A First-Timer’s Guide to Niagara Falls State Park in New York
September 3, 2025
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Visting Niagara Falls State Park
Visiting Niagara Falls State Park in New York offered us an unforgettable experience filled with excitement as we viewed this natural wonder and got up close and personal with the falls. Located along the USA-Canadian border, the American side of Niagara Falls provides a breathtaking view of the powerful cascades from multiple advantage points, including riding on the Maid of the Mist as you glide close to the falls, or take a thrilling trek to Cave of the Winds as you let the water pound over you. There are three falls that make up the view you see today - The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Water flowing over Niagara Falls comes from four of the five Great Lakes—Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior, making the view spectacular.
This destination promises excitement and squeals as you stand in awe at the power of the falls on your next journey to Niagara Falls in New York. Make sure you head to Cave of the Winds to experience our favorite activity at Niagara Falls State Park.
Niagara Falls visitor information
Parking is located in nearby parking lots.
Lots 1 (Prospect Point) and lot 2 (Goat Island) allows cars only and the price ranges from $5-$15.
Parking lot 3 (Goat Island) can park cars, RV’s and busses and the price ranges from $10-$35. This lot is free to park on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays.
Niagara Falls is free to visit. You can walk around and enjoy the view of the waterfalls, walk along the hiking paths, or stop in for a quick snack. If you want to experience any of the tours, those will require a small fee.
Hours: Niagara Falls State Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours.
Summer average temperatures are 70-80 degrees, making it the perfect time to visit the park. We wore long pants during our visit in June to make our day more comfortable. I also recommend a sweatshirt or light jacket as the weather is cooler near the falls.
Tips for visiting Niagara Falls for the first time
Arrive early especially in the summer months. The park can get crowded but early mornings tend to have lighter crowds.
Wear waterproof gear as you will get wet. I always wear my Teva sandals when I know I might get wet. You can pack a poncho if preferred although Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds will provide you with a poncho for use during the tour.
The weather is cooler even in the summer by the falls. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket to wear as needed.
Using the Trolley is a great way to get around the park and it is fairly cheap.
Daytime is perfect to view the falls but at night it comes alive with Illumination of the Falls and fireworks in the summer. If you are staying close by, I recommend coming during the day and again at night.
You will need a passport if you want to travel to the Candian side from the US.
Reserve Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds in advance during the summer as they are likely to sell out.
Niagara Falls Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center
Stop in the Niagara Falls Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Welcome Center for more information on visiting Niagara Falls, New York. This Welcome Center is located near Prospect Point and Parking lot 1. Staff are available to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance before you begin exploring the park. You can also find restrooms and a gift shop on site.
You can purchase tickets for Cave of the Winds and other tours here, or you can purchase these tickets on Goat Island closer to this attraction.
Niagara Falls State Park map
Stop by and snap a photo of the Niagara Falls State Park map near Parking lot 1 to help guide you as you tour this beautiful state park.
Maid of the Mist
Maid of the Mist is a great experience allowing you an up close and personal view of the falls. This service started in 1846, allowing passengers to ride closer to the falls. Through many setbacks from the Civil War, ice jams, and fires, the Maid of the Mist continues to board passengers on this highly popular tourist attraction.
You are guaranteed to get wet but luck fully they provide blue ponchos for each guest to use while on the boat. Maid of the Mist tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office which are the smaller green buildings shown in the pictures below. (blue ponchos for the USA side and red ponchos for the Candian side guests are provided with ticket purchase)
Boat tours are seasonal and are available from May to early November.
Store Hours: open seasonally and hours vary throughout the year. Open April 1st to November 30th.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower
Stopping by the Niagara Falls Observation Tower is a great way to see a panoramic view of all three waterfalls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The tower stands 282 feet tall and offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Here you can spend time viewing the falls, waving at those on the Candian side, or putting coins in the viewing machines to get a closer view of the falls.
Elevators will take you down to the gorge, where you can board the Maid of the Mist boat tour. This is a must see when at Niagara Falls State Park.
No tickets are required to use the Observation Tower. It is available to all guests.
Observation Tower open: Mid-June to December, hours vary by season
View of the waterfalls from the Observation Tower
Here is a panoramic view of the three waterfalls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls that you can see from the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. Although it was a hazy day, the falls are absolutely beautiful up close.
Other local tours
Niagara Falls State Park Canadian side
You can choose to view Niagara Falls from the Candian side if preferred. Entering into Canada from the US requires a passport. Many say the view of the falls from the Candian side is more beautiful than the US side. You can decide.
On the Candian side, the view is different. From Queen Victoria Park and the Niagara Parkway, you can see a full view of all three waterfalls at once, creating a spectacular post-card perfect view.
On the US side, you can experience closer adventures of the power of the water as you experience the Cave of the Winds. An experience I highly recommend.
Booking local activities: I use Viator, Trip Advisor and Get Your Guide to help book excursions when we travel. Check them out for fun deals!
Walking paths in Niagara Falls
You can take the Trolley, details below, or walk the path to each viewpoint. We chose to walk, and the hike was fairly easy. There are large signs throughout the area to help guide you to each location. Every location has unique viewpoints with amazing views. Grab your camera along the way to take pictures with the roaring waters in the background.
American Falls
The American Falls is one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, stretching about 940 feet wide and dropping 70-100 feet. These falls are located only on the US side and can be viewed from Prospect Point and Goat Island.
Luna Island
A small island between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, Luna Island provides the perfect place to view both falls. You might feel the mist from the water at this location.
Fun fact: Luna Island is a small island at only 350 feet long by 130 feet wide. You can compare the size to an American football field.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest of the three waterfalls. You will feel the spray from the Luna Island above or from the Cave of the Winds Hurricane Deck below.
Cave of the Winds
What an unforgettable experience my son and I had at Cave of the Winds. We purchased our timed tickets the day of our visit and headed to the entrance of this tour. Before you enter the platform, you will be provided with yellow ponchos you can use while at Cave of the Winds. Once here, you will have several sets of stairs and platforms to access before you get up close to the falls. There are several different viewing platforms you can use.
The Cave of the Winds is a thrilling experience which brings you as close as possible to the rushing waters of the American Falls. You will head down the elevator to the Niagara Gorge and walk onto the wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck and experience the water from the Bridal Veil Falls as it is pounding onto you from above. This was a thrilling adventure for us, and one we will never forget. Spend some time here enjoying the view of the falls from below.
Hours: open daily at 9am and closing time varies by season. Closed major holidays.
Cost: 2025 prices are $25 per adult and $19 per youth
Fun fact: The wooden walkways are removed and rebuilt every year. The winter ice and rushing waters in the Niagara Gorge would destroy the structure if left in place so every fall, they dismantle the walkways and then reconstruct them in the spring before the tourist season begins.
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley
Looking for an easy way to enjoy Niagara Falls State Park? Hop on the vintage-style Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley as it makes a continuous loop around the park. Using the Trolley allows you to enjoy the park without worrying about the long walk between the attractions.
The Trolley will stop at all the major highlights such as Prospect Point, Goat Island, Luna Island, Three Sisters Islands, Cave of the Winds, and near the Aquarium of Niagara. With the purchase of a Trolley ticket, you can hop on and off a much as you would like, allowing you to go at your own pace.
Your guide will narrate the tour with facts and history about Niagara Falls, making this a fun and interactive way to explore the park. The Trolley is also stroller friendly.
Operating Hours: opens at 9am and closing times vary by season
Cost: 2025 prices are $5 per adult and $3 per child
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La Nova Pizza
On our way out of New York, we decided to try some local pizza while driving through Buffalo. We chose to try La Nova Pizza, and the pizza was delicious. The parking lot is smaller, and the area might seem a little uneasy at night, but the atmosphere and staff were great. The man at the counter (possible owner) helped us decide what pizza would be best for us and was extremely helpful. After we ordered our pizza, we found our seats and waited for our pizza. We took our time to enjoy this famous New York pizza.
Address: 371 W Ferry St, Buffalo, New York
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 12:45am
Overnight Accommodations nearby
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino - A spectacular hotel, half mile from Niagara Falls State Park offers a casino, several restaurants on site and a Fashion Outlet mall nearby.
Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls - This family friendly hotel is located near Niagara Falls State Park and is the perfect place to stay for the night.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York - A popular brand hotel offers an indoor pool and is a half mile from Niagara Falls State Park.
Looking for more local hotel options? Check out booking.com where I book most of the hotels I stay at when traveling.
Add Niagara Falls to your bucket list
Visiting Niagara Falls State Park in New York was an experience with breathtaking beauty and pure adrenaline. Standing in the Cave of the Winds, near the roaring Bridal Veil Falls, was an amazing adventure while we experienced the power of nature as the water crashed down on us. We also enjoyed the peaceful walk around the park which provided different views of the waterfalls.
Whether you come here for the adventure or simply to take in the scenery and beauty of the falls, you will leave with unforgettable memories.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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