Local Attractions

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Fun Reno Facts

1. Three falls are better than one

The fact that we refer to the Falls collectively as “Niagara Falls” leads many to believe that we’re talking about one giant waterfall when, in fact, there are three. The aptly named American Falls are on the U.S. side, as are the lacy Bridal Veil Falls; the Horseshoe Falls are almost entirely on the Canadian side. All three waterfalls can be experienced on the USA side of the Falls.

2. The Falls are young — geologically speakin

Niagara Falls was formed from the same glacial-melt activity that formed the Great Lakes at the end of the last Ice Age, some 12,000 years ago. That may seem like eons to us, but it’s just a blink of an eye in the grander scheme!

3. Speaking of the past: Niagara Falls is America’s oldest state park

We have an impassioned group of environmentalists to thank for what is today Niagara Falls State Park. (One of those environmentalists? Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame, who would later design the park). Troubled by the commercial activity occurring on the river, these saviors encouraged New York State to buy up the land surrounding the Falls to keep it safe from exploitation. As a result, in 1885, the park was established as the Niagara Reservation.

4. It’s not the tallest waterfall in America, but how big is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls’ vertical height is over 176 feet in some sections. That’s nothing to scoff at, but it pales in comparison to the continental United States' tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, which tops out at 2,425 feet. But what it lacks in vertical size, Niagara Falls makes up for in horizontal size, and in volume: More than 700,000 gallons of water per second pour over Niagara Falls, rushing over at about 25 miles per hour. That makes Niagara Falls the largest in North America by volume and by width.

5. Yep: That’s a lot of water!

Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie drain into the mighty Niagara River before emptying into Lake Ontario. Put the five Great Lakes together, and you get the world’s largest freshwater system.

6. It’s pretty powerful stuff

Back in 1885, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse created the world’s first hydroelectric power plant in Niagara Falls. These days, the Falls are capable of generating 4 million kilowatts of electricity, which is enough to supply more than a quarter of all the power used in New York State and in Ontario, Canada!

7. No wonder so many people visit!

More than 8 million visitors explore Niagara Falls State Park annually, coming from all over the world.

8. … which gives some people crazy ideas

The first person to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel was 63-year-old schoolteacher Annie Edson Taylor — she suffered only a concussion and a minor cut on her head. At least a dozen people have survived the plunge; numerous others have lost their lives. (By the way, stunting at Niagara Falls is illegal and includes hefty fines and possible jail time).

9. Fish, however, fare better than people

Yes, fish do plunge over the Falls, and it’s estimated that almost all of them survive, thanks to their ability to flow with the water. Sometimes, however, they are a bit “stunned” after making the journey, but those who escape the circling seagulls shake it off and swim away.

10. Going, going …

The Falls were originally located seven miles downriver near what is now Lewiston; the brink has slowly eroded to its current location. Niagara Falls’ current erosion rate is approximately 1 foot per year and could possibly be reduced to 1 foot per 10 years due to flow control and diversion for hydro-power generation. Eventually, though — likely tens of thousands of years from now — they’ll disappear into Lake Erie.

Things to Do

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park

The 28,000-square-foot Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center features glass walls and a low roof to maximize views and connections to the Falls. It includes new ticketing and information desks, new concession spaces, restrooms and associated support spaces, a rooftop PV array, special patterned glass to prevent bird impacts, green roof elements and a separate restroom building. Enhanced site amenities include new accessible paths, native plantings and wayfinding elements.

Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley

The guided Niagara Falls Trolley gives passengers an overview of the park and offers historical anecdotes, little-known facts and tips for checking out the park’s most popular attractions.

Due to the popularity of our Trolley, we often reach capacity and service cannot always be guaranteed. Wait times to board a Trolley can sometimes be long. Please plan to arrive early or visit us on weekdays for your best chance to ride. Seats may not always be available and some riders may be asked to stand. Trolley wristband purchases are limited to 15 total per transaction to ensure fair access for all patrons and all members of the party must be present at purchase. Due to the Trolley being first come, first served, groups may need to split up and ride on separate Trolley cars. For the safety of all visitors, please listen to instructions from your driver and conductor.

There is an express shuttle between Prospect Point and the Aquarium of Niagara/GL360 that can be picked up just north of the Maid of the Mist.

Cave of the Winds

Experience all-time thrills all year-round on the breathtaking Cave of the Winds experience at Niagara Falls State Park. Venture out onto the Hurricane Deck and get closer to wonder than you ever imagined. Is it mist from the Falls or tears of joy? It may be a little of both.

Plan your adventure today.

Cave of the Winds tickets can be purchased at the Cave of the Winds on Goat Island or the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center. As Cave of the Winds is a timed ticketed attraction, making your reservation should be one of the first things you do in the park.

Interested in a combo adventure?

The official park walking tour, “Beyond The View Walking Tour” can be paired with Cave of the Winds tickets. Full details on the combo adventure here.

Aquarium of Niagara

Go on an aquatic adventure at Niagara’s other “water wonder,” the Aquarium of Niagara, which is perfect for kids and anyone who is fascinated by aquatic animals.

At the Aquarium, one ticket grants you access to two buildings – one that features exotic species from around the world, and another that highlights hyperlocal species that are native to the Great Lakes.

You’ll meet playful penguins, rescued seals and sea lions, mesmerizing jellyfish, lots of fish, reptiles and amphibians, insects, and more!

https://aquariumofniagara.org/

Maid of the Mist

A popular Niagara Falls State Park attraction for more than 150 years, the Maid of the Mist journey begins at the Observation Tower, where guests are given a souvenir rain poncho to wear and board the double-deck Maid of the Mist tour boat. From there, the boat ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls — the dramatic passage leading you through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. The Maid of the Mist returns guests to shore with newfound appreciation of the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls.

For more information on the Maid of the Mist, or to purchase tickets online, please visit the Maid of the Mist website.

Hiking Trails

Explore all the natural beauty beyond the Falls on one of our many Niagara Falls hiking trails. From touring the ruins of the first hydroelectric power station to hiking some of the best trails in the country, time spent in Niagara Falls is action-packed for all ages and abilities.

As the water flows over Niagara Falls it falls into the lower Niagara River, also known as the Niagara Gorge, which is home to some of the best hiking trails in all of New York State.

Here are some of the things you can explore on your visit to the Niagara Falls Gorge:

The Niagara Gorge hiking trails all begin at the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center, located in front of Great Lakes 360 and the gateway to some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region. The local Gorge Trail System offers both easy trails to follow and challenging sections of trails that have steep stairs to climb and rocks to scramble over. Please be aware that conditions are ever-changing in the Niagara Gorge, and hikers should be prepared with sturdy footwear as well as water to drink. Hikers must stay on marked trails and avoid entering the water.

Guided Niagara Gorge hiking tours are offered mid-May through October.

Call 716-282-5154 for group rates and information. Please note that there is a five-person minimum for tours.

Observation Tower

Extending out dramatically over the Niagara Gorge, the architectural wonder of the Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower affords unobstructed views of the wild cascades of ALL THREE FALLS and the Niagara River.

See The Falls Up Close

Elevators at the Observation Tower provide access to the base of the gorge and the boarding site for the Maid of the Mist boat tour. For a multi-sensory view of the American Falls, visitors can go to the base of the gorge and climb a series of stairs to the Crow’s Nest, where the views come with complimentary air conditioning and blasts of misty Niagara spray.

(Please Note: The Crow’s Nest is under construction until 2026.)

Niagara Falls State Park Observation Tower provides the only panoramic view of all three cataracts that comprise Niagara Falls, including the American Falls.

Bird watching is also a popular pastime at the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. Bird enthusiasts have the opportunity to spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles and the many different gull species present in the Niagara Gorge, which has officially been designated an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA).

Schoellkopf Power Station Ruins Site

Take an elevator into the Niagara Gorge to discover the remains of the former Schoellkopf Power Station.

Construction

The Schoellkopf Power Station was constructed in three sections between 1905 and 1924. At the time of its completion, it was the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. The complex included offices, gatehouses and other buildings at the top of the Niagara Gorge, and turbine-generator stations located at the base. Water was diverted from the Niagara River above the Falls, by a 4,600-ft. canal that ran through the city to the edge of the gorge.

Food

Rainforest Cafe

A Wild Place to Shop and Eat. The Rainforest Cafe is located on Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls, USA inside Sheraton Niagara Falls and adjacent to Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Part adventure, part restaurant decorated in amazing rainforest foliage displaying awesome vignette tigers, elephants, crocodiles and gorillas throughout. Stop by our full-service bar shaped like an actual mushroom from the safari and enjoy one of our specialty cocktails. With sounds of the jungle, thunderstorms and moving night skies; entertaining for the whole family. Validated parking available for restaurant guests.

Located in: Sheraton Niagara Falls Hotel

Sunday - Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Phone: (716) 278-2626

Reservation Link

Torrent Bar & Restaurant

Torrent's menu consists of American cuisine including flatbreads, pasta, salads, entrees, and desserts. You'll also find a wide variety of hand-crafted cocktails and specialty drinks that will rotate seasonally.

Located in: Sheraton Niagara Falls Hotel

Sunday & Saturday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Phone: (716) 278-2629

Website

Starbucks

Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability.

Located in: Sheraton Niagara Falls Hotel

Sunday - Saturday: 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Phone: (716) 278-2645

Website

Blues Burger Bar

Casual outpost offering hearty burgers with creative toppings plus wings, sandwiches & fries.

Located in: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Sunday - Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Phone: (716) 501-2392
Website

The Western Door A Seneca Steakhouse

Top-shelf steakhouse dressed in dark woods & perched over the casino floor at Seneca Niagara Hotel.

Located in: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Sunday - Saturday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Phone: (716) 299-1100

Website

La Cascata

Warm, relaxed Italian eatery with white tablecloths offering pasta, meat and seafood dishes.

Located in: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Sunday - Saturday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Phone: (877) 873-6322

Website

Savor

Upmarket New American spot at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute with an open kitchen & seasonal menu.

Located in: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

Sunday - Saturday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Phone: (716) 210-2580

Website

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