Niagara Falls Things to Do Tips by Tom_Fields

Three Sisters Islands

The Three Sisters islands were named for the three daughters of an early visitor named Parkhurst Whitney. In the spring of 1816, he led his girls on a tour of the islands, and persuaded the owner, Augustus Porter, to name these islands for them.

Each island is connected to the mainland by a footbridge. And each has its own unique charm and ambiance. Just a word of caution: Stay out of the water. It may be shallow, but the currents are dangerous, and you could damage something.

Address: P.O. Box 1132 Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Directions: Just upstream from Goat Island, above Horseshoe Falls.

Phone: (716) 278-1796

New York State Park Tower

This tower offers tremendous views of the American Falls, the Canadian side, and the river below the Falls.

Address: P.O. Box 1132 Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Directions: On the American side, between the American Falls and Rainbow Bridge.

Phone: (716) 278-1796

Cave of the Winds

This cave leads to a wind- and water-swept place at the foot of Niagara's American Falls. It's one of those places where they provide a poncho (you'll need it), and require you to don a pair of sandals which are provided with the ticket. Then you proceed to the elevator, and travel a long way down. Then it's out the door and into the spray.

If you venture onto the Hurricane Deck, you definitely WILL get soaked! I didn't do that, for fear of getting my new digital camera wet.

Nearby, all along the riverfront, are seagulls nesting. Since I was there in late spring, their young were all over. Just keep a respectful distance; they're accustomed to humans, but will not tolerate you invading their space.

I visited with a group called Over the Falls Tours. As fate would have it, being a Thursday, I had my own personal tour (no one else showed up).

Directions: Next to the American Falls, on Goat Island.

Phone: 1-877-783-8900

Website: http://www.overthefallstours.com/

The Rapids

The rapids below the Falls are also spectacular. But don't dare go whitewater rafting here. People have been killed doing that. Just enjoy the scenic overlook. This was part of my tour.

Directions: Below the Falls, on the American side.

Other Contact: http://www.overthefallstours.com

Website: http://www.niagarafallstours.net/tours/tourtype.cfm/ttid2/995?ovchn=ggl&ovcpn=maid&ovcrn=maid+of+the+mist&ovtac=ppc&gclid=CJKUlqWDuo0CFSQsFQod1yayMA

Maid of the Mist

Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Maid of the Mist, a tour boat that carries visitors along the American and Horseshoe Falls. This is another place where you're bound to get wet, so a poncho is provided. This is Niagara Falls, up close and personal. Just be careful not to get your camera wet; my advice is to stay on the lower level, beneath the overhang. You can still see most of the Falls, and stay relatively dry.

Address: 151 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Directions: The boats depart from both sides of the border. I boarded at the foot of the New York State Park Tower.

Phone: 716-284-8897

Website: http://www.maidofthemist.com/en/

Goat Island

If you want a spectacular view of the Falls from the American side, go to Terrapin Point, on Goat Island. Located between the American and Horseshoe Falls, this island was first settled by John Stedman, in 1780. He had a herd of goats, all of which perished during the winter--hence the name.

Augustus Porter acquired the island in the middle 19th century, and preserved it as a tourist attraction. Indians sold their crafts here. Porter even built a bridge for the visitors (later destroyed by ice floes).

In 1885, the state bought the island, and made it into the first state park in the US. We should all be thankful for that; Goat Island is still in almost pristine condition.

Address: P.O. Box 1132 Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Directions: On the American side, between the American and Horseshoe Falls. Points of contact are for Niagara Falls State Park.

Other Contact: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/park

Phone: (716) 278-1796

Website: http://www.niagarafallslive.com/goat_island_in_niagara_falls_new_york.htm