Popular Tourist Activities in Niagara Falls, New York

There is much more to the Niagara Falls area than a big waterfall. In fact, Niagara Falls is comprised of three different falls. The longest is the Horseshoe Falls named so because they take on the shape of a horseshoe. The Horseshoe Falls are the only Falls that is shared by the United States and Canada. The second longest falls are The American Falls which are half the size of the Horseshoe Falls. Next to the American Falls separated by a small island are the Bridal Veil Falls.

Niagara Falls is a part of the Niagara Falls State Park which consists of the mainland next to the river, rapids, and Falls; along with several small islands in the river which has been joined by bridges. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the Niagara Falls State Park was the first national park in the United States.

Visitors to the American side of Niagara Falls are treated to a close up view of all three falls - as close as a few feet in some cases.

Niagara Falls State Park provides a trolley that circles the park providing access to all park areas and attractions. The trolley is wheelchair accessible and costs only $2 for riding all day. Among the attractions is the Maid of the Mist. This is a boat ride that will take you on a close up tour of all three Falls and gives you a little history in the process. The Maid of the Mist is a particularly nice trip on a hot day since the ride gets a bit wet. Rain ponchos are provided to help keep visitors and their belongings dry.

He Cave of the Winds is an attraction on Goat Island. This attraction also gives a close up view of the Falls but from the land - at the bottom of the river gorge itself 175 feet down. Visitors walk the dicks along the gorge and can get as close as eight feet to the Bridal Veil Falls. This can also be a wet visit depending on how close you want to get to the Falls. Rain Ponchos and souvenir sandals are provided.