Niagara Falls State Park, NY

We arrived in Niagara Falls, New York late in the day and decided to do some shopping and save the falls for the next day. What a surprise to find the Elks Lodge, Walmart, Radio Shack, AAA, and an outlet mall all within blocks of each other. I am excited about my $10 Chico's jacket. The Elk's Lodge was ok and had electric but we decided to stay at Walmart instead as did several other travelers.

After visiting with the cook at Denny's over breakfast we knew the best route to take. We parked across the street from the bridge to Goat Island for free and away we went.


Our first order of pleasure was to walk on Goat Island. Soon we came to the bridge looking down at the American rapids. Below is the foot bridge that we would cross several times during the day. The river flows around Goat Island, creating the American Falls below these rapids. Horseshoe Falls are on the other side of Goat Island.


The trolley provided us a rest when needed and a ride through the Niagara Falls State Park. The state bought this land from an individual and created the first New York state park.

The American Falls and Horseshoe Falls are entirely on the American side of the Niagara River. In the distance is the mist from Horseshoe Falls, partly in Canada.

On our morning walk on Goat Island we came to Horseshoe Falls. Words cannot describe!

Leon's primary goal on this trip was to ride on the Maid of the Mist. We dressed for the occasion as did everyone else. It was an exhilarating experience as the boat went along the base of the American Falls and to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.


A new fall wardrobe?! A trolley conductor convinced us to also take the Cave of the Winds tour. We not only donned new raincoats but even had special sandals! It was fun also!

It is unbelievable that these steps can be built in the falls and hold the number of people that must climb each day.

Hurry, Leon. That water is cold on my feet!

After a short rest at the van we decided to walk to Canada. Across the bridge we went with passports handy. There you could look straight across to the American Falls.

There were many folks wandering and looking We found a park bench and enjoyed a yogurt before trekking back across the bridge.

As if we hadn't done enough we walked over to the Seneca Casino to see what it was all about. We did not gamble (until we decided to park in front!) And that's another story. All I can say is "What a fine day!"

We had heard someone in a "visitor's center" selling a couple a tour package so they wouldn't have to pay a fortune to park, fight the traffic, etc.etc. Our day cost $26.50 each and there was little traffic! We parked 50 paces from the entrance to Goat Island. Our plan included the trolley ride, Maid of the Mist boat ride, Cave of the Winds tour, one pair of sandals and two rain ponchos!