Niagara Falls USA

By Golda Turner

I have always loved the great outdoors, with its clear blue skies, majestic green forests, and flowing rivers. As a family, we have climbed mountain trails, sailed out to sea, and enjoyed the amazing vistas the Creator prepared for mankind to enjoy. 

One of our most unforgettable trips was a 2-week journey by trailer which began in Niagara Falls and included Toronto, Thousand Islands, Montreal, and New Hampshire.  We squeezed our extra-large family into the trailer, packed basic necessities, and set off to a wonderful experience.  

Our large family bonded together by caring for each other on vacation, each doing more than his or her share to make our trip enjoyable, safe, and memorable. They learned important coping skills such as responsibility, cooperation, mediation, and using ingenuity to make things work far from the comforts of home. Our many trips helped them internalize that nothing is impossible---you just need to try! 

To this day, my children often say, “If we could manage in the trailer, we can certainly find a way to do this…” And our children are still extremely close knit, spending much time together and helping each other as needed.

When we began our trip, a few voices chimed in, “Why travel eight hours just to see another waterfalls? We want to have fun!” By the next morning, those voices changed their tune to one of awe and exhilaration.

We spent our first night on the road camped in the parking lot overlooking Niagara Falls USA. The mighty sound of millions of gallons of water roaring down the falls was the music that lulled us to sleep. We awoke to seeing the sunshine playing on the Falls and colorful rainbows dancing in the air. It was a sight that none of us will ever forget.

It is definitely worth the long trip to immerse yourself in the experience of Niagara Falls. It is far more than just viewing the majesty of the Falls. Standing up close to the Falls you feel the very earth tremble as the huge flow of water is pushed over the precipice and down onto the rocks below. Time seems to stand still and you sense the power of the Creator as the water gushes endlessly on as it has since the very beginning of time.

Niagara Falls is a set of three magnificent waterfalls on the American/Canadian border—the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the spectacular Horseshow Falls. Viewing is impressive on either side of the border, and you do not need to leave the USA to enjoy Niagara Falls. Each side has its own set of attractions and services that are sure to please everyone in your family.

Accessible trails in the park on the American side bring you up close to the expansive Niagara River as it divides and pours 600,000 gallons of water per second over the tops of the three Falls into the raging whitewater below. Billowing clouds of water spray mist in your face as you look for colorful rainbows in the air.

Niagara USA offers many ways to view these amazing Falls, each an experience in its own right.

Prospect Point Observation Tower (www.niagarafallsstatepark.com) extends out over Niagara Gorge, giving fantastic views of the Falls, the whitewater below, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Canadian side. 

Maid of the Mist (www.maidofthemist.com/) Feel the extreme power of Niagara Falls as the ferry passes the American Falls and heads into the roiling whitewater of the Horseshoe Falls. As the boat tosses and turns, this is where you will get the best pictures of the Falls! Warning---Protect your camera! Though they give souvenir ponchos, YOU WILL GET WET! Wheelchair accessible. 

Cave of the Winds (www.Niagarafallsstatepark.com) This viewing point at the foot of the Bridal Veil Falls is as close to the Falls as you can get. See and feel the full fury of the Falls from below. Walk from deck to deck while the water pours down from above. The Hurricane Deck has truly earned its name. Even with the souvenir ponchos and slippers, you will get soaked! Only partially wheelchair accessible.

Niagara Falls Illumination Hundreds of colorful LED lights housed across the Niagara Gorge in Niagara Falls, Ontario work to create a breathtaking view of the Falls which is not to be missed. They are illuminated every night of the year beginning at dusk.

Niagara Adventure Theater (www.niagaramovie.com) View a short but interesting film about the history of Niagara Falls and some of the daredevils who plunged over the Falls. Wheelchair accessible.

Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours (www.rainbowairinc.com) Want to see Niagara Falls from a different perspective? Fly above Niagara Falls and see the entire area through the eyes of a bird. Your photo album will thank you! 

Niagara Scenic Trolley (www.niagarafallsstatepark.com) This vintage style trolley circles the park and gives passengers an overview of the park, offers historical anecdotes, fun facts, and tips for checking out the park’s most popular attractions. Hop on and off all day for a small fee. Transfer to shuttles to other area attractions. Wheelchair accessible. 

Whirlpool State Park (www.parks.ny.gov/parks/105) A few miles downriver from Niagara Falls are extreme rapids and a large, 125 foot deep natural whirlpool created where the river abruptly turns counterclockwise. The park has two levels of walking trails with spectacular views of the Whirlpool and rapids. The upper level is wheelchair accessible.

Whirlpool Jet Boats (www.whirlpooljet.com) Do you like extreme adventure? Ride the open or enclosed Jet Boats through the Devil’s Hole class 5 rapids into the whirlpool. 

Are you looking for some fun activities for the kids (or kids at heart)? Here are a few to round out your vacation: 

Aquarium of Niagara (www.aquariumofniagara.org) This aquarium boasts over 1500 aquatic animals from around the world. View penguin and seal feedings, sea lion shows, and more. Wheelchair accessible. 

Grand Island Fun Center (www.Islandfuncenter.com) Here is the place to enjoy a game of laser tag, batting cages, mini golf, double and single go karts, and a full arcade. Wheelchair accessible. 

The Great American Arcade (www.greatamericanarcade.com) Want to relax after a day at the Falls? How about some arcade games. Wheelchair accessible.  

We have returned to Niagara Falls many times, and are always inspired anew by its majesty and power. As one of the great natural wonders of the world, its thundering waters call out to us to visit once again.