Niagara Falls, New York: Where to Get Wet and Wild (and Have a Blast Doing It)

The Observation Tower and the Rainbow Bridge both cost you nothing at all. The Niagara Falls State Park costs you nothing to walk into either. The Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds are the paid ones. The Fashion Outlets run discounts of up to 75% off every single day. You can do a whole weekend here on very little money at all.

Niagara Falls, New York: Where to Get Wet and Wild, Niagara Falls, New York

Are you planning a trip to Niagara Falls, New York? Whether you came for the country, the adventure or the food, Niagara Falls answers it. From the Niagara Falls State Park to the Cave of the Winds, there is more to do and see in Niagara Falls than a weekend holds.

If you want something you have not done before, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. You’ll get within reach of the falls and wear the mist for the rest of the afternoon. For the slower version, walk the Niagara Falls State Park and take the falls and the country from the bank.

Ready for more? Head to the Aquarium of Niagara for the aquatic side or Old Fort Niagara for the historical one. And do not skip the dining at the restaurants in Niagara Falls or a run at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA. There’s rarely a quiet hour in Niagara Falls, New York.

Key Takeaways

Niagara Falls, New York offers a variety of fun things to do for everyone.
Maid of the Mist boat tour and Niagara Falls State Park are must-visit attractions.
From historical sites to shopping and dining, Niagara Falls has something for everyone.

A Splash of Fun: Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Looking for a way to get close to the mighty Niagara Falls? Look at the Maid of the Mist boat tour. This attraction has been running visitors out since 1846, and the reason is not hard to see.

Bracing the Rapids

First, you put on the blue poncho that keeps the spray off you. Then you board the Maid of the Mist and head out onto the Niagara River. Get ready for the boat working through the rapids, because it does not go gently.

But the Maid of the Mist is a sturdy vessel and the crew have done this before. Just hold on and let them get on with it.

Views from the Deck

As you come up on the falls, the mist reaches you before the noise does. It’s the sort of thing that recalibrates your sense of scale.

Be sure to get up onto the top deck, where the view is worth the climb. You’ll get close range on the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and the boat runs right into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s not an experience you file away.

So if you want the direct version of Niagara Falls, put the Maid of the Mist boat tour on the list. It’s a classic for a reason.

Nature’s Majesty: Niagara Falls State Park

Welcome to Niagara Falls State Park, where the scale of the place is the whole point. As one of the oldest state parks in the country, Niagara Falls State Park has been taking visitors for over a century. And the reason is obvious the moment you walk in.

Exploring Goat Island

One of the spots to take in Niagara Falls State Park is Goat Island. This small island in the middle of the Niagara River holds the finest views of the falls and several walking paths. Take a stroll along the river’s edge and let the mist reach you. Or, for the direct version, take the Cave of the Winds tour and walk right up to the base of the falls.

Hiking the Trails

If the outdoors is what you came for, Niagara Falls State Park will hold you. With over 15 miles of hiking trails, the walking here runs deep. From easy paths to harder climbs, the range covers every level. Don’t miss the Whirlpool Rapids Trail, which puts the Niagara River and the rapids that named it in front of you.

Picnics at Terrapin Point

After a day on your feet, a picnic is the right answer. And there is no better spot for one than Terrapin Point, right beside the American Falls. Spread a blanket and eat with the water in front of you. Just watch the park’s squirrels, because they are bold about food.

So what is keeping you? Head to Niagara Falls State Park and stand in front of it yourself.

Thrills at Cave of the Winds

Are you ready for something that will knock the wind out of you? Look at the Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls State Park. This one puts you in front of the raw power of the falls, and it will be the part of the trip to Niagara Falls, New York that you talk about.

Facing the Hurricane Deck

The main attraction at the Cave of the Winds is the Hurricane Deck. As you work down the wooden walkway, the mist hits you before the roar of the Bridal Veil Falls does. But the real thing starts when you step onto the Hurricane Deck itself. Here you stand feet from the crashing water, taking the full force of the falls from every direction. It’s not something you forget.

Bridal Veil Falls

While the Hurricane Deck is the main event, the rest of the Cave of the Winds tour earns its place. The walkway runs to several other platforms, including the Bridal Veil Falls Observation Deck. Here you get the falls and the country around them laid out. And if the light is right, a rainbow turns up in the spray.

But be warned, because you will get wet on this tour. In fact you are given a poncho and sandals for the Hurricane Deck portion of it. And even with the poncho on, you come out soaked. But that is the point of the thing.

And if you’re worried about the environmental impact of all that water, fear not. The Cave of the Winds uses recycled water from the Niagara River to power the falls, so you can enjoy your thrills guilt-free.

So what is keeping you? Head to the Cave of the Winds and come out soaked and grinning.

Aquatic Adventures: Aquarium of Niagara

Looking for a day in Niagara Falls, New York that teaches you something? Look at the Aquarium of Niagara. Here you work through the aquatic world and get close to the creatures in it.

Meet the Sea Lions

One of the reasons to go to the Aquarium of Niagara is the sea lions. These are playful and intelligent animals, and they hold every age in the room. Watch them move through the water or lie out on the rocks. You can also attend one of the daily training sessions and get how they are cared for and trained.

Prospect Point Views

In addition to the animal exhibits, the Aquarium of Niagara looks out over Niagara Falls from its position at Prospect Point. Take a break from the tanks and step outside for the view. You will want the photograph of this one.

Whether you have followed marine life for years or simply want a family day out, the Aquarium of Niagara is the answer in Niagara Falls. So what is keeping you? Get in there and work through it.

Historical Journey: Old Fort Niagara

Ready for the historical version? Head to Old Fort Niagara, a living history site that puts you in the 18th century. This fort was built by the French and British and carries original stone buildings preserved for over 300 years.

Guided Tours

You should not skip the daily interpretive programming, which covers the fort’s three centuries. Take a guided tour with a guide who knows the ground and will make the history land. You’ll get the Native Americans, the French, the British and the American soldiers who fought over a continent, and Niagara as it stood over 200 years ago.

Views of Lake Ontario

While you are on the grounds, take the view out over Lake Ontario. The fort stands at the meeting of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, which is where the view comes from. You can also climb the fort’s walls for the lake and the country laid out around it.

Whether you read history or simply want something different, Old Fort Niagara belongs on a Niagara Falls list. So take a tri-corner hat and a musket and give it the afternoon.

The Maid of the Mist has been running visitors out on the water since 1846. Old Fort Niagara has stood on the same ground for over 300 years. Niagara Falls State Park is one of the oldest state parks in the country. The gorge itself was cut by the same water you are looking at. Everything here is older than it looks, and that includes the town.

Dining Delights: Restaurants in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is known for the water and it eats better than its reputation suggests. You can find restaurants running every kind of food here. Here are the places worth booking in Niagara Falls.

Ice Wine Tasting

If you drink wine, the ice wine here is the one to try. Niagara Falls is known for its ice wine, which is made from grapes frozen on the vine. The frozen grapes concentrate the flavor into something sweet enough to close a meal with. You can taste the ice wine at the following restaurants:

Restaurant Name	Address	Phone Number
Peller Estates Winery	290 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada	+1 888-673-5537
Inniskillin Wines	1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada	+1 905-468-2187
Konzelmann Estate Winery	1096 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada	+1 905-935-2866

Cideries Around

If wine is not the want, take the cider instead. Niagara Falls runs cideries carrying a broad run of flavors. You can taste the cider at the following places:

Blackbird Cider Works: This place offers a variety of ciders, including dry, semi-sweet, and sweet. You can also try their seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and cranberry.
Niagara Cider Company: This place offers handcrafted ciders made from fresh apples. You can try their classic flavors like apple and pear or their unique flavors like lavender and peach.
Steampunk Cider: This place offers a range of ciders that are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. You can try their classic flavors or their limited edition flavors like cherry and blueberry.

In short, Niagara Falls holds restaurants worth the table for both the food and the drink. Whether you drink wine or cider, something here will do the job.

Retail Therapy: Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA

If you want a serious afternoon of shopping, look at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA. This indoor outlet shopping mall runs over 200 designer outlets, carrying everything from high-end fashion to home goods at discounted prices.

Bargain Hunting

You will not need deep pockets to spend an afternoon at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA. With discounts running up to 75% off every day, the deals are real. Here are the tips for making the most of the shopping:

Check out the mall’s website before you go to see what deals are available.
Sign up for the VIP Shopper Club to receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
Plan your visit during the off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines.
Don’t be afraid to haggle with the sales associates – you might be able to score an even better deal.

Whether the want is a new outfit, a piece of jewelry or a gift for somebody, the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA covers it. So take the bags and give it the afternoon.

Artistic Strolls: Artpark and Art Alley

Niagara Falls is not only the waterfalls. Take a break from the crowds and walk the artistic side of Niagara Falls. Here are two spots for art lovers: Artpark and Art Alley.

Outdoor Concerts

Artpark is Western New York’s main music and theater destination, sitting on 150 acres above the Niagara River Gorge. In the summer, Artpark runs a series of outdoor concerts with strong musicians and performers on the bill. From classic rock to indie pop, the range is wide. Grab a lawn chair and a cold drink and take the show under the stars.

Art Appreciation

Art Alley is a public mural project at 425 Third Street in Niagara Falls, a short walk from Niagara Falls State Park. It’s built for a slow stroll and some looking. The space runs a pedestrian walkway to public parking as a public art gallery, carrying 19 murals. Each mural is its own piece by a local street artist, and the work stands up. Take your time on the colors and the detail, and photograph it for your Instagram feed.

Whether you follow music or art, Artpark and Art Alley both belong on a trip to Niagara Falls. So put the walking shoes on, take a map and give them the afternoon.

The Whirlpool State Park Experience

If you want the adventure end of it, the Whirlpool State Park is where to go. This park is known for the views over the Niagara River Gorge and the raging Whirlpool Rapids. With this much on the site, you will not run out of things to work through.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

Are you ready for the adrenaline? You cannot leave the Whirlpool State Park without a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. These boats are built to run the rapids, so you get the thing at full force. You’ll be soaked and it is worth every second. Plus you go home with a story.

Whirlpool Rapids

The Whirlpool Rapids are the reason to come to the Whirlpool State Park. These rapids are formed by the Niagara River running through the narrow gorge. The rapids are powerful enough to cut a whirlpool over 100 feet deep. It’s a sight that puts you in your place.

When you are at the Whirlpool Rapids, walk the Whirlpool Rapids Trail as well. This trail runs the rapids and the Niagara River Gorge along its length. It’s how you take the park at your own pace.

Overall, the Whirlpool State Park belongs on the list for anybody who came for the country or the adventure. Whether the day is a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour or simply the view over the rapids, it earns itself. So what is keeping you? Take the camera and head to the Whirlpool State Park.

Free and Fun: Free Things to Do in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is known for the views, and a good number of them cost nothing at all. Here are two of the places to take them from without spending a cent.

Views from the Observation Tower

One of the ways to take the scale of Niagara Falls is from the Observation Tower. And the part that matters? It’s completely free. The tower stands on the American side of the falls and gives you the Niagara River, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls at once.

But that is not the whole of it. The tower also runs a glass floor that puts the water directly under your feet. It’s not for everybody, and if you have the nerve it is worth the look.

Stunning Views from the Rainbow Bridge

Another spot for free views of Niagara Falls is the Rainbow Bridge. This bridge links the United States and Canada and gives you both Horseshoe Falls and American Falls from the middle of it.

Take a slow walk across the bridge and let the sound of the falls do the work. If the light holds, a rainbow turns up, which is where the name comes from.

So there they are, two free things to do in Niagara Falls that carry the views everybody comes for. Don’t forget the camera, because you will want the photographs afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that you can hear the Falls from your hotel room in Niagara Falls, NY?

Yes, it’s true. The sound of the Falls carries far enough that you hear it across most of the city. So you get the experience even if the hotel is nowhere near the Falls.

What are some of the best winter activities in Niagara Falls, NY?

Winter in Niagara Falls is worth planning for. Some of the activities that stand out are ice skating at the outdoor rink in Niagara Falls State Park, walking out to see the frozen Falls, and the Festival of Lights with its over 3 million lights and displays.

Are there any hidden gems in Niagara Falls, NY that tourists often miss?

Yes. One of the places that stays off the usual lists is the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. It’s where the history and the geology of the area are laid out, and tourists mostly walk past it. Another one worth having is the Niagara Wine Trail, which runs over 20 wineries and vineyards in the area.

What are some family-friendly activities in Niagara Falls, NY?

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Niagara Falls. Some of the ones that hold up are a ride on the Maid of the Mist, the Aquarium of Niagara, and the Niagara Falls Adventure Park with its zip-lining and mini-golf.

Definitely. One of them is a helicopter tour over the Falls. It’s how you get the whole thing from above and see the Falls as a shape rather than a wall. Another is the Ghost Tour of the city, which works through the haunted history of Niagara Falls.

What are some of the best places to eat and drink in Niagara Falls, NY?

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Niagara Falls. Some of the ones people name first are The Red Coach Inn, which runs classic American cuisine in a room you settle into, and Wine on Third, which pours a strong list alongside small plates. If the want is sweet, the Niagara Chocolate Company is the answer.

Frequently asked questions about Niagara Falls, New York

Is Old Fort Niagara worth the drive from the falls?

Yes, it is. The fort was built by the French and the British, the stone buildings have stood for over 300 years, and the interpreters work the ground rather than a script. It stands at the point where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. The walls are open and the view runs a long way. You want most of a day for it, and a dry one at that.

When is the Festival of Lights on in Niagara Falls?

Through the winter. The festival runs over 3 million lights and displays across the city, and it lands in the same stretch of the year as the frozen falls and the outdoor rink. The rink itself sits inside the Niagara Falls State Park. The falls freeze into shapes that are worth the cold weather. You want proper layers on, because the mist freezes onto whatever it lands on.

Is the Whirlpool Rapids Trail a hard walk to do?

Yes, moderately so. The trail drops into the Niagara River Gorge and puts you level with rapids that have cut a whirlpool over 100 feet deep, which is worth the climb back out. The Whirlpool State Park is where the trail starts out from. The jet boat tour runs the same water from below it. You want proper boots, because the gorge path stays wet and it is steep.

Keep exploring Niagara Falls, New York