After spending the morning at the Canadian Niagara Falls, Dave and I took one of the bridges across Niagara River to see the American Niagara Falls. We had a few hours to enjoy the Falls before our flight to Washington. I am glad we did it, because seeing the Falls only from one of the sides doesn’t depict a complete picture.
Comparing the view from both sides, I made a conclusion, that if there is a chance, it is necessary to visit both: Canadian and American Niagara Falls. In my opinion, the panoramic view of the Canadian Falls beats the view from the U.S. side, but you can get much closer to the falls on the U.S. side. Although the view from both sides is different, it is as breathtaking from either side. We were lucky to see a rainbow on the U.S. side and it made our day. 🙂
Here we are crossing the U.S. border. The custom process was quick and well organized.
And shortly we were driving in New York State.
Our U.S. Niagara Falls visit began from here, Niagara Falls State park – America’s oldest state park .
The park provides all necessary information about the Falls. From the decks, boats, vista points and trails of Niagara Falls State Park, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the closest view and flow of Niagara Falls.
Below is the U.S. Visitor Center Complex or “Gateway to the Falls”. The Visitor Center at Prospect Point provides information about Niagara Falls with interpretive displays, exhibits and maps. It is also home to the Niagara Legends of Adventure Theater, gift shops, various cafes and food court. We parked our car near the Visitor Center and walked through it to see the Falls.
We started from the Observation Tower at Prospect Point. The Tower’s observation deck extends over the Niagara Gorge wall to provide spectacular panoramic views.
The Niagara Falls on the U.S. side consist of American and Bridal Veil Falls. This is the edge of the American Falls. The part of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, covered by the mist, is seen in the back.
A couple more views from the observation deck.
The Casino on the Canadian side looks so close from the observation deck.
The view of the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Canada and the United States.
There are some interesting Niagara Falls attractions that Dave and I would like to experience next time: Maid of the Mist Tour, Cave of the Winds Trip, and Crows Nest. Here is one of the Maid of the Mist boat rides seen from the observation deck.
The Cave of the Winds trip begins with an elevator ride 175 ft deep into the Niagara Gorge. Geared-up in yellow ponchos and specially designed sandals, guests are led over a series of wooden walkways to the famous “Hurricane Deck” and can get as close as 20 ft from the Bridal Veil Falls. It was too chilly for us to take this ride at the time, but we wouldn’t mind experiencing it in the summer.
At the base of the Observation Tower, a path leads to a stairway that climbs to the Crows Nest, an observation deck at the edge of the American Falls. This stairway is seen from the Observation Deck.
We also saw a path close to the rapids from here and decided to explore it.
Walking the path, passing the rapids.
Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara Falls skyline. From here we could see only the edge of Horseshoe Fall.
Seagull and the rapids.
The lunchtime.
Then we headed to Luna Island, a smaller island nestled between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and acts as another viewing point. This walkway led us to Luna Island.
The view of the other side from the walkway – just some calm water flow/rapids and the trees.
We started to see part of a rainbow while walking… This viewing point is so close to the Falls, that you can feel the mist from the falls.
And here it is – the rainbow! So beautiful!! Rainbow bridge and the observation tower are seen in the background.
Here, it seems like the rainbow comes out of the Niagara river.
Here is a double rainbow.
Next, we walked to Goat Island, a 70 acre natural woodland, that divides the Niagara River. Most of Goat island is renovated and it looks absolutely beautiful. Currently, there is a lot of construction on the U.S. side of the Falls. Some parts really need renovation though.
Here is a complete view of the Horseshoe Falls from Goat Island. From here you can see only their edges. The Horseshoe Falls has to be seen from the Canadian side – you can see inside the Horseshoe.
A partial view of Horseshoe Falls. I just like this picture. 🙂
Closer look of the Horseshoe Falls and one of their edges.
Can you see the boulders underneath?
Lunch again? Such a cute squirrel.
Back to the parking lot through the Visitor center. Because of the chilly weather and lack of time, we didn’t go down to the Falls to see some of the attractions. It will be on the agenda for our next visit to the Falls.
