Travellers' Tip:
New York State Master Pass can be purchased from Niagara Reservation State Park
at P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-0132. Tel. (716) 278-1770. It offers a
20% discount on the following attractions marked below.
Call (716) 278-1770 for new additions to the list.
Niagara Falls State Park Attractions Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575 ! Included in New York State Master Pass! Daily 9-7, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 9-5, rest of year. Closed
Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
Open year round from 9am daily. Parking is free
Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
The aquarium displays more than 1,500 aquatic animals ranging from the Great
Lakes to the coral reefs and is home to the state's largest collection of Great
Lakes Fish. Visitors can see California sea lions, sharks, piranha, river otters
and more. Highlights include a colony of endangered Peruvian penguins and an
outdoor harbor seal pool. The penguins are fed daily at 9:30 and 2:30, the seals
at 11 and 3:45; sharks and otters are fed on alternate days at 11:30am
Cave Of The Winds Trip Goat Island
Niagara Falls , NY USA
(716) 278-1730
! Included in New York State Master Pass!
Seasonal. Admission charged.
Handicapped Accessible
Hours: Daily 9-8, mid-May through Labor Day; 9-5 (also Sat.-Sun. 5-6), day after
Labor Day-late Oct. Schedule may vary; phone ahead
Under age 6 must be at least 42 inches tall
Waterproof clothing provided.
The walking tour follows wooden walkways to within 25 feet of the base of the
falls. An elevator takes visitors 175 feet through the Niagara rock escarpment
to view the falls from the bottom. Allow 1 hour minimum.
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
151 Buffalo Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY
Access via Observation Tower elevator at Prospect Point, located at the
Reservation State Park.
716-284-8897 ! Included in New York State Master Pass!
World famous boat tour of the three Falls (New York State and Ontario, Canada)
Spectacular one-half-hour ride.
Waterproof clothing provided.
Mid-May until late Oct.
Admission charge and small elevator fee.
Handicapped accessible
New York State Park Observation Tower
Prospect Point
716-278-1762. ! Included in New York State Master Pass! Dramatic views of all three Falls from this 282 foot structure.
A glass-walled elevator rises above the Falls, then descends to the base and the
boat tour. Admission charged.
Handicapped accessible. New York State Park Viewmobile Prospect Point trams operate throughout the state park.
716-278-1730 ! Included in New York State Master Pass! Stops at all major points of interest.
Seasonal. Admission charged.
Handicapped accessible
The Schoellkopf Geological Museum
Off the Robert Moses Pkwy near Main St.
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1780
Open April through October, call for hours.
Admission charged.
716-278-1780 ! Included in New York State Master Pass!
Handicapped accessible
The museum provides an audiovisual explanation of the natural history of the
Niagara Gorge and the Falls. A geological garden and nature trail are on the
grounds. Guided trail tours are offered seasonally by reservation.
The Church was built in the early 19th century. Highlights include stonework and
stained-glass windows.
FREE ATTRACTIONS:
A Festival of Lights
345 Third Street
Niagara Falls NY 14303-1117
716-285-8484
Fax 716-285-0941
A Festival of Lights is one of the oldest and most outstanding regional winter
festivals in the country. Since 1981 hundreds of thousands of families from
around the world have attended the winter festivities.
The yearly show also features a Festival Laser Light Show. Along with indoor and
outdoor light displays, there are activities and entertainment for families and
visitors of all ages. Late November -January 1.
Daredevil Museum
303 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
716-282-4046
Admission: Free.
9 am - 11 pm
Handicapped Accessible
Exhibits and photographs of people who have attempted daredevil stunts such as
going over the Falls in a barrel.
Goat Island
716-278-1762
Niagara Falls , NY USA
In the Niagara River at the Falls. Easily accessible by foot or vehicular
bridge, this wooded island has paved drives and walks that offer spectacular
views of both falls. The Three Sisters Islands, which lie in the rapids, are
accessible by footbridge, as is Luna Island, which lies between the American and
Bridal Veil falls. Wonderful area for a quiet walk, close-up view of the rapids
Ice Bridge (sometimes appears in the winter)
The falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the Falls
and river. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet. If the
winter is cold for long enough, the ice will completely stretch across the river
and form what is known as the ice bridge.
This ice bridge can extend for several miles down river until it reaches the
area known as the lower rapids. Until 1912, visitors were allowed to actually
walk out on the ice bridge and view the Falls from below. February 24th of 1888
the local newspaper reported that at least 20,000 people watched or tobogganed.
On February 4th 1912 the ice bridge broke up and three tourists lives were lost.
Foot traffic on the bridge of ice is no longer allowed
There can also "mini-icebergs" which flow down the Niagara River from
frozen Lake Erie. The flow of ice has been reduced considerably by the yearly
installation of the "ice-boom" on Lake Erie. The ice-boom is a large
floating chain of logs strung from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is
usually set in place during the month of December and removed in March. This
boom helps prevent the ice from clogging the river and most importantly, the
hydroelectric companies water intakes.
Luna Island
Small island between the American and Bridal Veil Falls.
Offers a close-up view of both.
New York State Park Visitors' Center
Prospect Park, Niagara Falls.
716-278-1796
An introduction to the Falls and surrounding parks.
Exhibits, Great Lakes Gardens, tourist information center, gift shop, Falls side
Cafe, restrooms.
Free.
Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (The NACC)
1201 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 282-7530
The NACC is located in a landmark, 1924 former high school. It is home to more
than 75 artist studios and offers art, music, and dance classes. There are also
two galleries, two theaters, a gift shop, and internet caf?.
Niagara Reservation State Park
1 Prospect Point
Niagara Falls , NY
(716) 278-1796
Admission: Free
Visitor center open daily 8 a.m.-10:15 p.m., early May-Labor Day; daily 8
a.m.-8:15 p.m., early Apr.-early May and day after Labor Day-late Nov.;
Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-8:15 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10:15 p.m., late Nov.-early Jan.;
daily 8-6:15, rest of year. Park open daily dawn-dusk
The park covers more than 400 acres. New York's oldest state park, it opened in
1885. The visitor center has displays and electronic exhibits about the falls
and information about area attractions.
Niagara Summer Experience
E. Dent Lackey Plaza
300 Fourth Street at Duggan Drive
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
716-284-6188
Admission: Free
Handicapped accessible.
Fridays at 8:00pm, in July and August.
Music, dancing, cultural exhibits, art fairs, concerts and ethnic festivals
presented by the Niagara Council of Arts.
Prospect Point
Prospect Park
716-278-1762.
The prime viewing area for the American Falls and upper rapids. Look for a
rainbow in the morning mist or see the Falls illuminated in colored lights every
night.
Handicapped Accessible.
St. Mary Of The Cataract Church
259 4th St. Niagara Falls , NY
(716) 282-0059
Admission: Free
Sun.-Fri. 8-1, Sat. 8-5
Terrapin Point
Goat Island. Viewing area for Horseshoe Falls.
Thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping curve of the Horseshoe.
Three Sisters Islands
Access via Goat Island. Offers a unique view of the upper rapids and the river
as it races to the falls.
Whirlpool State Park
On the Robert Moses Parkway
Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1770
Admission: Free
Daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
The park is on a bluff overlooking the whirlpool that results from the Niagara
River's 90-degree turn. Nature trails throughout; Ramps and steps wind along the
gorge.
Wintergarden 300 Rainbow Blvd.
Niagara Falls , NY 14303 USA
(716) 286-4940
Admission: Free
Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m..
Favorite spot for weddings.
This is a glass-enclosed garden with tropical, semitropical and desert plants
and trees, waterfalls, pools and secluded rest areas. Winding pathways,
platforms and three-story glass elevators offer a variety of views. The garden
is illuminated in the evening.
More Local and Area Attractions
Artpark & Company, Inc.
450 South 4th St., Lewiston, NY 14092
box office telephone: 716-754-4375
fax: 716-754-2741
Artpark offers a full spectrum of engaging entertainment; from productions of
immortal Broadway musicals, swinging big band concerts and celebrity
performances in the Main Theater; to free concerts, music and cultural festivals
in the outdoor amphitheater. Created especially with the family in mind, Artpark
also offers art, theater, and video camps for youth, and a variety of family
programs on Saturdays. The park also includes numerous hiking trails, nature
areas, fishing docks and picnic areas. There's something for everyone at Artpark!
Artpark is in New York State near the border between the US and Canada. Big
bands, Bluegrass, comedy, Pops, 50s Rock.
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Kleinhans Music Hall
370 Pennsylvania Street
Buffalo, NY 14201
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys a fine reputation around the world,
especially among experienced musicians, composers and conductors.One will be
hard pressed to find a major soloist who has not performed with the Philharmonic
- from Jascha Heifetz to Itzhak Perlman, from Jennie Tourel to Jessye Norman,
from Artur Rubinstein to Van Cliburn, from Danny Kaye to Yo-Yo Ma. The list of
conductors is likewise impressive with names like Leonard Bernstein, Igor
Stravinsky, Neville Marriner, Henry Mancini and a host of others.
Perhaps the Orchestra's greatest accomplishment is its contribution to the
artistic life of Western New York, made possible by more than six decades of
support from its dedicated patrons. The Orchestra has performed over a thousand
Youth Concerts for more than two million students on the Niagara Frontier as
well as many concerts at campuses across the United States. Under the able
direction of JoAnn Falletta, the Philharmonic averages more than 100 community
performances each year bringing orchestral music to audiences throughout the
region.
Principal Pops Conductor, Marvin Hamlisch, who also holds the position of
Principal Pops Conductor with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and with the
National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC., directs the ambitious schedule
of Buffalo Philharmonic Pops Concerts each summer at Artpark.
Fort Niagara
Youngstown NY 14174
716-745-7611
Fax 716-745-9141
This 300 year old French-British fort contains exhibits, historic buildings and
is the scene of battle enactments by soldiers in period costume. Preserved as
they stood in the 1700's when France and Britain controlled Niagara, the Fort's
structures include the oldest building in the Great Lakes.
Old Fort Niagara is a NYS Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara
Association, a non-profit organization, in cooperation with the NYS Office of
Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
Herschell Carousel Factory Museum
North Tonawanda NY 14120-0672
716-693-1885
Fax 716-743-9018
Admission includes tickets to ride on the antique carousels (only persons under
42 inches in height can ride the Kiddie Carousel).
The building and 1916 carousel are listed on both the New York State and
National Registers of Historic Sites.
Exhibits include:
hand-carved carousel animals and two antique, working carousels:
The large 1916 #1 Special Carousel is 40 feet in diameter, has 36 hand carved
horses and over 580 lights. This carousel was one of the first machines the
company shipped after it opened for business at the Thompson Street location in
1915.
The second is located in the Children's Gallery is a small 1940's aluminum
carousel. Called a "Kiddie Carousel" in the Allan Herschell Company
catalog, it was created specifically for small children to ride without the need
for adults to accompany them. The horses are child-size and the machine moves
more slowly than a full sized carousel. The Kiddie Carousel has been completely
restored and while adults cannot ride on the machine,
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Tours Inc. 210-228 Market Street
Lockport NY 14094
716-433-6155 or 1-800-378-0352
Fax 716-433-3679
Much remains the same on the Erie Canal today as it was in the 1800's. Hand-dug
to connect the Hudson River with the Niagara River and Lake Erie, the 363-mile
Grand Old Erie Canal is a truly great engineering feat. Originally, 83 stone
locks overcame the 571-foot difference in the level between the rivers. Enlarged
in the early 1900's, 35 locks now allow larger vessels to travel across New York
State.
Experience a unique two hour cruise which includes "locking through"
and being raised the 49 ft. elevation of the Niagara Escarpment (the same one
that creates Niagara Falls) in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal.
You will pass under bridges that raise straight up, see water cascade over
Lockport's famous "Flight of Five" 1840's locks, and travel through
the solid walls of the "rock cut" as your United States - licensed
captain describes the architecture, sights, and folklore along the way.
Niagara Aerospace Museum
6929 Williams Road
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-297-4148
Fax 716-297-4148
The Niagara Region was home to Curtis Wright and Bell Aircraft (later Bell
Aerospace) who produced warplanes during World War II. Later, Bell Aircraft
became famous for its jet and rocket engineering. This new and growing museum is
dedicated to preserving the history of powered flight and of planes used in
recent wars. It also recounts some of the history of associated industries such
as Calspan, Cornell Aeronautical Labs, and Moog. The WWII Bell Airacobra, early
helicopters, gasoline and jet engines, civilian airplanes are on display.
Niagara Festival Theater
1 Prospect Point Niagara Falls, NY
(716) 278-1792
Admission charged
The theater presents the film ``Niagara Wonders.'' Filmed using a technique that
gives a 3-D effect, the movie provides a bird's-eye view of the Niagara Falls
region.
Shows on the hour Wed.-Sun. 10-8, May 19-Sept. 9; 10-6, Apr. 1-May 18 and Sept.
10-Oct. 7; Wed.-Sun. 9-5, Oct. 8-Nov. 24
Niagara's Wax Museum of History
303 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls NY 14303
716-285-1271
Admission charged.
Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m., May-Sept.; 11-9 in Apr. and Oct.-Dec.; 11-5, rest of year
Handicapped Accessible.
Forty-six exhibits featuring life size wax figures in scenes depicting the
history of the area. Topographic maps and collections of memorabilia from the
Niagara frontier also are displayed.
Over The Falls Tours
5919 Niagara Falls Blvd.
Niagara Falls , NY 14304 USA
(716) 283-8900
Admission charged.
Hours: Tours depart daily from 9-7. Hours may vary; phone ahead for information.
A choice is offered of three narrated van tours of Niagara Falls, New York .
Each tour includes a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist. The tour also includes
the Cave of the Winds Trip. The Illumination tour allows visitors to see the
area's attractions both during the day and at night. Allow 4 hours, 30 minutes
minimum. One tour also includes a trip to the Canadian Falls.
Pedaling History Bicycle Museum
3943 North Buffalo Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
716-662-3853
Fax 716-662-4594
Pedaling History features one of the world's largest collections of antique and
classic American bicycles, including thousands of items of cycling-related
memorabilia.
A very rare 1883 Otto Dicycle large two wheeled bicycle has recently been added
to the collection. The gentlemen rider sits on this vehicle between two large
wheels, one on each side of him. This is the only one of its kind in America and
one of only a few remaining in the world. The machine is completely restored to
its original condition.
Rainbow Air, Inc.
454 Main Street
Niagara Falls NY 14301
716-284-2800
Fax 716-298-5866
Daily 9-dusk
Ten minute tour.
Air tour offers views of both the American and Canadian falls. Allow 1 hour
minimum
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 Fourth Street
Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14303 USA
716-299-1100
1-877-8-SENECA (73-6322)
Designed to simulate the gaming, dining and entertainment experience of Las
Vegas, the casino advertises nationally-renowned performers; state-of-the-art
slot machines and table games. There are 106,000 square feet of gaming, with
over 3,000 slot machines and 97 table games. Also featured is Turtle Island, the
non-smoking casino, the Blue Heron Room designed exclusively for high-stakes
table games enthusiasts, a new High-Limit Slot Area and a live Poker Room.
Seneca Niagara Casino also offers three restaurants, a 443-seat showroom-style
theater, a live music venue on the gaming floor, retail stores, complimentary
Valet parking and free self-parking. Located within walking distance of the
Falls.
