Experiencing Niagara Falls New York is a must do if you are anywhere near western New York. Even if you arenʼt in New York, it is worth a trip to to experience the Great Wonder of the World, Niagara Falls. Our hometown of Rochester, NY is about one hour and thirty minutes from Niagara Falls. Depending on who is driving, could be little more or a little less.
Niagara Falls State Park
I grew up visiting Canada many summers as a kid growing up in western New York. In 2021, the borders were still closed so only the U.S. side was open for us to visit. Also in our update NY backyard is Letchworth State Park. Letchworth has some impressive waterfalls, but of course few things compare to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls that come together – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The American Falls and the smallest Bridal Veil Falls are located in Niagara Falls State Park. Canada is home to 90% of the Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Falls State Park in New York is open 365 days per year. The 400 acre park is the oldest state park in the United States.
Exploring Niagara Falls State Park
If you are flying into the area, you can fly into Rochester International Airport and drive about 1.5 hours or, Buffalo-Niagara Airport for a quick 20 minutes drive.
When we arrived we found parking to be pretty easy and convenient to the attractions. Parking near the visitors center at Prospect Point is $5 to $10 per car depending on the time of year. We went mid-week in late August. You can also find parking in the surrounding area at various garages.
We started at Prospect Point where you catch the Maid of the Midst ferry or take a stroll across the Observation Tower. Even though we didn’t venture across the Obeservation Tower, we had a great view of the falls ground level. We were able to take in the American Falls and the American Rapids as close as you can get.
Niagara Falls State Park is designed to embrace the power and beauty of the falls in the most up close ways possible. The mixture of views and plenty of walkable trails create a calming experience in the midst of the roaring falls.
One of the main differences in the U.S. versus Canadian side is the proximity you have to the falls. You can stand within feet of the top of the American falls. The power of the water is even more evident when you hear and feel the rushing of the Niagara river combined with the crashing of the water pouring over the falls.
So, fun fact, the Niagara Falls is where the five great lakes converge! The great lakes – Erie, Michigan, Huron and Superior all drain into the Niagara River which is what we witness in the fall of water. The water flows down into the remaining great lake, Lake Ontario andinto the St. Lawrence River, eventually dumping into the Atlantic Ocean.
Niagara Falls NY was an Autism-Friendly Destination
Our time at Niagara Falls was largely spent outside. For us, the freedom to walk and explore at our own pace with no lines made it an experience easier to navigate. Having snacks and water is important to keep every energized with so much walking.
Although the Falls can be very loud, my son wasn’t too bothered by the noise. Honestly, this trip was before he started really wearing his noise canceling headphones often. I think because the sound of water is soothing that it wasn’t overwhelming. Due to the timing of our visit, the crowds weren’t out of control so it was easy enough to keep an eye on where the kids roamed.
We didn’t do any of the experiences such as Maid of the Midst. I felt like after walking and running, standing in lines and waiting for attractions would make things take down-turn. When things are going well, we roll with it!
The Aquarium of Niagara provides offers an after-hours visit experiences for families impacted by autism or other sensory challenges. Ausome Aquarium provides a sensory-friendly environment to explore the aquarium. Reservations are required.
Attractions on the American Side of Niagara Falls
There are some unique American side only attractions at the falls like the Cave of the Winds Tour that takes you exploring behind the Bridal Veils falls. Other experiences like the Maid of the Midst Boat Ride, Seneca Niagara Casino, the Aquarium of Niagara and Top of the Falls Restaurant can be found on the U.S. side as well.
On our visit, we did a lot of walking. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. With smaller kids, we didn’t get into the more exciting attractions like the Cave of the Winds. At the time they weren’t very ready for that experience, however it is kid friendly. Prices range according to the time of year.
At the time we visited in late August, it wasn’t very crowded so there was space to move freely. There are peak seasons however, when the Observation Decks can be very crowded. In busy times, you have to compete for space and the attractions have long lines. Try to plan your trip around less crowded times or just pack your patience.
The Maid of the Midst is the ferry rides that takes riders up close the falls. On a previous trip my husband and I road the Hornblower Niagara boat from the Canadian side. The rides are very similar no matter which side of the border you are on. To hear and see the nearly 700,000 gallons of water per second fall is loud and impressive.
The ferry boats from the Canadian and U.S. sides actually pass each other often at the base of the Horsehoe Falls. Prices for adults at the time of our visit were are around $28.25 per person, children 6-12 $16.50 and five and under, free.
There is also shopping and plenty of restaurants in the immediate area outside of the Niagara Falls State Park.
Exploring Goat Island in Niagara State Park
We headed over the American Falls Pedestrian Bridge to reach Goat Island. Goat Island sits between the American Falls and the Horseshoe (or Canadian falls) and makes for some of the most impressive views in the park. The island is accessible by car if you go over the American Rapids Bridge. Parking is available on the island. There is a trolly that goes through the park and over to the island as well.
Once on the island, if you make your way to Terrapin Point, you are standing almost over Horseshoe falls.
There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view and have a picnic. We didn’t have a full picnic but of course, just snacks and water for the kids throughout the day. We spent a little over two hours at the park but you could definitely spend more time there.
The trails the run through Niagara Falls State Park run along side the river rapids right to the falls. When you are on the Canadian side, you get the complete view of American Falls and Horseshoe Falls all at once. When you are in the U.S. side, your direct view is mostly of Canada, but you have an amazing proximity to the falls.
Crossing the Border to the Canadian Side
When I was young, you didn’t need a passport to cross into Canada, so it was a frequent summer destination since we lived only an hour away. After 9-11, visiting Canada requires a valid US Passport, passport card or NEXUS card. From the U.S, children under 16 only need proof of citizenship.
My husband and have I Enhanced Driver’s License’s which allows us to cross into Canada without a passport, by land or sea. We can also use the Enhanced License to cross into Mexico and some Caribbean countries. There are limited states that offer an Enhanced Driverʼs License, but it is worth the extra few dollars, and much cheaper than a passport.
We also are able to use the Enhanced License as ID for a Disney cruise. No passport needed.
If you have a passport, go ahead and get that stamp from our northern friends! On the Canadian side there is plenty to do as well. Take a ride on the ferris wheel, check out Ripley’s Believe it or Not, get spooked at the epic haunted houses along Clifton Hills or catch the most iconic direct view of the American Falls and Horseshoe falls.
If you are within a few hours of the falls and have never been I definitely suggest adding it to your stops. If like me, you’ve been there but only explored one side of the great wonder, go back and take a different view. You won’t disappointed! Visiting both sides increases your appreciation for the wonder of nature that is the Niagara Falls.
