| Niagara Falls is right
on the border between Canada and the US, some 550km (340mi) west
of New York and 100km (60mi) southeast of Toronto |
| The Three Falls
Of Niagara Falls |
Niagara Falls
is actually comprised of three separate waterfalls: the American
Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. The three
falls are separated by two islands --- Goat Island and Luna Island.
All height measurements in the following descriptions are given
when the total volume passing over Niagara Falls is 100,000 cfs
(2,832 m3/sec).
The American Falls
 Located
on the New York side of the Gorge, between Prospect Point and Luna
Island, the northwest facing American Falls has a straight line
crest width of about 830 feet (253 m). If measured along the jagged
lip of the falls, the crest is about 950 feet (290 m) long. The
torrent of water passing over the crest of the falls is only about
2 feet (0.6 m) deep. About 10% of the Niagara River's volume flows
over the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The river first falls vertically
an average of 86 feet (26 m), before crashing on to an immense pile
of talus boulders that lie at the base of the Falls. The shortest
vertical drop, roughly 45 feet (14 m), is at Prospect Point. The
longest vertical drop, roughly 117 feet (36 m), is about 250 feet
(76 m) southwest of Prospect Point. The talus boulders, Lockport
Dolostone, have fallen from the crest of the Falls, and are too
massive to be eroded away by the force of the falling water. The
water tumbles over and between this talus in a wild, violent, and
thundering frenzy, dropping another 97 feet (30 m) to the Maid of
the Mist Pool below. The total vertical drop of the American Falls
is 183 feet (56 m), 10 feet (3 m) greater than the Horseshoe Falls.
The average crest elevation of the American Falls is 510 feet (155
m).
The Bridal Veil Falls
Located between Luna Island (97 feet (30 m) wide) and
Goat Island (1,590 feet (485 m) wide) is the Bridal Veil Falls,
the smallest of the three falls of Niagara. The Bridal Veil Falls
faces to the northwest and has a crest that is 56 feet (17 m) wide.
It is similar in appearance to the American Falls, starting with
a vertical fall of 78 feet (24 m), followed by the water violently
descending the talus to the Maid of the Mist Pool 103 feet (31 m)
below. The total vertical drop of the Bridal Veil Falls is 181 feet
(55 m). The crest elevation of the Falls is 508 feet (155 m).
The Horseshoe Falls
 The
Horseshoe Falls, sometimes called the Canadian Falls, is located
between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in New York, and Table Rock
House in Ontario. The border between Canada and the Unites States
is located less than 100 feet (30 m) south of Terrapin Point, so
about 98% of the falls is located in Canada. The Horseshoe Falls
is 173 feet (53 m) high, has an average crest elevation of 500 feet
(152 m), and faces northwards.
This is the most impressive of the three Falls, with
90% of the volume of the Niagara River passing over it. It has a
curving, horseshoe-shaped crest that is 2,200 feet (671 m) in length.
At the center of the Horseshoe Falls the water is about 10 feet
(3 m) deep. It passes over the crest at a speed of about 20 mph
(32 kph).
The first person to attempt to go over the Horseshoe
Falls in a barrel was Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor, on October 24, 1901.
She was 64 years old at the time, and survived the trip with only
a few bumps and bruises. She had hoped the trip over the Falls would
bring her fame and fortune. Unfortunately it did not, and she died
penniless in the Niagara County, New York, poorhouse in 1924.
As of 1997 eight men and two women have survived a trip
over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. The most courageous and undaunted
is Dave Munday, a diesel mechanic from Hamilton, Ontario. On his
first attempt in July of 1985, the barrel became stranded in shallow
water about a mile (1.6 km) above the Falls. In October of that
year he made his first successful trip over the Horseshoe Falls.
In October of 1987 he successfully ran the extremely violent Whirlpool
Rapids in a steel barrel. In July of 1990 he attempted to go over
the Horseshoe Falls again, but became stuck at the very brink of
the Falls at Table Rock House. After his rescue Munday said: "The
next time I go, I'll get over." In September of 1993 he kept
his word, and at the age of 56, became the first person to survive
a second trip over the Horseshoe Falls.
On July 9, 1960, a 7 year-old boy named Roger Woodward
accidentally went over the Horseshoe Falls. The boat he was in had
lost power and had turned over in the rapids above the Falls. Roger
was only wearing a simple life-jacket, but he somehow survived the
terror-filled plunge. Many people feel it was the hand of God that
saved him. |
| Getting There |
| Flying from the US means
landing at Buffalo and then taking a bus to the falls; from Toronto,
Canada, there are frequent buses and two trains a day |
| Weather |
Niagara Falls is located
at a distance from the equator that is comparable to that of Seattle,
Chicago, Detroit and Boston. Warm temperatures prevail during the
summer months (between June and September) and Spring and Fall in
Niagara are comfortable and subject to average precipitation. Winters
can be harsh at times, but tend to be easily endurable.
Niagara Falls offers much to see and admire from its
bounteous beauty during any season. With bright rainbows emanating
from the mist in the warm summer months and intricate ice formations
observable in the winter time, Niagara Falls generates year-round
tourism interest. |
| Attractions
|
1. Beaver Island
State Park
This state park offers swimming and watersports, picnicking, playgrounds,
soccer field, baseball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, 18 hole
golf course, snack bar and a transient marina. You can learn about
the furry and feathered creatures that you may encounter as you
walk along a nature trail by visiting the Nature Center located
in the park. Beaver Island State Park is open during the winter
months as well. People enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Contact Phone (716) 773-3271
2. Bird Watching in Western New York
Western New York is a great area for bird watching. In fact, a section
of the Niagara River gorge near Youngstown has been named an "Important
Bird Area". There are many state parks and wetlands in the
area that attract a number of different species of birds and other
wildlife.
3. Devil's
Hole
Located on the Robert Moses Parkway 4.5 mi. north of Niagara Falls.
There is a picnic area as well as hiking trails in this 42 acre
park located on the Niagara River. The hiking trails go down into
the gorge as well as to Whirlpool State Park (upriver). This park
was the site of a famous massacre and has been known as Devil's
Hole ever since.
4. Earl W.
Brydges Artpark State Park
 Artpark
is a 200 acre state park located in Lewiston that is also a theater
and arts complex. Recreational facilities, such as nature trails,
picnic areas, and fishing docks are available.The hiking trails
take visitors along the edge of the gorge. The park is open daily.
There is a parking fee during the summer months. There is also a
fee for activities. The upper parking area of Artpark is a prime
viewing location for the Village of Lewiston's annual Fourth of
July Fireworks Display.
Contact Phone (716) 754-9000
5. Fort Niagara
State Park
Fort Niagara State Park sits at the mouth of the Niagara River and
on Lake Ontario. It spans 504 acres and offers tennis, basketball,
boating, and a swimming pool and bathhouse. The park is adjacent
to the historic Old Fort Niagara, one of the longest continually
occupied military sites in North America. There is a parking fee
during the summer months.
Contact Phone (716) 745-7273
6. Goat Island
This island in the Niagara River separates the American and Canadian
Falls. It is easily accessible by foot or vehicles. This wooded
island has walkways to areas that offer breathtaking views from
the brink of both Falls. You may walk to Three Sisters Islands which
lie in the rapids above the Horseshoe Falls or to Luna Island which
separates the brinks of the American and Bridal Veil Falls.
7. Joseph Davis State Park
This state park offers picnic tables, hiking, nature trails, fishing,
a playground, a frisbee golf course, and cross country skiing and
snowmobiling. Joseph Davis State Park is accessed from Rte. 18F
or the Robert Moses Parkway. It is 4 miles north of Lewiston.
8. Niagara Reservation State Park
New York's oldest state park, (opened in 1885), Niagara Reservation
State Park covers over 400 acres at Prospect Point. The visitor's
center has displays and electronic exhibits about the Falls.
9. Prospect Point Observation Tower
The Observation Tower is located at the base of the American Falls
in Prospect Park, and rises 100 feet above the cliffs. There are
two elevators that descend into the gorge, allowing a close-up view
of the Falls. There is a small fee to go onto the observation deck
as well as for the elevators.
Contact Phone (716) 278-1703.
10. Whirlpool
State Park
 Walk
along the edge of the gorge and look at the whirlpool created by
the 90 degree turn in the Niagara River. Throughout the summer there
are many hikes along the Niagara Gorge that originate at this park.
Picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, and fishing are available.
Whirlpool State Park is located on the Robert Moses Parkway. Open
daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
11. Wilson-Tuscarora State Park
Located in Wilson, the Wilson-Tuscarora State park is at the mouth
of 12 mile creek and adjacent to Lake Ontario. The well preserved
natural beauty of this park offers visitors the opportunity to see
a wide variety of animal and plant life. Enjoy some of the natural
beauty as you picnic at the park. Picnic tables and grills are available
for your use. Boaters and anglers may fish. There is even handicapped
fishing accessibility near the launch area. Fishing Derbies are
popular in the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. There is also a
4 mile trail available for hiking or cross country skiing.
12. Wintergarden
The Wintergarden is a glass-enclosed garden with tropical, semi-tropical
and desert plants and trees. There are waterfalls, pools and secluded
rest areas. Visitors may walk along winding pathways, or view the
gardens from platforms as well as a three-story glass elevator.
The Wintergarden is located on Rainbow Blvd, adjacent to the Rainbow
Center Mall. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Recreation
& Entertainment |
Cambria Raceway
Park
Located on Ridge Rd. in Ransomville, NY
Cambria Raceway Park offers offroad R/C racing every Sunday. CRP
features a track with plenty of jumps, high speed corners, slow
twisty bits, and Computerized scoring. Racers need to bring a table,
chairs, and shade. CRP does not currently have electricity available
for racers to use.
Down River Bait & Tackle
Located at 335 center St., in Lewiston, NY
Charter service and bait and tackle shop on the lower Niagara River.
Contact Phone (716) 754-4272
Frontier Skydivers Inc.
Located at 3316 Beebe Rd. in Wilson, NY
Contact Phone (716) 751-6170
Niagara County Charter Fishing Association
This is an Organization of Charter fishing services, mainly on Western
Lake Ontario, some service Lake Erie and the Niagara River as well.
Can be contacted at: P.O. Box 818, Wilson, NY 14172.
Ransomville Speedway
Located on Braley Rd. off of Ransomville Rd, in Ransomville, NY.
Racing on Friday nights from May to September. Top regional Motorsport
track featuring modified and stock cars, and demolition derbies.
School and group promotions available.
Contact Phone (716) 791-3602
Transit Drive-In
Located at 6655 Transit Rd. in Lockport, NY. Why not enjoy the evening
at the drive in, now with FM stereo sound!
Contact Phone (716) 625-8535 |
| Museums |
1. Castellani Art
Museum
The Castellani Art Museum is located on the Niagara University campus.
It features a permanent display of 20th century and contemporary
art. This collection includes works by Jean-Michell Basquiat, Anish
Kapoor, Romare Merden, Joan Mitchell, and Cindy Sherman. There are
also collections of drawings, paintings, photographs, and pre-Columbian
ceramics. Admission is free.
Contact Phone (716) 286-8200.
2. The Herschell
Carousel Factory Museum
This museum, located in North Tonawanda, explains the history of
the carousel. The first steam-driven "riding gallery"
or merry-go-round was built by Allen Herschell in 1883. Herschell's
company became the world's largest manufacturer of carousels and
amusement park devices. The museum contains vintage carousels, and
has Sunday Family Programs and wood-carving demonstrations. Closed
January through March. Please call the museum for more information
on hours and directions to the museum.
Contact Phone (716) 693-1885.
3. Lockport Cave
Touring the Lockport cave will take visitors through what is actually
a large 2,430 foot water-power tunnel which was blasted out of solid
rock over a year and a half period in 1858-1859. It was the invention
of Birdsill Holly, who also developed the district steam heating
system, the Sybills steam fire enging and the first municipal system
os fire-fighting, the rotary pump and the method to pump water to
homes through a tap.
-Underground Boat tour at the cave: Ride safely for a 30 minute
guided tour in an underground boat. Light jackets are recommended
as the cave temperature is a constant 55 degrees year round.
-Special Package rates combining the cave tour and boat tour are
available. Daily tours are scheduled at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
Cave tours take 55 minutes (not including the optional 30 minute
boat ride). The cave tour is located at 73 Richmond Ave. in Lockport,
NY.
Contact Phone (716) 438-0174
4. Niagara
County Historical Society
Niagara County history is the focus at this complex. Displays include
a Junior R (a locally produced aluminum automobile) as well as pioneer
and Indian artifacts, farm equipment, and a Fitz-Gerald Medical
exhibit. Reprints of the 1860 maps of Niagara County and of towns
and villages in the county are for sale. Genealogical researchers
are welcome, call for special arrangements. The NiagaraCounty Historical
Society is located at 215 Niagara St. in Lockport. It is open 1-5
p.m. on Thursdays to Sundays, and by appointment. Donations are
accepted.
Contact Phone (716) 434-7433.
5. Schoellkopf
Geological Museum
The history and development of Niagara Falls are explained through
film and demonstrations. Visitors may touch 400 million year old
worm trails and sand ripple marks through hands-on displays. There
is a geological garden as well as a nature trail on the museum grounds.
The Schoellkopf Museum is located 1/4 mi. north of the Rainbow Bridge,
and may be accessed from the Robert Moses Parkway. Guided trail
tours are available year round by reservation. There is a small
fee for admission to the museum.
Contact Phone (716) 278-1780.
6. Wilson Historical
Museum
Housed in a 1912 NYC Railroad depot, the museum exhibits show local
history since the early 1800's. The Wilson Historical museum hosts
a 1909 railroad caboose, as well as changing exhibits. Genealogical
records are available upon request. Antique cars are on exhibit
during July and August. Closed January through March. Open Sundays
2-4 p.m.
Contact Phone (716) 751-9886. |
| Emergency Information |
Hospitals
DeGraff Memorial Hospital
The hospital's medical rehabilitation unit offers an intense and
aggressive approach to rehabilitation of patients who suffer strokes,
spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular diseases, joint replacement
or amputations. An Older Driver Safety Program is offered to help
older drivers remain independent and mobile. In 1996, the hospital
opened the DeGraff Oncology and Infusion Center for outpatient chemotherapy.
445 Tremont, North Tonawanda, NY
Contact Phone (716) 694-4500
Inter-Community Memorial Hospital
Acute care facility and principal health care provider for eastern
Niagara County. Services include: a surgical unit, intensive care
unit, pediatrics and obstetrics.
2600 William, Newfane, NY
Contact Phone (716) 778-5111
Lockport Memorial Hospital
The hospital provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative
services in the environment of a community-based hospital. It offers
modern intensive care and cardiac care units as well as maternity,
pediatrics, ambulatory surgery, cardiac services, and a 24 hour
emergency department.
521 East Ave., Lockport, NY
Contact Phone (716) 434-9111
Mount St Mary's Hospital
An acute care community hospital that offers a variety of services,
including: emergency care, diagnostic imaging, testing, laboratory
testing, physical therapy, maternity, cardiac rehabilitation and
testing, a palliative care unit, intensive care unit, and coronary
care unit.
5300 Military Rd., Lewiston, NY
Contact Phone -General Information (716) 297-4800
Contact Phone Patient Information (716) 298-2262
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
Largest health care facility in Niagara County. Services include:
intensive care unit, maternity, pediatrics, radiation therapy, mental
health services, kidney dialysis, and Milestones- a chemical dependency
service.
621 Tenth St., Niagara Falls, NY
Contact Phone (716) 278-4000
Contact Phone -Patient Information (716) 278-4484
Contact Phone -Emergency (716) 278-4394
General Information
Child Abuse and maltreatment Reporting Center
Contact Phone 1-800-342-3720
Lewiston #1 Volunteer Fire Department
Contact Phone (716) 754-2180
National Runaway Switchboard
Contact Phone 1-800-621-4000
Niagara County Sheriff's Department
Contact Phone (716) 438-3393, Fax (716) 439-3302
TIPS LINE (716) 438-3401
Niagara Falls Division F.B.I.
Contact Phone (716) 285-9215 if no answer call Buffalo Division
(716) 856-7800
New York State Police
Contact Phone (Lewiston) (716) 297-0755
Contact Phone (Lockport area) (716) 434-5588
Contact Phone (TTY) 1-800-342-4357
New York State Thruway Authority
Contact Phone 1-800-847-8929
Passport Information (Buffalo)
Contact Phone (716) 846-2301
Poison Control Center
Contact Phone 1-800-888-7655
Alternate phone (716) 878-7654
Rabies Information
Contact Phone (716) 439-7444 or (716) 439-7430 (after hours)
Suicide and Crisis Counseling
Contact Phone (716) 285-3515
Tonawanda Police Dept. Emergency Medical Unit
Contact Phone (716) 876-5300 ext.657
Twin City Ambulance
Serving Western NY for 40 years.
US Coast Guard
Contact Phone (716) 745-3327 if no answer, call 1-800-321-4400
US Customs Service (Buffalo)
Contact Phone (716) 551-4311
US Marshals Service (Buffalo)
Contact Phone (716) 551-4851
US Secret Service (Buffalo)
Contact Phone (716) 551-4401 |
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