Niagara Falls State Park - Everything you need to know

This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.

Did you know Niagara Falls is actually the oldest state park in the USA? Yep! It’s tucked away in the charming town of Niagara, New York, and is home to not one, but three stunning waterfalls—the American Falls, the delicate Bridal Veil Falls, and part of the thunderous Horseshoe Falls that stretch across the Canadian border.

Honestly, it’s one of our all-time favorite state parks, and every time we visit, I can't help but wonder—why isn’t this a national park yet? It totally deserves that status!

We made it to Niagara around 5 PM after a drive from New York City, and our first stop was the visitor center. There’s a super fun "I ♥ NY" sign out front—perfect for those classic road trip pics. You just can't miss a chance to snap one there! 📸

Pin it for later!

How to Get to Niagara Falls

Getting to Niagara Falls is pretty straightforward! If you're flying in, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is your closest option—just about a 30-minute drive to the falls. 

If you're coming from Rochester, it’s a scenic road trip away, and from New York City, plan for about a 6.5-hour drive (perfect for a weekend getaway!). 

You can rent a car for cheaper rates here. Cheap airport transfers can be booked here.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are hands-down the best times to experience the falls. The weather is warm, the mist feels refreshing (not freezing!), and all the popular attractions—like the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour—are in full swing.

Just a heads up: Maid of the Mist usually shuts down in the fall and winter, so plan accordingly if that’s on your bucket list!

Where to Stay?

You can choose Buffalo or Niagara Falls to stay. 

We stayed at a cozy, modern, and comfortable Airbnb in Niagara Falls hosted by Niagara Hospitality. A 2-story house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with all amenities and well-maintained. We had a good night's sleep.

Here are some accommodation options:

Maid of the Mist Boat tour:

We started at the Niagara Falls State Park after breakfast. We had already booked Maid of the Mist tickets online. Here is the link to purchase Maid of the Mist boat tour tickets. 

This is my second visit to Niagara Falls. I can never forget the majesty of the waterfall when I saw it for the first time! It is a must-visit place for any visitor to the USA.

The Maid of the Mist isn’t just a fun ride for kids—it’s an absolute must-do for adults too! Before you board, you’re handed a bright blue poncho, which feels like it might keep you dry… but spoiler alert: you’re still getting soaked! 😄 The cool mist from the roaring falls hits you like a wave, and honestly, it’s refreshing and exhilarating, especially on a warm day.

The whole experience—from walking to the falls, riding the elevator down to the dock, boarding the boat, feeling the thunder of the waterfalls up close, and then drying off and heading back—takes around 3 to 4 hours. Trust me, every minute is worth it. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after the mist has settled!

Observation Deck:

We go through the observation deck on the way to the elevator. This is a great spot to take photos of the waterfalls. Prospect Point is another great viewpoint near the observation deck, which gives a different view of the waterfalls.

Prospect Point

Crow's Nest Viewpoint:

After stepping off the Maid of the Mist, we took a little detour to the right and noticed a set of steps leading up to a viewpoint—and wow, are we glad we did! This spot offers an incredible up-close view of the American Falls, and it's surprisingly peaceful compared to the main viewing areas.

You can see the steps to Crow's Nest view point

It’s just a short walk, but totally worth it before you wrap up your visit to the park. If you’re looking for that perfect final photo or a quiet moment to take it all in, this hidden gem is the place to go.

After the tour, we reached the cafe and had lunch. 

Cave of the Winds – Up Close with the Falls!

In the evening, we set off on a scenic walk from the Niagara Falls Welcome Center towards one of the park’s most thrilling attractions—Cave of the Winds. The trail itself is beautiful, winding along the river with gorgeous views that build the excitement with every step.

After crossing a bridge, we arrived at Goat Island, where the adventure really begins. We had already booked our Cave of the Winds tickets online (super convenient—get yours here), so we headed straight in.

This experience is absolutely unmissable—especially with kids! It brings you unbelievably close to the Bridal Veil Falls. Before heading down, you walk through a tunnel with an immersive video presentation on the history of the falls, plus interactive exhibits that explain how water power is harnessed—super cool and educational.

But the real highlight? The Hurricane Deck. Standing just a few feet from the pounding water, we could barely keep our eyes open with the spray blasting our faces—and we loved every second of it! 

We even caught sight of a rainbow up close, which felt like pure magic. Needless to say, we got absolutely soaked—and somehow, our phone cameras survived the splash!

Terrapin Point:

We hiked to Terrapin Point from Cave of the Winds. This is the closest point in the USA to watch Horshoe Falls. It is a beautiful viewpoint. Don't miss it!

On the way to Terrapin Point, we also saw the Nikola Tesla monument. Luna Island is a small island between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It has some good viewpoints of both waterfalls.

We visited Niagara in September. It is a little chilly, but not uncomfortable at all. 

That's about our wonderful trip to Niagara Falls State Park. How do you like it? Please let me know in the comments.

Until next time,