Contents

Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls State Park

When you head over to the Niagara Falls State Park, you don’t only get to marvel at the beauty of Niagara Falls, but you also get to explore the oldest state park in the United States! Spanning 400 acres by the Niagara River, this park offers a variety of activities in addition to the gorgeous views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Scroll through to see what adventures await you at Niagara Falls State Park!

Why visit Niagara Falls State Park

1/5

A low-cost way to spend the day

You can always walk into the park and experience the Falls from one of the scenic hiking trails or picnic spots without any entry fee.

Quick facts

Official name: Niagara Falls State Park
Address: 332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Open: 365 days a year
Date of establishment: 1885
Founded by: Frederick Law Olmsted
Operated by: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Size: 400 acres
Visitors per year: 8,000,000

Niagara Falls facts

Plan your visit to Niagara Falls State Park

Opening hours

Timings: Open 24/7

Best time to visit: Venture out to Niagara Falls State Park from early June to late August to be able to visit all the seasonal attractions at the Falls. The spray of water from the Falls is very refreshing during this time of year when temperatures range between 70F and 80F. Getting to the State Park earlier in the morning allows you to explore the lovely trails along the river before getting drenched at the attractions.

Niagara Falls timings

Location

Address: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA | Find on Maps

Nearest bus stop: Rainbow Boulevard 1st Street West (0.4 miles)

Nearest parking lot: Niagara Falls Visitor Center Parking Lot 1 (410 feet)

Landmarks nearby: Hard Rock Cafe & One Niagara Welcome Center

Getting to Niagara Falls

A look at Niagara Falls State Park and its views

See all photos

Attractions at Niagara Falls State Park

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds is one of the most exhilarating attractions at Niagara Falls State Park. An elevator ride 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge will take you to a section of wet and slippery walkways that lead to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. The wooden viewing platform here, the Hurricane Deck, is just 20 feet from the thundering Falls.

Get adventurous at Cave of the Winds

Maid of the Mist

This multi-sensory adventure to the base of the waterfalls is one of the most iconic attractions at Niagara Falls. Established in 1846, it has evolved from a simple ferry service into a world-renowned boat tour that helps you appreciate the power and beauty of the falls from up close.

Sail away on the Maid of the Mist

Hiking Trails

Niagara Falls State Park has several hiking trails that give you the chance to explore the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the area complete with views of the Falls. Some trails you can follow include the Great Gorge Railway Trail on the path of a former railway line along the Niagara River, the Whirlpool Rapids Trail, and the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail.

Old Falls Street USA

This vibrant, three-block entertainment district adjacent to Niagara Falls State Park is a terrific non-Falls attraction to add to your Niagara experience. Here, you can find dining, shopping, and entertainment options for those of all ages, including outdoor concerts and festivals. Wander through this street to get to know the local community a little more.

Top of the Falls Restaurant

This dining experience offers you unparalleled views of the majestic waterfalls from a full-service restaurant on Goat Island. It directly overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, giving you a beautiful backdrop to enjoy your meals with.

More Niagara Falls attractions >

Niagara Falls State Park map

Download map

History of the park

1841: Guided tours officially began to the cavern called Cave of the Winds through Goat Island.

1846: A steamship, the first Maid of the Mist boat trip, that ferried people between carriage roads on either side of Niagara River was started in May.

1869: Frederick Law Olmsted, a landscape architect and journalist, took his first trip to Niagara Falls in August. He and other conservationists then proposed to create a public park to preserve the natural beauty of Niagara Falls.

1883: The Niagara Reservation Act was signed into law by New York State, designating the land around Niagara Falls as a public reservation and calling for establishing a state park at Niagara.

1885: The Niagara Appropriations Bill was signed into law, and the Niagara Falls State Park was established as the first state park in the United States, officially opening on July 15.

1955: The Cave of the Winds underwent a major renovation after controlled dynamite blasts were used to clear debris from a rockfall, making the cave safe for visitors again.

1955-1990: The first modern Maid of the Mist boats, as we know them today, set sail.

2020: Niagara Falls State Park was redesigned and renovated to enhance visitor experiences.

Read about Niagara Falls' history

Frequently asked questions about Niagara Falls State Park

Is there an admission fee to enter Niagara Falls State Park?

No, entry to the State Park itself is free. However, some attractions within the park, like Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist, require a ticket.

What are the must-see attractions?

Must-see attractions at Niagara Falls State Park include the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and the Prospect Point Observation Tower.

Can I see fireworks at Niagara Falls State Park?

Yes, during the summer and certain holidays, you can see Niagara Falls illuminated at night with fireworks from Niagara Falls State Park as a backdrop.

Is parking available?

Yes, the State Park has several paid parking lots within the property, including those on Prospect Street and Goat Island.

Are there dining options within the State Park?

Yes, you can make your way to the Top of the Falls Restaurant for a quick snack break for a meal with a view.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Many Niagara Falls State Park areas are wheelchair accessible, including the observation deck and some parts of Cave of the Winds. Wheelchairs are also available for rent at the Park.

Can I bring my pet?

You can bring your pets to the park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed inside any of the buildings and attractions.

How much time should I allocate for a visit?

Your visit to Niagara Falls State Park can take up more than half a day if you visit all the attractions inside the park.