Jaw-dropping scenic beauty. Thundering roars. Mind-boggling cataracts. Shimmering rainbows. And the raw power of 4-6 million cubic feet of water rushing over the edges every minute of the day. Comprised of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls is a true natural wonder that plays Cupid to lovers, a muse to artists and a pied piper to millions of visitors each year.

See, hear and feel the falls from below on board the legendary Maid of the Mist. Get up close and personal (and wet) as you stand less than 20 feet away from Bridal Veil Falls on the Cave of the Winds tour. And stride to the edge of an observation tower extending out into the Niagara Gorge to view all three spectacular falls from a single site.

Designed by iconic landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Niagara Falls State Park is the nation’s oldest state park, with lush scenery, fabulous hikes and views that capture the original splendor that awaited the first visitors to the region. The Aquarium of Niagara is also nearby, featuring penguins, sea lions and other aquatic creatures from around the world.

Don’t leave the park at dark, though, because each night of the year, the falls illuminate in a spectacular display of rainbow colored light. From May through November you’ll also want to stay for the Illumination fireworks on Fridays and Sundays.

Other fun things to do nearby include wet and wild whitewater rides through the Niagara Gorge on a Whirlpool Jet Boat or Niagara Jet Adventures. Or, take in the stunning beauty of the gorge by hiking Devil’s Hole State Park. You can also learn how the falls are used to generate power through free interactive exhibits at the Niagara Power Vista. And Old Fort Niagara will take you back through more than 300 years of history.

From the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder, all the way down to the oversized plastic ponchos, Niagara Falls USA is a North American treasure you won’t want to miss during your Buffalo vacation!