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 collection