Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I could just gaze for hours. My soul sings! I first visited as a teenager while touring with my high school music group. It was a quick stop, where we ran over for a few minutes. I’ve always wanted to go back and spend more time, and this fall I received that opportunity. My stay in Niagara Falls was part of a familiarization trip with Niagara Falls USA. All opinions are my own.
This visit I was able to spend much more time EXPERIENCING Niagara Falls. I wish everyone could see it for themselves. Definitely add this to your bucket list if you’ve never been: 3 Fantastic ways to Experience Niagara Falls USA
1. Niagara Falls State Park
Other than a parking fee (between $8 & $10 depending on the lot) exploring the trails and enjoying the views of Niagara Falls is free at Niagara Falls State Park. Whether you are short on time or want to hike, there is plenty of beauty to behold!
Every minute I spent gazing at the falls was a privilege, and I would love to go back and do it again. It is incredible.
I found it interesting that Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S. since 1885!
It’s hard to imagine 3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second!
I was ecstatic to catch rainbows! Yes, rainbows as there were many, and just when I was disappointed one disappeared, I’d turn around, and there was another.
It was glorious! There are many great views of Niagara Falls from the State Park, but if you want to experience MORE…
2. Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is the closest you will get to Niagara Falls without jumping in! There are plenty of those kinds of stories, and I don’t recommend them. Ha ha!
The admission fee is $12 for Adults and $9 for youth. The Cave of the Winds experience begins at the World Changed Here Pavilion located inside Niagara Falls State Park. The Pavilion is a new multimedia experience explaining the history of Niagara Falls.
Then comes the adventure. This view is from the top before you take an elevator 175 feet down! Ready to get wet and FEEL Niagara Falls?
I loved the souvenir sandals I received, and was so happy when I saw ponchos. When I loosely pulled the poncho on and put my sandals on, I had no ideas how wet I would get. Before I knew it my head was drenched, and the bottom of my jeans past the poncho were soaked just from the mist, and that was before I even went that close to the falls, so if you don’t want to get wet, pull the poncho hood tightly over your hair, and tie it. If you wear jeans, roll them up and then…bask in the water of the falls!
The “Hurricane Deck” is the ultimate experience where you are within feet of the crashing Bridal Veil Falls and in the middle of what feels like a hurricane. I had to do it!! I didn’t stay long though. The winds were so strong, and the water came down hard and fast, but I can say I have felt the power of Niagara Falls!
3. Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist boat ride was my favorite way to experience Niagara Falls. It is well worth the $19.25 for adults and $11.20 for kids. If you pay for only one extra at Niagara Falls, do this! Tickets and entrance is also located within Niagara Falls State Park.
Any way you see Niagara Falls it’s fantastic, but being in the water and looking up at the falls in all their glory…well, there’s just nothing like it.
You are also given a poncho to wear on the boat. The mist is so heavy at times, it feels like rain. Say hello to my travel friend Gina! We kept our sandals on, that we were given at The Cave of the Winds, and I was glad we did, because at one point, we were standing in about three inches of water.
You can see the mist is really heavy, but wow you guys. The views from The Maid of the Mist are glorious! The above video is a panoramic of the views from the Maid of the Mist at Horeshoe Falls. Make sure you see it!
I just can’t help but praise God for His creation, power, and majesty.
The many rainbows reminded me of all God’s promises. People will always fail us, but God never will. Seeing God’s handiwork is one of my favorite things about traveling, and Niagara Falls is one of best!
Whether you see Niagara Falls from the trails at Niagara Falls State Park, adventure into the water at Cave of the Winds, or ride the Maid of the Mist to see the falls from below (or do all three), one thing is for sure, you have to begin planning your trip today! 🙂 Niagara Falls USA has all the info you need to get you started.
We went to Niagara Falls over the summer and had a blast! We did the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, and it was fun to do the whole experience.
Oh I’m so glad you were able to go!! What else did you do?
That is one place I have always wanted to go. I think it would be so beautiful to see the falls. Your photos are so beautiful!