Niagara Falls NY: The Forgotten Side

As you cross the RainbowBridge from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls to the American side, you immediately note a change in your surroundings. Gone are the large flower gardens and four-lane boulevards with throngs of tourists getting off their bus, or exiting from the many restaurants and hotels lining the road right along the Horseshoe Falls. Instead, you enter what seems a modest town with small bars, souvenir shops, and two-lane roads traversing an obvious tourist city. Then you follow the directions to the American Falls and turn into the entrance of the Niagara Falls State Park, containing Goat Island, the oldest state park in the US.

One reason we often seemed to head for the Canadian side of Niagara Falls more readily than the American, was construction. The American side always seemed to be under some kind of construction and when we arrived at the park, this trip was no exception. Navigating to the parking area was confusing, though parking was available and when we located our parking spot, it was not a long walk to the falls viewing area.

The American side also seemed to be more seasons based. In our October visit to the park, there was only one concession area with a small picnic and patio area outside, with only one of the few fast food restaurant windows open. The large restaurant near the Horse-shoe Falls was also seasonable and was closed at the time of our visit. This rather daunting prospect was misleading. There are numerous activities to be had, if you know where to look.

As you approach the falls viewing areas, you see the Cave of the Winds exit with numerous individuals wearing rain coats. Cave of the Winds is one of the American falls main attractions. Though it states it is designed to accommodate disabled and parents carrying children, both my husband and I avoided this. Walking with a cane on slippery, water doused wooden planks did not seem to be something we should do. This does take you down and right to the falls though--twenty feet in front of Bridal Veil Falls and subject at times to hurricane force winds.

For the more sedate, the American side has its own spectacular attractions and worthwhile endeavors. Though we spent hours at this park, there was more we could have done and seen both at the park and in and around Niagara Falls, NY.

The American side of the falls contains close-up and personal views of three waterfalls: American, Bridal Veil and Horse-shoe. Each of these is majestic. On the American side, they are traversed and viewed via wooded paths and fields, giving additional glimpses of the Niagara River as it splits around Goat Island in roaring rapids. The American side, including Goat Island, is a hikers and biker's paradise. Paths range from those open areas right at the edge of the falls to meandering wooded trails along the Niagara Rapids. Within a short walk from the American Falls viewing area, we found a spot along one of the trails within finger-tip distance of the rapids, perfect for a picnic. These areas are where we spent our time and made our October trip well worth the visit. To see the entire collection of pictures I took on this trip, see my Niagara Falls USA set at my Flicker site: http://flickr.com/photos/csnoto/sets/72157608198907119/

Our visit was much too short and we were unable to see all we wished to see, but aside from the falls and park itself, if you visit the area you may be interested in the following:

Prospect Point's Observation Tower gives you a unique perspective as you watch the Niagara River make its monumental drop toward and over the American Falls. At the base of this tower is also the location to board the Maid of the Mist. These sturdy boats take tourists right up to where the falls crashes into the river to continue on its path down river.

For those who would like to learn more about the geology surrounding Niagara Falls, there is the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, north of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls NY. Not only can you learn about the history, minerals, fossils and lore of Niagara Falls but there is also a Niagara Gorge Trail and Hike Center. For more information, call (716) 278-1070

The Daredevil Museum chronicles both successful and unsuccessful attempts of man against the falls. It is located at 303 Rainbow Boulevard and 3rd Street. Their phone number is (716) 282-4046

Open year round and just north of Niagara Falls is the WhirlpoolState Park off the Robert Moses Pkwy. This hiking park is free and contains beautiful views of the rapids and giant whirlpool in the Niagara River headed toward the falls. This is a hefty walk though with many steps. Wear good shoes.

Along those same rapids, both sides offer the Jet boat and Jet dome. These powerful jet boats, one covered so those who want to stay dry can do so, run from April until October. The American side tour is located at the Water Street Landing, 115 South Water St in Lewiston, NY. They take you right down those rapids and to the great whirlpool. You do have to make advance reservations for this at (888) 438-4444.

Niagara Falls has the largest hydro plant in the world. This is available for touring year-round and is located about 5 miles north of Niagara Falls in Lewiston, NY. Their website is located at: http://www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm. For more information, you can also call 1-866-NYPA-FUN (697-2386)

Another year round attraction is FortNiagara. France, England and the US all flew their flags in this fort, at one time or another. Now, all three fly there. Located at Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown NY, you can get more information at (716) 745-7611 or at their website: www.oldfortniagara.org

If you haven't been to Niagara Falls in years, there have also been several new hotels and a casino built on the Niagara USA side overlooking the falls. Niagara Falls USA has definitely worked hard to make a visit there as pleasant as Niagara Falls Ontario.

I'm glad we didn't let the fall season prevent us from visiting. The colors mingling with the roar of Niagara Falls was outstanding and we definitely plan to visit again.