Field Trip Friday: Niagara Falls State Park

We recently had the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls State Park as a family. Even though we have been there a number of times, it never loses its wonder. I wanted to share some pictures.

These were mostly taken from the American side. We visited the Observation Deck (which is free to just walk out on - if you wish to take the elevator down to the base of the Falls, it is very cheap, and gives a really neat perspective of just how huge the Falls are)

Rapids leading up to the Falls.

A rainbow in the mist is a common sight.

The American Falls up close and the Horseshoe Falls in the distance.

Notice the piles of snow at the base of the Falls that are very slowly melting away.

Focusing on the snow pile at the base of the Falls. It was very tall - about half the height of the Falls itself.

A lovely view from the Observation Deck.

Looking down the Niagara Gorge. The Falls is behind us. Loved the beautiful shade of the water.

The girls were thrilled with the birds hanging out on the Observation Deck.

We had just recently read about Nikola Tesla so it was neat to see a tribute to him.

 After checking out everything at the main entrance, we drove over to Goat Island and got out to walk around and see another perspective. In the background of this first picture is where we were standing to take the pictures above. The green tower is the Observation Deck where we took several pictures.

Looking at the Falls from Goat Island - the other side of the American Falls.

Lovely shot with the steam coming off the snow on a warm May day.

More birds walking close by to fascinate the girls!

Because of so much ice and snow, part of the park was fenced off, but the birds were still enjoying it!

After Goat Island, we drove a little further, across another small bridge, to Three Sisters' Island to get close up views of the Rapids. The water passing through here heads towards the Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Three Sisters' Island is such a peaceful little nook with plenty of nature and quiet spots.

Upper rapids approaching the Falls.

Rapids

Looking down river towards the Falls. You can see the mist from the Falls above the tree line.

Plenty of geese looking for some lunch.

Standing on a bridge above a small waterfall, looking down. 

Watching the water and admiring the Canadian skyline in the background.

Powerful rapids!

The last part of our trip included seeing the Falls lit up at night from the Canadian side. Crossing over the border now requires passports or enhanced driver's licenses for the adults, and birth certificates for the children. (When I was a kid, you answered a few questions about where you were from, then crossed over!) Times have changed, but the beauty of the Falls is timeless.

Looking at the American Falls from the Canadian side.

The powerful lights on the Canadian side that shine out over the Falls.

A view of the Horseshoe Falls lit up.

On Summer Fridays, there are fireworks over the Falls, starting at 10:00 pm. It is well worth the wait to stay and watch them. 

I am so thankful to live close enough to one of the Wonders of the World that we can visit it any time we would like!

This post is linked up with Field Trip Friday at Chestnut Grove Academy.

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