716) 286-4940
Free Admission.
Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m..
This is a glass-enclosed garden with tropical, semitropical and desert plants and trees, waterfalls, pools and secluded rest areas. Winding pathways, platforms and three-story glass elevators offer a variety of views. The garden is illuminated in the evening.
This is a favorite spot for weddings.
Niagara Summer Experience
E. Dent Lackey Plaza
300 Fourth Street at Duggan Drive
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
716-284-6188
Free.
Handicapped accessible.
Fridays at 8:00pm, in July and August. Music,
dancing, cultural exhibits, art fairs, concerts and
ethnic festivals presented by the Niagara Council of Arts.
Luna Island
Small island between the American and Bridal Veil Falls.
Offers a close-up view of both.
Terrapin Point
Goat Island. Viewing area for Horseshoe Falls.
Thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping
curve of the Horseshoe.
Three Sisters Islands
Access via Goat Island. Offers a unique view of the upper
rapids and the river as it races to the falls.
Thrill Ride Niagara
2405 Niagara Falls Blvd.
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-731-343
Niagara Festival Theater
1 Prospect Point Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1792
The theater presents the film ``Niagara Wonders.'' Filmed using a technique that gives a 3-D effect, the movie provides a bird's-eye view of the Niagara Falls region.
Admission charged
Shows on the hour Wed.-Sun. 10-8, May 19-Sept. 9; 10-6, Apr. 1-May 18 and Sept. 10-Oct. 7; Wed.-Sun. 9-5, Oct. 8-Nov. 24
Goat Island
716-278-1762
Niagara Falls , NY USA
in the Niagara River at the Falls. Easily accessible by foot or vehicular bridge,
this wooded island has paved drives and walks that offer spectacular views of both falls. The Three Sisters Islands, which lie in the rapids, are accessible by footbridge, as is Luna Island, which lies between the American and Bridal Veil falls. Wonderful area for a quiet walk, close-up view of the rapids
Niagara Reservation State Park
1 Prospect Point
Niagara Falls , NY
(716) 278-1796
Admission: Free
Visitor center open daily 8 a.m.-10:15 p.m., early May-Labor Day; daily 8 a.m.-8:15 p.m., early Apr.-early May and day after Labor Day-late Nov.; Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-8:15 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10:15 p.m., late Nov.-early Jan.; daily 8-6:15, rest of year. Park open daily dawn-dusk
The park covers more than 400 acres. New York's oldest state park, it opened in 1885. The visitor center has displays and electronic exhibits about the falls and information about area attractions.
Over The Falls Tours
5919 Niagara Falls Blvd.
Niagara Falls , NY 14304 USA
(716) 283-8900
Admission charged.
Hours: Tours depart daily from 9-7. Hours may vary; phone ahead for information.
A choice is offered of three narrated van tours of Niagara Falls, New York . Each tour includes a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist. The tour also includes the Cave of the Winds Trip. The Illumination tour allows visitors to see the area's attractions both during the day and at night. Allow 4 hours, 30 minutes minimum. One tour also includes a trip to the Canadian Falls.
Rainbow Air, Inc.
454 Main Street
Niagara Falls NY 14301
716-284-2800
Fax 716-298-5866
Daily 9-dusk
Ten minute tour.
Air tour offers views of both the American and Canadian falls. Allow 1 hour minimum
The Schoellkopf Geological Museum
Off the Robert Moses Pkwy near Main St.
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1780
Open April through October, call for hours.
Admission charged.
716-278-1780
Handicapped accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The museum provides an audiovisual explanation of the natural history of the Niagara Gorge and the Falls. A geological garden and nature trail are on the grounds. Guided trail tours are offered seasonally by reservation.
The Church was built in the early 19th century. Highlights include stonework and stained-glass windows.
A Festival of Lights
345 Third Street
Niagara Falls NY 14303-1117
716-285-8484
Fax 716-285-0941
A Festival of Lights is one of the oldest and most outstanding regional winter festivals in the country. Since 1981 hundreds of thousands of families from around the world have attended the winter festivities.
The yearly show also features a Festival Laser Light Show. Along with indoor and outdoor light displays, there are activities and entertainment for families and visitors of all ages. Late November -January 1.
Other Local and Area Attractions
Niagara's Wax Museum of History
303 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls NY 14303
716-285-1271
Admission charged.
Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m., May-Sept.; 11-9 in Apr. and Oct.-Dec.; 11-5, rest of year
Handicapped Accessible.
Forty-six exhibits featuring life size wax figures in scenes depicting the history of the area. Topographic maps and collections of memorabilia from the Niagara frontier also are displayed.
Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (The NACC)
1201 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 282-7530
The NACC is located in a landmark, 1924 former high school. It is home to more than 75 artist studios and offers art, music, and dance classes. There are also two galleries, two theaters, a gift shop, and internet café.
St. Mary Of The Cataract Church
259 4th St. Niagara Falls , NY
(716) 282-0059
Admission: Free
Sun.-Fri. 8-1, Sat. 8-5
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 Fourth Street
Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14303 USA
716-299-1100
1-877-8-SENECA (73-6322)
Designed to simulate the gaming, dining and entertainment experience of Las Vegas, the casino advertises nationally-renowned performers; state-of-the-art slot machines and table games. There are 106,000 square feet of gaming, with over 3,000 slot machines and 97 table games. Also featured is Turtle Island, the non-smoking casino, the Blue Heron Room designed exclusively for high-stakes table games enthusiasts, a new High-Limit Slot Area and a live Poker Room. Seneca Niagara Casino also offers three restaurants, a 443-seat showroom-style theater, a live music venue on the gaming floor, retail stores, complimentary Valet parking and free self-parking. Located within walking distance of the Falls.
Daredevil Museum
303 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
716-282-4046
Free.
9 am - 11 pm
Handicapped Accessible
Exhibits and photographs of people who have attempted daredevil stunts such as going over the Falls in a barrel.
Niagara Aerospace Museum
6929 Williams Road
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-297-4148
Fax 716-297-4148
The Niagara Region was home to Curtis Wright and Bell Aircraft (later Bell Aerospace) who produced warplanes during World War II. Later, Bell Aircraft became famous for its jet and rocket engineering. This new and growing museum is dedicated to preserving the history of powered flight and of planes used in recent wars. It also recounts some of the history of associated industries such as Calspan, Cornell Aeronautical Labs, and Moog. The WWII Bell Airacobra, early helicopters, gasoline and jet engines, civilian airplanes are on display.
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575
Daily 9-7, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 9-5, rest of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
Open year round from 9am daily. Parking is free
Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
Included in New York State Master Pass.
The aquarium displays more than 1,500 aquatic animals ranging from the Great Lakes to the coral reefs and is home to the state's largest collection of Great Lakes Fish. Visitors can see California sea lions, sharks, piranha, river otters and more. Highlights include a colony of endangered Peruvian penguins and an outdoor harbor seal pool. The penguins are fed daily at 9:30 and 2:30, the seals at 11 and 3:45; sharks and otters are fed on alternate days at 11:30am
Fort Niagara
Youngstown NY 14174
716-745-7611
Fax 716-745-9141
This 300 year old French-British fort contains exhibits, historic buildings and is the scene of battle enactments by soldiers in period costume. Preserved as they stood in the 1700's when France and Britain controlled Niagara, the Fort's structures include the oldest building in the Great Lakes.
Old Fort Niagara is a NYS Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, a non-profit organization, in cooperation with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
Herschell Carousel Factory Museum
North Tonawanda NY 14120-0672
716-693-1885
Fax 716-743-9018
Admission includes tickets to ride on the antique carousels (only persons under 42 inches in height can ride the Kiddie Carousel).
The building and 1916 carousel are listed on both the New York State and National Registers of Historic Sites.
Exhibits include: hand-carved carousel animals and two antique, working carousels:
The large 1916 #1 Special Carousel is 40 feet in diameter, has 36 hand carved horses and over 580 lights. This carousel was one of the first machines the company shipped after it opened for business at the Thompson Street location in 1915.
The second is located in the Children's Gallery is a small 1940's aluminum carousel. Called a "Kiddie Carousel" in the Allan Herschell Company catalog, it was created specifically for small children to ride without the need for adults to accompany them. The horses are child-size and the machine moves more slowly than a full sized carousel. The Kiddie Carousel has been completely restored and while adults cannot ride on the machine,
Pedaling History Bicycle Museum
3943 North Buffalo Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
716-662-3853
Fax 716-662-4594
Pedaling History features one of the world's largest collections of antique and classic American bicycles, including thousands of items of cycling-related memorabilia.
A very rare 1883 Otto Dicycle large two wheeled bicycle has recently been added to the collection. The gentlemen rider sits on this vehicle between two large wheels, one on each side of him. This is the only one of its kind in America and one of only a few remaining in the world. The machine is completely restored to its original condition.
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Tours Inc.
210-228 Market Street
Lockport NY 14094
716-433-6155 or 1-800-378-0352
Fax 716-433-3679
Much remains the same on the Erie Canal today as it was in the 1800's. Hand-dug to connect the Hudson River with the Niagara River and Lake Erie, the 363-mile Grand Old Erie Canal is a truly great engineering feat. Originally, 83 stone locks overcame the 571-foot difference in the level between the rivers. Enlarged in the early 1900's, 35 locks now allow larger vessels to travel across New York State.
Experience a unique two hour cruise which includes "locking through" and being raised the 49 ft. elevation of the Niagara Escarpment (the same one that creates Niagara Falls) in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal. You will pass under bridges that raise straight up, see water cascade over Lockport's famous "Flight of Five" 1840's locks, and travel through the solid walls of the "rock cut" as your United States - licensed captain describes the architecture, sights, and folklore along the way.
