Niagara Falls State Park

About this place

Niagara Falls State Park is a park in the city of Niagara Falls, New York, on the American side of Niagara Falls, about 27 km northwest of Buffalo in a straight line. It is recognised as the oldest state park in the United States and contains the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and part of the Horseshoe Falls. Before it was protected, the land around the falls was largely in private hands and public access was limited. The landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted began campaigning for its preservation in the 1860s, and in 1879 helped prepare a report calling for public access. The campaign succeeded in 1883, when the state governor signed a law creating the Niagara Reservation. The white, roaring water of the Niagara River pours over a wide rock edge, throwing up thick spray that makes rainbows on sunny days. Paths among the trees and Goat Island overlook the water, with the towers of the Canadian city on the far bank. At night the falls are lit in colours. Visitors walk the park paths and Goat Island, stand at the viewing platforms and take the boats that approach the base of the falls. A rain jacket helps with the spray.