Niagara Falls
The world has been beating a path to the Buffalo Niagara region since shortly after Father Louis Hennepin became the first European to describe the “prodigious cadence of water” that is the mighty Falls in 1678. That early trickle of tourists became a steady stream after the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 and a torrent when the railroad linked Western New York with points east. Today, millions of tourists from around the world continue to come by plane, train and automobile to experience the grandeur of Niagara Falls.
World-class attractions like the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds await the visitor who makes the short 20-minute drive from downtown Buffalo to Niagara Falls. You’ll savor the spectacular views, the thundering roar, the delicate mists and shimmering rainbows of this true national treasure.
Take a family photo overlooking the Falls at Terrapin Point in Frederick Law Olmsted’s lush, beautiful and natural Niagara Falls State Park. Amid the distractions and developments of modern life, the Park still provides a glimpse of the original splendor that awaited the first visitors to the region. This is the Falls at its best.
Step aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist and experience the power and majesty of the combined waters of four Great Lakes. You’ll be ferried to the base of the Horseshoe Falls and feel the rush of the water as it pounds the rocks below. From the moment you put on your giant blue poncho you’ll know you’re having a one-of-a-kind experience.
Next, be sure to visit the awe-inspiring Cave of the Winds. As you make your way to the Hurricane Deck, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal view of the roaring waters pouring over the precipice of Bridal Veil Falls. On a hot summer day, this is the ultimate run-through-the-sprinkler.
Nearby, you’ll find all manner of ways to experience this world wonder: helicopter rides, observation decks and towering vantage points that will give you a bird’s eye view of one of nature’s universally-acclaimed masterpieces.
New this year is the Niagara Holiday Market, the largest European-style holiday market and festival in America. With 37 days of operation and thousands expected to attend, this is a must-see event attraction with super-regional draw. Featuring 80+ vendors showing their unique artisans, crafts, gift, apparel, and specialty foods and 20+ extraordinary events and special experiences in a family-friendly environment, including a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Ice Rink, Santa's Workshop, Tournament of Song, and Holiday Concert Series featuring The Canadian Tenors, Elizabeth Von Trapp, Aaron Neville, Buffalo Philharmonic, and more to be announced .
Bring plenty of film or an extra memory card. You’ll need it.
When you’re done with your day at the Falls, hop in your car and head north on the Robert Moses Parkway towards Youngstown and Old Fort Niagara. Stop at Whirlpool State Park, the Niagara Power Vista or Artpark for the scenic views of the spectacular Niagara Gorge.
