"Sites To See In Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls State Park is New York's oldest state park, opened in 1885, and home to a trio of impressive waterfalls and five islands on the Niagara River. Overall, the park covers 400 acres that include nature and bike trails, picnic facilities, and scenic photo-ops. For those whose legs need a break, the park's vintage-style trolley brings visitors to the park's main attractions, like the Observation Tower, where there are panoramic views of all three falls. There are also sightseeing tours available, including boat tours like the Maid of the Mist and other close-up experiences. The park's visitor center also has a lot to offer, including historical exhibits, a gift shop, multiple restaurants, and the Adventure Theater. Here, visitors can enjoy a 40-minute "4-D" presentation that combines film and sensory effects, like spray from the falls, to provide an immersive experience for the whole family. Maps, area information, and tickets for the park's attractions can also be found at the visitor center. The falls are lit at night, and there are fireworks presentations throughout the year. The Maid of the Mist is the longest-running boat tour of the falls, in operation since 1846. It is also the most popular of attractions at Niagara Falls State Park, and for good reason. Tourists embark from the base of the Observation Tower, donning the blue ponchos and setting out in the river into Niagara Gorge on a double-decker boat. The 30-minute tour visits both American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, riding up close to the base where hundreds of thousands of gallons of water crash down each second. This unforgettable tour operates in season from April through November, and tickets are purchased in the state park's visitor center.