Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States. It is located near the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, two parts of the iconic Niagara Falls. This park is a popular tourist attraction which remains open 365 days a year and offers free entry to visitors. Spread across an impressive area of 400 acres, it offers plenty of exciting activities, stunning attractions, serene hiking trails, lush gardens and several dining options.
There is also an Observation Tower inside the park from where you can witness breathtaking panoramic views of all three, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The park also offers a wide array of experiences such as the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist and an indoor aquarium. Another highlight of the Niagara Falls State Park is the fireworks display at night. During the fireworks, the falls are also illuminated with hundreds of LED lights which makes it even more magical and surreal.
Highlights
• Explore the scenic Niagara Falls State Park and admire awe-inspiring views of the iconic Niagara Falls.
• Hop on a vintage-style trolley and explore the oldest state park in the United States, the Niagara Falls State Park.
• Cruise along the Niagara River to closely witness the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
• Marvel at the fascinating underwater world at the Aquarium of Niagara, home to more than 120 aquatic species.
• Witness the Niagara Falls illuminated with hundreds of LED lights with a magnificent fireworks show.
How To Reach
By Car: Niagara Falls State Park is located around 3 km from the city centre of Niagara Falls. You can reach the park in approximately 6 minutes via the Walnut Avenue road. You can easily get a taxi from any corner of the city that will directly drop you off at the park. For a more budget-friendly option, you can also rent a bike for your tour of Niagara Falls.
By Bus: There are frequent NFTA Metro buses available in Niagara Falls which will take you to Niagara Falls State Park. Travelling by public bus will not only save you time and money but also allow you to learn more about the local lifestyle. The park also offers hop-on and hop-off bus services from hotels and other tourist attractions which are called the WEGO buses.
Best Time To Visit
Niagara Falls State Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions which can be visited any time of the year.
- Best Day of the Week: Plan your visit to the Niagara Falls State Park on the weekdays if you wish to avoid the weekend crowd.
- Best Time of the Day: It is advisable to visit Niagara Falls State Park during the late afternoon so that you can witness the sunset as well as the captivating fireworks display and illuminating falls at night.
Other Essential Information
- Make sure to carry your passport ID which you will be required to show at the entrance.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so that you can conveniently explore the entire park.
- Keep your surroundings clean by throwing away garbage in the dustbins.
- Remember to collect your free ponchos before going to the Cave of the Winds.
- Remain cautious while standing near the borders at the Cave of the Winds as it is a slippery area.
- Check the calendar on the official website or directly call to confirm the date and timings for the fireworks show.
- Make sure to stay till night if you wish to witness the captivating light show and fireworks.
- Carry sufficient water bottles to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- The park also offers accessibility services that can be availed at the help desk.
- Get a permit if you are carrying a camera for photography or video recording purposes.
Enjoy a Trolley Tour of the Park
The Niagara Falls State Park is spread on a vast land of approximately 400 acres. It may feel difficult to cover the entire park on foot, which is why there are trolley services to take you from one end to the other. There are several vintage-style trolleys which are air-conditioned and run on eco-friendly natural gases. Additionally, there is a guide who keeps enlightening you with fun facts and information about the park and Niagara Falls. This is one of the most convenient and time-efficient ways to cover all the major attractions of the park.
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Witness Marine Creatures
Aquarium of Niagara is another major highlight of the Niagara Falls State Park. If you are a marine enthusiast then you should definitely explore this stunning attraction. It is home to more than 120 species of marine creatures such as colourful fishes, frogs, turtles, penguins, sea lions, jellyfish and seals. You can also attend the fun animal interaction sessions with sharks and stingrays. If you wish to learn in depth about these sea creatures then you can attend the animal feeding or expert talk sessions. At the aquarium, you can learn about the daily routine of these marine animals, what they eat and how they are taken care of.
Admire The Fireworks
Niagara Falls is an entirely different experience at night which you should not miss. There are fireworks displays on most of the days throughout the year. During summer, fireworks performances occur every night between May and October. However, during winter, you can see the fireworks only on weekends from November till December 21. During the holiday season, special fireworks can be seen every night between December 25 and January 5. Additionally, the iconic Niagara Falls is illuminated at night with hundreds of colourful LED lights which makes the view even more spectacular.
Savour Delicious Meals
There are several dining options available at the Niagara Falls State Park. The most popular choice of the tourists is the Top of the Falls Restaurant which is renowned for offering stunning panoramic views of Niagara Falls. Additionally, it has a diverse menu, offering both classic and modern American delights. There is also a bar inside the restaurant where you can sip on your favourite drinks and admire the mesmerising views in front of you. There is also a small snack bar at the Cave of the Winds which is famous for its grilled sandwiches and pizzas. If you want to beat the heat then head towards the Niagara Food Court to try out varieties of ice creams, smoothies and shakes.
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Shop For Souvenirs
There are a few gift shops at Niagara Falls State Parks from where you can purchase exciting souvenirs to commemorate your trip for a long time. You can purchase items such as books, paintings, clothes, mugs and toys. Another gift shop is located right below the Top of the Falls restaurant which offers black and white customised pictures. Similarly, the Cave of the Winds gift shop also offers fun photoshopped pictures which are ideal souvenirs for your trip.
