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Niagara Falls is a beautiful city located in the extreme northwest section of New York State The beautiful city is home to the renowned and impressive Niagara River, Niagara Falls, and many more. There are multiple destinations in this beautiful city that you can visit to make your trip memorable. You can start by interacting with the locals and getting acquainted with the region by visiting the various farmers’ markets. Additionally, you can visit the Observation Tower to have panoramic views of the surrounding areas and landmarks. There are also excellent trails in the city that you can use to stretch your muscles by biking or hiking.
Further, this beautiful city is home to various parks, such as the Niagara Falls State Park, that you can visit to relax or for a picnic as a family. There are also beautiful waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls that you will see during your visit. Furthermore, you can hop on the longest-running boat tours in the country to have fantastic views of the waterfalls from the water. If you are into arts, there is an art museum that you can visit to view fine pieces of art and works by both renowned and upcoming artists. You can also visit the Old Niagara Fort to see the artifacts and items used in the various wars in the region in the past. Are you a wine enthusiast? There are multiple wineries in the city that you can visit to get details of the winemaking process and taste the wines in the tasting rooms.
Niagara Falls, New York, covers an estimated 43.59 square kilometers with an elevation of 187 meters. The number of people residing in this beautiful city is estimated to be 48,252 as per the 2019 census. The area code is 716. There are multiple destinations in this beautiful city that you can visit to make your trip memorable.
Here are the top ten things to do at Niagara Falls, New York City.
# 10 – Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University
Niagara Falls, New York, is a great city with something for everyone. If you are into arts and would like to view fine pieces of both old and new, contemporary and classic arts, your destination should be 5795 Lewiston Road, where Castellani Art Museum is located. During your visit to this museum of art, you will find more than 5,000 works in the permanent collection that date back from the 1850s to date. Additionally, you will find paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures, and pre-Columbian ceramics. There are also artworks by both prominent and upcoming contemporary artists that you will be able to view during your visit.
Official site: www.castellaniartmuseum.org
# 9 – Old Fort Niagara
Are you a history buff? Well, there is something for you in Niagara Falls, New York. During your trip to this beautiful city, you should visit Old Fort Niagara. Additionally, a visit to this Old Fort will give you an insight into the history of various wars in the United States since the 17th century. Since the construction of this Fort, it has exchanged hands between French, British, and American troops. This is because Old Fort Niagara has been used and seen during various wars, such as the American Revolution and the French and Indian War.
Moreover, during your trip to this historical and the longest operational Fort in North America, you will get the chance to visit the underground gunpowder rooms, old army barracks, and ancient cannons. There is also a visitor center located at the Old Fort Niagara that you can pass by if you want to get a more detailed history of the area and the port. Further, you will also find and view restored original buildings plus exhibits and more than 100,000 artifacts like arrowheads, weaponry, furniture, clothing, military accouterments, and the 1812 original War flag during your visit to the visitor center. Special events, re-enactments, and musket demonstrations are activities hosted at this destination throughout the year.
Official site: www.oldfortniagara.org
# 8 – Niagara Wine Trail
Do you love wines? Are you interested in the process involved in the winemaking process? Do you want to have a taste of the sweet wines made in Niagara Falls, New York? If you do, you should never fail to visit the various wineries located in this beautiful city. The area has a favorable climate for grapes, making it one of the fast-growing wine areas in the United States. Some of the wineries you can visit during a wine tasting tour in the Niagara Wine Trail while in the region include The Village Vineyard, Bella Rose Vineyard, Long Cliff Winery, and A Gust of Sun Winery. Apart from a range of dry sweet wines, you will also find craft beers. Further, after having a tour and getting more details on the winemaking process, you may get a chance to taste the following wine brands Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
# 7 – Niagara Falls Observation Tower
Niagara Falls Observation Tower, also known as the Prospect Point Observation Tower, is a unique architectural structure in Niagara Falls, New York. The observation tower has a height of 86 meters, and its construction commenced in 1958. The breathtaking observation tower was constructed in the modern architectural style, and it was opened in 1961. Niagara Falls observation tower is a fantastic destination to visit if you want to have panoramic views of the wild cascades of Niagara Falls. Additionally, while at the observation tower, you will be able to have spectacular views of the American Falls.
If you are into bird watching, the Niagara Falls observation tower is a fantastic place to visit and pass the time while watching multiple bird species. While at the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, some of the bird species that you might spot include peregrine falcons and bald eagles. The observation tower is located at 332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, New York, and it is open daily between 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. depending on the weather.
# 6 – Devil’s Hole State Park
Are you an outdoor enthusiast who is nature-oriented? There is a place for you that you can visit while in the region and you want to spend some time outdoors. The state park was established in 1924, and it is among the best places in the city that you can visit with kids while in the region. Additionally, the state park is a fantastic place worth visiting if you want to relax while keeping off the noisy city environment. During your visit to this state park, you will find picnic areas, hiking trails, and many more. You can visit this state park for activities such as picnicking, hiking and enjoy stunning views of the rapids. Various bird species nest in this state park that you will be able to see during your visit. Further, you can go fishing in this state park while in the region. Some of the fish species that you may see include salmon and steelhead.
# 5 – Niagara Gorge Discovery Center & Hiking Trails
Moving along with our top ten list is a visit to the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center & Hiking Trails. The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is one of the amazing family destinations in the city that you can visit with kids. Additionally, during your visit to this discovery center, you will learn about the history and geology of the region via the interactive exhibits. The exhibits showcase how the magnificent waterfalls were created their changing process up to date. Furthermore, there are excellent trails that you can use to hike as a family since they are beginner-friendly. You can also use the trails for jogging, trekking, or strolling. There is beautiful flora that you will see along the trails while hiking. The Upper Great Gorge Hike and the Great Gorge Railway Trail are some of the trails.
# 4 – Farmers Markets
Your visit to Niagara Falls, New York, will not be considered complete if you want to understand the culture of the region, meet the locals, taste local dishes, and buy local souvenirs without stopping by at the various farmers’ markets located in the city. Some farmers’ markets in Niagara Falls, New York, include Goodman’s Farm Market, Niagara Falls City Market Farmers Market, Park Place Market, and many more. Some of the items you may purchase in these farmers’ markets include baked goods, meat, eggs, fresh produce, nuts, and many more.
Moreover, there are various restaurants located in the multiple farmers’ markets that you can visit to catch a bite of local delicacies when hungry. The multiple farmers’ markets located in various parts of this beautiful city are open during various times of the week or month.
# 3 – Maid Of The Mist
There are plenty of reasons for visiting Niagara Falls, New York, and one of the main reasons is to see the falls. Additionally, you can have a view of the falls in the Niagara River in multiple ways, and one of the best ways of having a view of the falls during your visit is to hop on a Maid of the Mist boat. The Maid of the Mist has been in operation since the 1840s, making it the longest-running boat tour of the falls. While on the Maid of the Mist, you will be able to ride close to and see the base where hundreds of thousands of water crash down every second.
You will also have spectacular views of the surrounding areas from the water. There is a waterproof poncho that will help in keeping you dry if you are afraid of getting wet. This sightseeing is located at 1 Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York. The tour departs after every 15 minutes and the operation hours vary depending on the season. Adults pay $18.25, while kids between 6 to 12 years pay $10.65 for tickets.
# 2 – Aquarium of Niagara
If you are visiting Niagara Falls, New York, with kids and you are wondering which destination to stop by and have fun with kids, then your answer is the Aquarium of Niagara. The Aquarium of Niagara is located at 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, New York. Besides, this aquarium is a fantastic option to visit as a family during the chilly and rainy days while in the region. During your visit to the Aquarium of Niagara, you will find both local and international wildlife together in one place. Moreover, there are over 200 species of aquatic animals such as penguins, sharks, pelicans, giant grouper, and many more that you will be able to see during your visit.
There are also more than 30 educational exhibits and aquarium presentations, such as a sea lion show, harbor seal presentations, and many more. Furthermore, you will also get detailed information on seals and penguins’ care, training, and social lives during your visit.
Official site: www.aquariumofniagara.org
# 1 – Niagara Falls State Park
Continuing with our top ten list is the Niagara Falls State Park, one of the fantastic destinations in this beautiful city of Niagara Falls, New York, worth visiting. Additionally, this beautiful park is an excellent destination if you are an outdoor enthusiast and you are visiting with kids. There is a vibrant and flourishing life in this beautiful park’s surroundings, hence making it one of the best state parks in the United States. This beautiful park covers an estimated area of 400 acres, and it was opened in 1885, making it one of the oldest parks in the United States.
During your visit to the Niagara Falls State Park, you will find and have panoramic views of the trio of impressive waterfalls and five islands on the Niagara River.
Further, there are nature trails, picnic facilities, and photo-ops in this beautiful park. Therefore, making this park an excellent destination for hiking, biking, photography, and many more. There is also a showcasing of plants and wildlife from the region that you will see and learn about during your visit. You can also visit the multiple restaurants within and around the park to catch a bite when hungry. This beautiful park is located at 332 Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York.
Official site: http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/
10 Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls, New York article published on BigCityReview.com© 2023
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