What to do in Niagara County, NY

Niagara Falls may be the iconic American vacation destination. With its blowing winds and powerful water, there is no better place to appreciate the forces of nature. The falls are not just pretty, but also very powerful; more water passes over these waterfalls than any other waterfall in the world. Whether you are a nature buff or not, Niagara Falls State Park is a fascinating place to explore.

Once better known as ‘Honeymoon Bridge’, Rainbow Bridge was built between 1940 and 1941 as a replacement for the Falls View Bridge. This previous bridge collapsed in the winter of 1938 when an ice jam caused its structure to deteriorate. The new bridge was designed to prevent a similar disaster from happening again and was constructed on top of 15-metre abutments. Stretching a length of 290 metres and rising 62 metres above the river, the Rainbow Bridge is right on the border between Canada and the US and remains a focal point for visitors to the Niagara Falls.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is the second-most popular attraction of its kind across North America, with visitors coming from all over the world to board on either the US or the Canadian side and explore the waters for themselves. The ride takes you on an exciting trip around the American and Bridal Veil Falls, all the way into the mist and spray at Horseshoe Falls.

Take the spectacular Cave of the Winds tour at Niagara Falls, one of the world’s largest cascades. Bring a waterproof camera and prepare to get wet; this tour brings you within exhilarating striking distance of the torrential waters.

Though only a small site, the Aquarium of Niagara is a great place to visit if you’re passing through as there’s something here to appeal to all ages. Feed a Humboldt penguin from Peru, watch the sea lions from California as they play around balancing balls on their noses and applauding one another, and much more besides.