Niagara Falls is a city of about 48,000 in western New York, on the U.S. side of the Niagara River across from its Canadian namesake. It is home to Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States, which surrounds the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and includes attractions such as the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist. The city grew around tourism and early hydroelectric power development.
Known for
- American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
- Niagara Falls State Park (oldest US state park)
- Cave of the Winds
- Maid of the Mist boat tours
- Goat Island
- Hydroelectric power heritage
Frequently asked questions
Is Niagara Falls, New York on the U.S. or the Canadian side?
Niagara Falls, New York sits on the U.S. side of the Niagara River, directly across from its Canadian namesake city in Ontario. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lie entirely on this U.S. side, while the larger Horseshoe Falls straddles the border with most of its water flowing over the Canadian side.
Is Niagara Falls State Park really the oldest state park in the United States?
Yes, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, opening to the public on July 15, 1885. It surrounds the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, includes Goat Island, and was laid out by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, co-designer of New York's Central Park.
Does it cost anything to get into Niagara Falls State Park?
Entering Niagara Falls State Park is free, with no admission fee to walk in and see the falls from the overlooks, Goat Island, and Luna Island. Individual attractions such as the Maid of the Mist boat tour and Cave of the Winds sell their own tickets, and seasonal parking fees apply on weekends and holidays during the warmer months.
When are the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds open?
Both are seasonal, with the Maid of the Mist boat tours typically running from spring (around late April) into early November, and the Cave of the Winds Hurricane Deck open from late spring through fall. They shut down in winter because of ice, and exact opening and closing dates shift each year, so check the official operators before you go.
