Where Is The Niagara Falls In New York

Other Things To Do At Niagara Falls State Park

In addition to seeing the waterfalls of Niagara Falls State Park from the free viewing areas, there are many other fun things to do within the park. Paid attractions within the park include the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. You can also find several shops and restaurants within the park.

There are also several miles of walking trails in the park, which offer the chance to see the beauty of the Niagara River upstream of the waterfalls. You can also go further downriver to see spots like the Niagara Whirlpool.

If youre looking for places to visit near the park, there is great hiking along the Niagara Gorge downstream of the waterfalls, the historic Fort Niagara, and the Lockport Locks cruise on the Erie Canal.

You can also get an amazing distant view of Niagara Falls on a clear day from the observation deck atop Buffalo City Hall.

How To See The Waterfalls At Niagara Falls State Park In New York

Jim CheneyDisclosure:

New York is home to many iconic destinations but few illicit the same response from throughout the world as Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is located approximately 16 miles northwest of downtown Buffalo on the United States/Canadian border. There are viewing areas along both sides of the river, and while the views from the Canadian side tend to be better, Im only going to be covering what you can see from the New York side.

Niagara Falls can be found within Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in America, and there are actually three large waterfalls that are together known as Niagara Falls. The most famous is Horseshoe Falls, which spans the Niagara River from the United States to Canada.

The other two waterfalls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are both located on the American side of the border and are also on the Niagara River. Between these three waterfalls, islands offer both delineations for each and viewing areas.

While there are many popular attractions on the American side of the border including the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, Im only going to cover how you can walk to see the three large waterfalls in Niagara Falls State Park in this article.

The Three Waterfalls Of Niagara

AKA Canadian Falls

Height: Averaging 173 feet to the river below.

Width: Measuring in a straight line from the edge on the American side to the edge of the Canadian side the length is 977 feet . Following the crest of the falls around: 2,200 feet .

Faces: North.

Plunge pool depth: The falls ends in a 185 ft pool at its base. Although you cannot see the rock debris at the base of the falls like with Rainbow Falls, the water of the Horseshoe Falls does not fall directly into the plunge pool and in many sections. Rock piles come very close to the surface throughout the pool.

Flow: 600,000 gal/sec . Carries 90% of the total flow of Niagara Falls. The flow can dip to half during off-peak tourism months.

GPS Coordinates: N 43.07729 / W 79.07478

Location: Between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in the USA and Table Rock in Canada. The US/Canadian border runs through the falls, with most of the falls on the Canadian side.

Number of daredevils that went over the falls: 14, with 6 dead.

AKA Luna Falls, Iris Falls

Height: 181 ft tall at its highest point to the river below. The free-fall measures roughly 78 feet .

Width: 56 feet measured straight across the brink. The total width of the American and Bridal Veil Falls together is 1,100 feet .

Faces: Northwest.

Flow: 10,000 gal/sec . Rainbow/Bridal Veil Falls together carry about 10% of the total flow of Niagara Falls. The flow can dip to half during off-peak tourism months.

GPS Coordinates: N 43.08346 / W 79.07075

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Observation Tower: A Birds

Sights Youll Get in Your Photo: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls

If you have a taste for adrenaline and youre wondering where to see Niagara Falls, this might just be the best place for you. The views from the Observation Tower at Niagara Falls State Park are worth the dizzying heights. Standing an impressive 282 feet high and dramatically jutting out beyond Niagaras mighty ravines, this vantage point is the best to capture all three Falls at once. Definitely worth a #gorgeous on your photo post!

How Long Is Your Trip

If you are going to be in New York 5 days or more, you have enough time to consider the option of going on a day trip outside the city. Spending the day out of the chaos and dazzling lights of Manhattan and into a very unique natural setting will be an uplifting experience to keep exploring New York with a renovated excitement.

On the other hand, if you are short on time during your trip, skipping a day of exploring New York might leave you without seeing some of its neighborhoods or must-see attractions. In that case, it would not be worth visiting the Falls.

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Whirlpool State Park: Whirling Whitewater

Sight Youll Get in Your Photo: Niagara River rapids

Theres more to photograph at Niagara Falls than the Falls themselves, so why not set up your tripod at Whirlpool State Park? The hiking trails are a great spot to escape the bustle of the Falls thats before those rapids stop you in your tracks! From the evergreen forests to the cobalt blue waters, welcome to #nofilter heaven.

What Is There To Do In Niagara Falls

The real question is: how do you want to see the falls? There are several different boat tour companies, some of which bring you so close to the base that you won’t just get wet, you get soaked. Another option is to hike down the backside of Horseshoe Falls, which actually brings you behind the waterfall for a completely different perspective. And for those who want the ultimate tour, nothing beats taking a helicopter ride or a zipline over the falls for a view that few people get to see.

But if you think the town of Niagara Falls is just the eponymous waterfall, think again. There’s plenty to keep busy on both sides of the border, so don’t forget your passport. Walk around downtown to dine in quaint restaurants and enjoy local craft beer or wine. The Niagara Fallsview Casino not only has a great view overlooking the falls, but it’s also a fun place for adults to hang out and hit the slot machines. The Niagara Falls Botanical Garden is especially great to visit in spring, and the butterfly conservatory is the most popular attraction there.

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Excursions To Canadian Sites

One of the best things about Niagara Falls is its proximity to its twin, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Here, you will find a variety of tourist attractions, including some unique ways to enjoy the natural wonders of the river and falls. Visitors can take a peek at the underside of Horseshoe Falls from portals carved into the rock beneath, accessed by tunnels that were carved more than 130 years ago.

To get a thrilling view of the whirlpool, the vintage 1916 aerial cable car called the Aero Car offers unparalleled views from above. Visitors will also enjoy the Clifton Hill amusement park with a plethora of entertainment options, from midway games to bowling, arcades, and coaster-track go-karts. It is also home to the Niagara Skywheel, Canada’s biggest observation wheel, which offers stunning views of the falls and Niagara Gorge.

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Niagara Falls Ny Vs Canada

Hornblower Niagara Cruises Boat Tour | Photo by Katie Bodell

No matter which side of the border you are on, boat tours are offered that take families to all three falls . This experience is one that cant be missed! There is nothing like feeling the mist of the water encompass everything all around you. It is a family-travel memory I will honestly never forget.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises operates the Canadian side while Maid of the Mist has been offering tours on the American side since the 1800s. Both tours include ponchos .

Tours are both 20 minutes long. And both tours operate seasonally , although Hornblower typically extends its season through the end of November. Prices are similar, and both operators offer similar package deals.

Winner Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada. Hornblower offers the only night time tours of the Falls.

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How Long Is The Train Ride

The train may be one of the most relaxing ways to reach Niagara Falls from New York City, but it’s also the slowest and generally the most expensive. It’s a nearly nine-hour journey, so you’ll use up an entire day just sitting on the train, and with tickets starting at $68, you’ll likely spend more than taking the bus or even a plane. However, if you want to visit other Upstate New York destinations, such as Albany, Rochester, the Hudson River Wine Valley, or the Finger Lakes, the train passes through all of them en route to Niagara Falls.

Amtrak trains depart from the Moynihan Train Hall, the expansion to Penn Station that opened in January of 2021. The Niagara Falls Station is located two miles from downtown and the viewpoints to see the falls, and it’s easiest to use a cab or ride-sharing service to get there.

Things To Do In Nature Niagara Falls Ny

On the New York side, exploring the Falls is all about nature. As part of Niagara Falls State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the US, families can explore the history of the region while discovering the waterfalls themselves.

The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center teaches kids about the geology of the region, including fossils and formations. Kids will love the rock climbing wall and hands-on displays. Marked hikes throughout the park take families past ruins of the first hydroelectric station, as well as the opportunity to scramble over boulders.

The Adventure Theater, located in the state park visitor center, screens showings of Niagara: Legends of Adventure, showcasing the history of daredevils who have braved the Falls. The Niagara Aquarium boasts more than 1500 aquatic animals!

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Where Is Niagara Falls

The waterfalls of Niagara Falls are located on the Niagara River which connects two of the five Great Lakes. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.Collectively the waterfalls are named Niagara Falls. They consist of three different waterfalls. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls in the USA and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in Canada.

The Niagara River serves as an international border between the USA & Canada. There are two distinctive cities. Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada and Niagara Falls New York, United States of America.

The next time someone asks you where Niagara Falls is, now you know!

Need a Niagara Falls address for your gps or map program to get you to the Falls ?

For the American Falls in Niagara Falls New York use 301 Prospect Street Niagara Falls NY.

For the Canadian Falls in Niagara Falls Ontario Canada use 6650 Niagara Pkwy Niagara Falls Ontario Canada.

For more information visit our mapspage.

Goat Island And Luna Island

While you are on your way to Niagara Falls, pass by Goat Island and also Luna Island. These two islands offer amazing views of the falls as well as a chance for people to explore. You can find trails that lead down into the Gorge, where youll be able to see everything from up close. It is one experience that everyone should have when visiting Niagara Falls.

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Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

The mission of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is to preserve, protect, and promote the historic, natural, and cultural resources of the area stretching from Niagara Falls to Old Fort Niagara.The Niagara Falls region has significant historical associations with American Indians, early European exploration, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Underground Railroad. The Falls have long been an important site for hydroelectric power and ancillary industries. Together, these elements have contributed to Niagara Falls’ importance in the American imagination, as a national landmark, and a symbol of the American conservation movement.The work of the NFNHA is to enhance public appreciation for the communities, significant historic and natural resources, and landscapes of the Niagara region. The NFNHA works through a network of heritage area partners who seek to make interpretive, environmental, economic, and social improvements that benefit residents and visitors alike.The NFNHAas Discover Niagara Shuttle is a convenient transportation service that operates May to September. The shuttle serves to more than 15 destination stops along the 14-mile route from “the Falls to the Fort, allowing visitors to experience Niagaras iconic landscape, rich history, and the thriving culture and communities along the scenic Niagara River, all with the ease and convenience of a hop-on/hop-off shuttle.

Getting To Niagara Falls

Q: What’s the location of Niagara Falls State Park? A: We don’t actually have a physical address, only a postal address. The approximate entrance to Goat Island is: 24 Buffalo Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14303.GPS coordinates are: Latitude 43.081528 Longitude 79.064240

Q: How do I get to the park? A: For a complete list of directions to Niagara Falls State Park, visit our Maps and Directions page.

Q: Where can I park? A: There are four parking lots within the park. Our Parking page provides in-depth information about the parking lots and their locations.

Q: How much does parking cost? A: Parking is $10 in all three park parking lots

Q. Can I get an Uber or Lyft at the Park?A. Yes, ride sharing is available throughout all of Niagara Falls USA

Q: Where is the nearest airport? A: The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport is approximately 30 miles from the park and is easily accessible from the New York State Thruway .

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Day 1 In Niagara Falls New York

Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center Whether youre a first-timer or not, this center is a must-visit before you start your official Niagara falls tour. It will give you so much information that you need regarding your trip.

Niagara Falls Observation Tower For a starter, tease yourself by viewing the Niagara falls from afar at the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. It offers the best view of the waterfalls thats perfect for great photography.

Niagara Falls New York

Niagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 48,671. It is adjacent to the Niagara River, across from the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and named after the famed Niagara Falls which they share. The city is within the BuffaloNiagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Western New York region.

While the city was formerly occupied by Native Americans, Europeans who migrated to the Niagara Falls in the mid-17th century began to open businesses and develop infrastructure. Later in the 18th and 19th centuries, scientists and businessmen began harnessing the power of the Niagara River for electricity and the city began to attract manufacturers and other businesses drawn by the promise of inexpensive hydroelectric power. After the 1960s, however, the city and region witnessed an economic decline, following an attempt at urban renewal under then Mayor Lackey. Consistent with the rest of the Rust Belt as industries left the city, old line affluent families relocated to nearby suburbs and out of town.

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Niagara Falls Ny Vs Canada Things To Do On Each Side Of The Falls

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Which side of Niagara Falls is better?

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is likely on the bucket list of most families. Regardless of whether you spend time exploring the Niagara Falls from Niagara Fall NY or Niagara Falls, Ontario its still incredibly impressive.

But families planning a visit to Niagara Falls might wonder: is it better to explore Niagara Falls NY or Niagara Falls Canada?

We wondered that ourselves. So we put Trekaroo writers and contributors to work to determine the best vantage point for viewing this amazing natural wonder! Heres everything you need to know about choosing where to see Niagara Falls.

Major Highways In The Town Of Niagara

• Interstate 190 , This interstate through the western part of town from the Niagara Falls city line to the Lewiston town line. In the town, there are exits at Porter Rd. and Witmer Rd. .
• U.S. Route 62 , North-South highway that has a short distance in the town from the Wheatfield town line to the Niagara Falls city line.
• New York State Route 31 , East-West Highway across the northwestern part of town from the Lewiston town line to the Niagara Falls city line.
• New York State Route 61 , North-South Roadway mostly in the City of Niagara Falls, but has a short distance in the southwest corner of town where the route has its northern end at Lewiston Rd. .
• New York State Route 182 , East-West roadway through the town from the Niagara Falls city line near its interchange with I-190 to its eastern terminus at Niagara Falls Blvd. .
• New York State Route 265 , North-South roadway through the town from the Niagara Falls city line to the Lewiston town line.

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,978 people, 3,611 households, and 2,480 families residing in the town. The population density was 955.8 people per square mile . There were 3,879 housing units at an average density of 412.9 per square mile . The racial makeup of the town was 92.99% White, 3.02% African American, 1.47% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.17% of the population.

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