Hear the roar of the the thundering waters at our Niagara Falls State Park stop! Located just a short walk from the bridge to Goat Island, you'll also be at the site of the historic Cataract House hotel. It was there that that hotel workers helped slaves escape to freedom in Canada, a story you can experience at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. A historic marker was recently placed at the site.

From this stop, the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and Observation Tower attractions are a short walk away.

Website: Niagara Falls State Park

The Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center, operated by Destination Niagara USA, is the region’s official tourism and promotional agency, designated by New York State and Niagara County. Conveniently located in the heart of the Downtown Niagara Falls Tourist District—just steps from Niagara Falls State Park—it’s the ideal starting point for breathtaking scenery, year-round attractions, hiking trails, exhibits, and family-friendly dining.

Open daily from 8:30am to 5pm (closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day), the Visitor Center offers area maps and brochures, itinerary planning assistance, tour referrals, attraction tickets, unique gifts and souvenirs, public restrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Complimentary 30-minute parking is available next door at First Street and Rainbow Boulevard.

With so much to experience, the Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your Niagara Falls USA adventure.

Website: Niagara Falls USA

Free family fun is just footsteps from Niagara Falls on Old Falls Street, USA. This three-block destination connects Niagara Falls State Park with The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and all downtown hotels, restaurants and attractions. Serving as a "Welcome Center" for residents and visitors alike, Old Falls Street, USA, provides exciting spaces for family-friendly games and activities, as well as seasonal concerts, outdoor movies, festivals and special events. The best part is, you don't need a ticket to join in on the outdoor fun!

Old Falls Street, USA hosts most of its programming on its Middle and Park Blocks, during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), with other seasonal festivals and events throughout the year. During the summer, guests enjoy daily free games and activities, as well as weekly outdoor concerts on Friday evenings, the Flicks on Old Falls outdoor movie series on Thursday evenings, as well as Free Family Fun activities on Saturday afternoons. Old Falls Street's activities are a perfect compliment to any visit to Downtown Niagara Falls, NY.

Website: Old Falls Street

This stop is a great place to start your adventure into the Niagara Gorge. With multiple trails beginning here, you can opt for an easy, flat rim walk or take on a more challenging hike down to the river’s edge. It’s a perfect starting point for nature lovers and outdoor explorers alike.

The Schoellkopf Elevator brings you into the heart of the gorge, dropping you at the site of the historic Schoellkopf Power Plant ruins. As you exit, you’ll be greeted by a series of interpretive panels that tell the powerful story of Niagara’s industrial past. From there, enjoy stunning river views, connect with gorge-level trails, and see the infrastructure that powers the iconic Maid of the Mist boats.

Also located at this site is Great Lakes 360, an exciting aquatic exhibit that features fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates native to the Great Lakes region. It’s a family-friendly experience that connects ecology, conservation, and the unique biodiversity of our freshwater systems.

This stop includes a free parking lot and is the northernmost point on the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley route, providing direct access to other highlights in Niagara Falls State Park.

Website: Great Lakes 360

Website: Schoellkopf Elevator

There’s an ocean of discovery to experience at Niagara’s other “wet wonder,” the Aquarium of Niagara, located just a few blocks away from Niagara Falls State Park.

More than 1,500 aquatic animals live at the Niagara Falls aquarium, representing ecosystems ranging from the Great Lakes to coral reefs. Highlights include over 40 exhibits starring California sea lions, Peruvian penguins, seahorses, sturgeon and more.

Outside, the vibrant Whaling Wall created by famed environmental marine life artist Wyland gives a glimpse of the underwater world waiting inside the Aquarium of Niagara.

Website: Aquarium of Niagara

Located in the former Niagara Falls High School building in the heart of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center is home to over 75 artists and shares the history of the portage around Niagara Falls dating from early Native American civilization until the Erie Canal opened in 1825. The NACC is considered a model for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. The former classrooms have all been converted into rentable art studios and community use facilities, making the NACC the largest multi-arts center in New York. The NACC hosts many events, including 12 annual gallery shows, a full theater season, opera performances, art workshops, music & dance classes, history lectures, and a "Discover Niagara" Summer Youth Program. The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (NACC) is a not-for-profit, arts and cultural organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the city and its people, as well as promoting arts and cultural experiences.

Website: The NACC

Niagara’s history is at Oakwood Cemetery. Oakwood sits along the historic Niagara portage in the heart of Niagara Falls. With its 18.5 acres of tranquil lanes and 100-year-old shade trees, it is a final resting place for those who shaped the city, including Underground Railroad activists, famous daredevils, veterans from conflicts dating to the American Revolution, and power industry titans. “Daredevils of Niagara,” a one-hour guided tour, is offered every Sunday, in season, where visitors can discover the real people behind the sensational headlines.

Website: Oakwood Cemetery

The Niagara Falls Public Library offers traditional library offerings and hosts the wonderful Local History Department, with a vast archive of materials representing Niagara's past.

In addition to the library, it is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch at the iconic The Why diner, or rent a Reddy bike and explore the region on two wheels!

Website: Niagara Falls Public Library

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is an experiential museum that reveals authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls. We inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and to take action toward an equitable society.

Upon arrival visitors will be greeted with an exhibit section in the atrium of the Amtrak Station that, moving left to right (south to north and slavery to freedom), will express the long and tumultuous journey of the Underground Railroad up to the point of reaching Niagara Falls. Through powerful imagery and content, the "Network Wall" communicates that this historic phenomenon was neither a railroad nor underground, but rather a network of people, routes, and means of transport; and that it also serves as a metaphor for human movement, and that slavery removed basic human rights that compelled freedom seekers to leave at great risk.

Upon entrance to the Heritage Center, visitors will check in at the Welcome Desk and be able to visit the retail "museum" shop before proceeding into the Center's exhibition space inside of the Custom House. As if walking into the 1850s, visitors will meet representations of individuals from the period in Niagara Falls at the historic train station near Falls and Mechanic Streets. Visitors will be able to interact with the scene, activating scenarios or revealing details that reveal the purpose and role of individuals in the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls.

After being immersed in the place and time of Niagara Falls and experiencing some of the key individuals, visitors will enter into a recreation of the Cataract House. The heart of the Underground Railroad stories are told in the "dining room" and "reception" at the Cataract House. This room will feature a variety of interactive, interpretive and media elements. Here, visitors are introduced to the stories of the African American waiters who worked at the tourist hotels, like the Cataract House, actively resisted slavery and lived double lives by openly serving hotel guests and secretly helped freedom seekers cross the Niagara River into Canada.

Visitors will be able to explore the stories of the dramatic last leg of freedom seekers' escapes to Canada by ferry or bridge crossing. Visitors will be surrounded by recreated scenes of crossing points where they will learn of escapes and assistance freedom seekers received at the dramatic crossing points along the Niagara River. Visitors will meet important figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, John Morrison, and Patrick Sneed.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will experience stories and hear from individuals, both past and present, who connect the historic Underground Railroad past to the present day around the world. Visitors are invited to consider parallels and other important historical and contemporary stories, with the hope that these stories and connections will allow for deeper thought, consideration of new or different perspectives, and prompt actions in our own lives.

Website: NF Underground Railroad Heritage Center

Niagara Falls Train Station

The Discover Niagara Shuttle conveniently serves visitors who arrive at the new Niagara Falls Train Station. Arriving guests can board the shuttle to downtown Niagara Falls hotels and attractions. 

Whirlpool State Park is one of seven New York State Parks in the National Heritage Area. Located alongside the Niagara Gorge and Niagara River, it has two levels. The Upper Gorge Rim features many scenic overlooks of the Niagara River with spectacular views of the whirlpool and rapids. The natural history room on the Upper Rim Trail opens seasonally. The lower level is accessed by taking the staircase located just downstream from the main park area. The trail, at the edge of the Niagara River, provides a stunning vista of the Niagara Gorge and the Niagara River as it races through the narrowest part of the gorge, creating turbulent rapids and an amazing whirlpool. At the base of the gorge, you can hike upstream along the Whirlpool Rapids Trail past the Whirlpool to a point along the Whirlpool Rapids. You can return to this staircase to exit the gorge, or take the Devil's Hole Trail downstream to the Devil's Hole staircase to the top of the gorge at Devil's Hole State Park. From there, you can take the rim trail back to Whirlpool State Park.

Devils Hole State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Known for its rugged cliffs and lush woodlands, the park spans across several acres, offering an invigorating environment for outdoor recreation. The park's centerpiece, the Devil's Hole Rapids, is an awe-inspiring vista where the might of the Niagara River plunges into the whirlpool rapids, carving out a deep, cavernous hole over the millennia.

Hiking trails wind through the park, leading to dramatic views of the rapids and the Niagara Gorge. These trails are popular amongst hikers and birdwatchers who frequent the park for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Picnic areas provide peaceful spots to enjoy meals amidst nature, and the park also has several interpretive signs explaining the area's rich geology and history. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply an escape from the daily grind, Devils Hole State Park is a rewarding destination.

The Castellani Art Museum (CAM), at the center of the Niagara University campus, is dedicated to the enjoyment and educational potential of artistic creativity. As a major resource for the visual arts in Niagara County, the CAM's permanent collection includes over 5,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Niagara Falls art, and regional Folk Arts. The museum is committed to the professional care and preservation of this artwork. The CAM's mission is to connect diverse audiences to art by inspiring creativity and learning within the campus community and beyond.

Website: Castellani Art Museum

For centuries, the waters of Niagara Falls have been used to generate power. In the late 19th century, inventions and investment in hydroelectric power at Niagara Falls revolutionized life and industry. At the Niagara Power Project Power Vista, visitors can learn the fascinating history and operations of hydroelectric power in the Niagara Region through interactive, engaging exhibits. An observation deck, overlooking the Niagara River, gives visitors to a panoramic perspective of the Lower Niagara Region, as well as, the area surrounding Devil’s Hole State Park. On the lower level, visitors can learn about the history, culture and people of the Tuscarora Nation, send e-postcards, and watch a video that shares the construction of the Niagara Power Project.

The Power Vista has a calendar of events that includes many free, family events. The Power Vista is free and open year round from 9a.m.-5p.m

Website: Niagara Power Vista

The Academy Park stop serves as the gateway to the historic Village of Lewiston. The west end of the village houses the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, which serves as the tourist information center for Lewiston, Youngstown, Ransomville and Sanborn. Academy Park hosts several events each year, including the Niagara County Peach Festival, an old-fashioned carnival with food, rides and games. The park hosts an Artisan Farmers Market each Satuday, showcasing handmade items from local artisans. There are several restaurants and bars near the stop, as well as some retail shops and ice cream.

Also at the stop is the Tuscarora Heroes Monument, which stands as a testament of thanksgiving from the people of Lewiston to the Tuscarora Nation for saving the lives of dozens of local residents during the War of 1812 British attack on December 19, 1813. It consists of three 110% life-size bronze sculptures that depict a tableau of two Tuscarora men rescuing a local woman and her baby from the British attack. It is recognized as the largest War of 1812 bicentennial monument project in the United States.

Follow the Niagara River north and you will discover the enchanting Village of Lewiston, located at the bottom of the Niagara Escarpment. Ranked as one of the "Top Ten Small Towns in America," Lewiston is rich in history, local food, shopping and entertainment. Center Street in Lewiston is full of small shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Ask any local and they will be sure to direct you to great local cuisine. From homemade custard to the perfect latte, you will be sure to find it on Center Street. In the summer, Lewiston offers a host of festivals that feature local culture, art and music. Located just off Center Street is Artpark. Artpark is home is to a renowned summer season of music and theater overlooking the Niagara River and Gorge. Its outdoor amphitheater offers the perfect lawn seat to experience music, theater and the beauty of a summer evening in Niagara. When you are not enjoying music and theater, explore the trails and surrounding natural setting of Artpark State Park. The trails in Artpark State Park offer outdoor enthusiasts a panoramic vista of the Niagara River and the Niagara Escarpment.

The Lewiston Center stops are northbound and southbound, on opposite corners of Center St. and 5th St.

Lewiston's waterfront features a relaxing park that showcases Lewiston's history and a serene stretch of the Niagara River that is beautiful every day of the year. At the Lewiston Landing, you can sit in the park by the Freedom Crossing Monument and overlook the lower Niagara River. Stroll along the docks and watch the fisherman cast a line from shore or on their boats as they drift down the river. For the adventuresome, go for a wild ride on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour which will take you into the heart of the Niagara Gorge. Your heartbeat will be racing long after the boat has docked.

In addition to the adventure and scenery, you can enjoy a meal at the Griffon Brewery & Gastropub or The Silo!

The Stella Niagara Preserve provides hiking, fishing and kayak access to the Niagara River in the peaceful setting of restored wilderness. The property, which is designated as an Important Bird Area, is part of the Niagara County Historic Trail. It was an important canoe landing site for the region’s Haudenosaunee who used the Niagara River for transport, trade and fishing. Known locally as the five-mile meadow, it is the very spot where the British landed in 1813 to capture Fort Niagara.

Just 12 miles from Niagara Falls, Youngstown rests quietly along the Niagara River, right at the point where the river flows into another Great Lake; Lake Ontario. The charm of Youngstown includes a beautiful main street filled with locally owned shops and restaurants, pocket parks, a brewery, and a waterfront humming with activity. Youngstown is also home to Old Fort Niagara, a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1726, the fort and area surrounding it were controlled by four different nations. Whether it is discovering the history of Old Fort Niagara or seeing a spectacular sunset over Lake Ontario, Youngstown is a destination worth discovering.

For almost 300 years, Old Fort Niagara has guarded the scenic junction of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. The Fort features impressive original stone buildings, 22 acres of massive 18th and 19th century fortifications and an active living history program that engages all ages in the excitement of early North America.

Visitors begin their trip back in time at the site's Visitor Center where colorful orientation exhibits tell the Fort’s story from the 17th century through the Civil War. An orientation film, Fort Niagara: The Struggle for a Continent recounts the stories of Native American warriors, French, British and American soldiers who struggled to control the Great Lakes.

Once inside the Fort, visitors are surrounded by original 18th century buildings furnished as they appeared during the colonial period. The oldest of these, the 1726 French Castle, is the earliest surviving building in the entire Great Lakes Basin. As guests tour the building, they experience how people lived on the Niagara frontier over 250 years ago.

During the summer months, historical interpreters in period attire fire muskets and cannons throughout the day, play traditional fife and drum tunes and engage guests in many hands-on activities of the period. Visitors can “enlist” in the army and learn a musket drill or play a period game. They can interact with early explorers, fur traders, and the post blacksmith or learn what life was like for women at the Fort.

The Fort also hosts special events all year long. In the summer months the site hosts a military “time line” event on Memorial Day weekend, the French and Indian War Encampment on July 4 weekend, Soldiers of the Revolution in early August and a War of 1812 Encampment on Labor Day weekend. During these events, hundreds of re-enactors establish period camps and recreate important battles that shaped the history of the Niagara Region.

Old Fort Niagara is open daily year round and is located just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, New York via the Niagara Scenic Parkway North.

Website: Old Fort Niagara

The Lockport Theatre District features the historic Palace Theatre. Built in 1925, this historic gem has been a staple in the Lockport community for over 96 years. And after a 4 year, four million dollar restoration project, the Palace is shining brighter than ever. The Palace Theatre is home to broadway-style performances, concerts, movies, and community events alike. Truly a gem within the community, the Palace is home to entertainment for all. 

The district is also a great place to grab a bite to eat, sip on a coffee, and relax! Enjoy eateries, coffee shops, retail stores and more!

This state-of-the-art twin rink ice skating facility is located in the heart of downtown Lockport and, in addition to hosting hockey tournaments and ice skating competitions, the arena offers ice bumper cars, a fun and unique way for the whole family to experience the ice. Additionally, the arena is home to a restaurant and is within walking distance of the Erie Canal and many restaurants.

Local history is still very alive at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. Come aboard one of their canal vessels for a relaxing & informative ride on the Erie Canal, the 19th-century engineering marvel which opened up the American Frontier. Their fun and informative cruise will take you past five of the original 1800's locks. Three million gallons of water will fill Locks 34 & 35, the only double set on the Erie Canal, and raise the boat over 50 feet. You will pass under Lockport's "Upside Down Bridge," Lockport's "Big Bridge" (the widest bridge in the U.S. at 399 feet wide), through the "deep rock cut" and under lift bridges. The lively narration by the Coast Guard Licensed Captain is also accompanied by crowd-pleasing canal music, popular during the 1800's.

Wide Waters Marina is an area along the Erie Canal where the Canal widens to allows for boat docking and offers other amenities for boaters and travelers along the Erie Canalway Trail. Wide Waters is adjacent to Goehle Park, which has bathrooms, showers, a playground, and is in close proximity to a restaurant and kayak rentals and launch. Wide Waters is a great place to experience the Erie Canal outside of the busy downtown area.

Local history is still very alive at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. Come aboard one of their canal vessels for a relaxing & informative ride on the Erie Canal, the 19th-century engineering marvel which opened up the American Frontier. Their fun and informative cruise will take you past five of the original 1800's locks. Three million gallons of water will fill Locks 34 & 35, the only double set on the Erie Canal, and raise the boat over 50 feet. You will pass under Lockport's "Upside Down Bridge," Lockport's "Big Bridge" (the widest bridge in the U.S. at 399 feet wide), through the "deep rock cut" and under lift bridges. The lively narration by the Coast Guard Licensed Captain is also accompanied by crowd-pleasing canal music, popular during the 1800's.

The Erie Canalway Trail, part of the Empire State Trail network, is a pedestrian and cycling destination for riders of all abilities. Following one of the world's most famous man-made waterways, it spans New York State between Albany and Buffalo. This stop is located just west of Lockport’s downtown, allowing you to ride west through Pendleton, Amherst, and the Tonawandas to Buffalo, or east for a short ride to Lockport’s central business district or continue on to Medina, Rochester, or even Albany.

The Outwater Memorial Building is the headquarters for the Niagara History Center. The 1863 brick home features a Historic Pantry, Old Toy Room, Civil War Room, and a Changing Exhibit Room and a Community Meeting room where we hold family nights, host speakers, book signings, art shows, and many other community events.The Outwater Emporium, our unique gift shop, allows you to browse among historic gifts and publications about Niagara County geared towards all ages.