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| NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK Est. 1885, America's Oldest State Park. August 1-2, 2005 PLAN YOUR TRIP |
| VISITOR CENTER The newly remodeled Visitor Center at Prospect Park is the perfect place to start and end our adventure at Niagara Falls State Park. In addition to visitor information, the Center houses the Festival Theater, a gift shop and a variety of foodservices including specialty coffees, ice cream, a deli and snack bar, as well as a patio grill. Outside, they lush floral garden depicts the entire Great Lakes region, spanning more than one-and-a-half acres. the garden is planted with 26,000 tulips and 35,000 annuals. Walking through the garden, we can trace the route of water that flows from the Great Lakes to the Niagara River and over Niagara Falls. The plantings and walkways represent land areas. The grassy areas are designed in the shapes of Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie. We can follow the Niagara River’s course along a walkway that leads into the Visitor Center and to the lower patio where Lake Ontario is depicted. The Garden is a lovely way to brush up on our geography and learn where the Niagara’s water comes from and where it goes. There are several footpaths that lead from the Visitor Center to every area of the park, and the Niagara Scenic Trolley departs from near the Visitor Center roughly every 15 minutes in the summer traveling all across the park to the many points of interest. Admission to the Visitor Center is free. Don't forget to grab a Passport to the Falls! Before we get too far, pickup a Passport. It's packed with discounted admissions and coupons good throughout the park. We'll save up to 30% on our visit. And, with versions for kids and adults, we'll be able to pick the perfect pass for our adventure. Look for the Passport booth in they Visitor Center located on the upper level and throughout the park. ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' FESTIVAL THEATER Learn the fascinating history of Niagara Falls through a History Channel film produced specifically for the Festival Theater. “Niagara: A History of the Falls,” is a 22-minute film featuring highlights from a two-hour documentary produced by the History Channel in 1999. The film takes viewers from the first sighting of Niagara Falls in 1697, to modern events, such as the time the American Falls were artificially dewatered in 1969. “Niagara: A History of the Falls” is shown on the hour. During the months of July and August visitors can see the science that goes into moviemaking at the Mad Science® movie magic show. Hours: May 20 - June 27, 2004 10:00am - 8:00pm June 28 - September 8, 2004 9:00am - 9:00pm Septermber 9 - September 29, 2004 10:00am - 6:00pm September 30 - December 31, 2004 9:00am - 5:00pm The Festival Theater, located on the lower level of the Visitor Center. Admission: $2.00US for adults $1.00US for children 6 to 12 Admission is free for children five and under at all attractions in Niagara Falls State Park. ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' CAVE OF THE WINDS Soak up the Experience The Cave of the Winds trip takes us closer to the waters of Niagara Falls than we thought possible. We ride an elevator 175 feet (53 meters) deep into the Niagara Gorge. Then, clad in a bright yellow poncho and wearing the special footwear provided, we follow a tour guide over a series of wooden walkways to the famous "Hurricane Deck". As we stand at the railing, we are a mere 20 feet (6 meters) from the billowing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. The rushing waters loom above us, dousing us with a generous spray as we face the thundering Falls head-on. Rainbows are usually visible day and night. Everyone can experience the sights of Niagara Falls. A deck has been built 150 feet from the base of the Falls especially designed for handicapped and adults with children in arms. Get Soaked after Sunset The Cave of the Winds trip takes on a new dimension at night. The lights illuminating the Falls in rainbow colors will show the way, as we feel the spray of the Falls upon us. Admission: $8.00US for adults $7.00US for children six to 12 (must be at least 42" tall) Admission is free for children 5 and under at all attractions in Niagara Falls State Park. ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' OBSERVATION TOWER: For the most comprehensive view of the American Falls, head to the Observation Tower at Prospect Point. The Tower's observation deck extends over the Niagara Gorge wall to provide spectacular views. Take the elevator to the top and we'll stand far above the gorge, gazing down at the full drop of the churning cascade. Also from the lower landing of the elevator, we can board the Maid of the Mist boat ride. For more information call (716) 278-1796. The Crow’s Nest: A series of stairs takes us to the edge of the American Falls, so we can feel the spray wash over all of us. Admission: $1.00 (US) for adults and children Admission is free for children five and under at all attractions in Niagara Falls State Park. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' NIAGARA SCENIC TROLLER: Spectacular Sights. No Tired Feet. So we want to see it all and still have a chance to relax? Just climb aboard the Niagara Scenic Trolley and feel as though we've stepped into the past. The Trolley is heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer months for our comfort. The Trolley provides forward priority seating for handicap. A knowledgeable guide shares the history of the park as the scenic trolley follows a three-mile route through Niagara Falls State Park. The Trolley stops at several locations throughout the park, giving us a chance to explore Niagara Falls State Park at our own pace. Stay on for the entire route to take in the scope of the park in half an hour. Or, we can get on and off at different stops as we wish and re-board at our convenience. Admission: Tickets are available at various locations throughout the Park. All-day fares are: $2.00 US for adults and children 13 and older $1.00 US for children 6 to 12 Admission is free for children five and under at all attractions in Niagara Falls State Park. ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' NIAGARA GORGE DISCOVERY: The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center showcases the natural and local history of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge. We can learn about the ancient rock layers, local minerals and fossils, the history of the Great Gorge Route trolley line, and much more! Interactive displays, a virtual elevator trip and a 180° multi-screen theater presentation will show us how the mighty Niagara River carved the gorge and the falls over the course of more than 12,000 years --a process that continues today! For more information call (716) 278-1070. Admission: US $5.00 for adults 13 and older US $3.00 for children 6 to 12 Admission is free for children 5 and under. Educational groups are US $3.00 Niagara Gorge Trailhead & Hike Center New in 2003, the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building, is the gateway to some of the greatest hiking, walking and cycling trails the area has to offer. Hike, walk, run or bike along the Robert Moses Parkway Trail, a multi-use trail that follows the Niagara Gorge past Whirlpool State Park and Devil's Hole State Park to the Robert Moses Power Plant and the New York Power Authority Visitor Center. Hikers can access the Gorge Rim Trail, the Scenic Overlook Trail and the Great Gorge Railway Trail from the Trailhead Building. Four guided hikes are offered during the summer season. Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike - Begins at the Trailhead Building and is an easy one hour hike. Age Requirement: None. Fee $2.00/ each*. Upper Great Gorge Hike - Begins at the Trailhead Building and follows the Great Gorge Railway Trail for an easy two-hour hike. Age Requirement: None. Fee $3.00/ each*. Devil's Hole Rapids and Giant Rock - Begins at Devil's Hole State Park and is a moderate level two-hour hike. Register at the Trailhead Building. Age Requirement: Ages 8 and over only. Fee $5.00/ each*. Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike - Begins at Whirlpool State Park and is a difficult three-hour hike, including some boulder hopping. Age Requirement: Ages 8 and over only. Fee $7.00/ each*. *Group Rates Available If we choose to hike the Niagara Gorge Trail System, be prepared. It includes steep stairs and rocks to climb over. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Call the Trailhead Building at (716) 278-1780 or the Niagara Region Park Interpretive Programs Office (Monday-Friday) at (716) 745-7848 for information, times and reservations. Gorge Climbing Wall Test our skills on this state-of-the-art 30' outdoor climbing wall. The wall offers three degrees of difficulty to test our skills. Open seasonally and weather dependent. Call (716) 278-0337 for more information. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Aquarium of Niagara The Aquarium of Niagara sits just outside Niagara Falls State Park, but is still a fascinating part of our trip to Niagara Falls. More than 1,500 aquatic animals are on display there, living in habitats ranging from as close as the Great Lakes to as far away as coral reefs. Visitors can see penguins, California sea lions, piranha, seals, eels and sharks. Every 90 minutes, we can watch sea lions perform and at various times, we can watch feedings of the penguins and sharks! The outside wall of the Aquarium of Niagara is an attraction in itself, since famed environmental marine life artist Wyland recently painted one of his well-known Whaling Walls. Open year round. Admission: US $7.50 for adults 13 and older US $5.50 for children 4 to 12 Admission is free for children three and under. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' MAID OF THE MIST: There is Magic in the Mist The world famous Maid of the Mist cruises right to the base of the American Falls, then to the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. It's a fantastic journey through crashing waters, surrounded by massive rock formations that have tamed the raging rapids for millions of years. An elevator ride to the bottom of the Observation Tower takes us to the Maid of the Mist dock, where we will be provided with a souvenir rain poncho. We will then board the boat for an unforgettable 30-minute tour. Admission: US $11.50 for adults US $6.75 for children 6 to 12 Note: includes $1.00 for observation tower Admission is free for children five and under at all attractions in Niagara Falls State Park. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> [TOP]<<>>[BACK] |