Niagara Falls State Park

None of us had ever been to Niagara Falls so we were not sure what exactly to expect. We knew there was an "American" side and a "Canadian" side of the falls. We were not about to cross the border though! I am the only one that has ever had a passport and mine is expired (I used it in 1999 to go to England).

We got there parked and could not find clear directions on where to go. There were beautiful gardens and then we saw a Visitor Center. Went in and asked. Went down stairs and out the door and there we were - Good Choice to go ask!

There is a LONG path long the river leading to the American Falls.

Can you tell the water is moving FAST?!? It sounds like it too!

Looking over at Canada - Yes it really is THAT close! Took these as we were walking to the American Falls.

Now to the American Falls themselves...

Just past the falls...

The haze that you see is actually water spray still happening! It sprays EVERYWHERE!

The boats you see are the tour boats that are dry docked for winter. They take the boats very close to the American Falls during the summer "tourist" season. The "Crow's Nest" Observation Deck was also closed, as well as a walking trail that goes VERY CLOSE to the American Falls, while we were there.

More pictures from around the American Falls. If you look closely you can see the Horseshoe Falls in the background of these. (toward upper center)

 Looking downstream from the Falls. Just absolutely Beautiful!!!

Some information signs. One is much like in the previous post at the zoo. You can call in and get information about the area! SO LOVE THIS!!! The kids and I can (or ANYONE) can call in and get the information. We will probably do some more of this when we are looking at the pictures or as we are studying more about the area again later. :)

We then discovered that we could take a walking trail over to the Horseshoe Falls (typically considered the "Canadian" Falls) and remain on US soil! You bet we did it!

There are actually several islands that make up the Niagara Falls area. Wish I could find the trail guide so I could scan it and show you! We had to cross two bridges to and go on two SMALL islands to get to the Horseshoe Fall - well that and another good walk! These are of the river as we were crossing the bridges.

This is what you can see coming toward the Horseshoe Falls.

And we made it to Horseshoe Falls! (American side of course.) Oh and look at the flow rate of the water!!! AMAZING. We talked to Katherine about how much it was and she could not believe it! She said "That would be like a TON of milk cartons! EVERY SECOND!"

Huge drop with buildings in Canada in background. Remembered I had my better zoom lens so got it out to play some. :)

Looking upstream from Horseshoe Falls. 

On my cell phone I got pictures of the kids getting sprayed by the water. The spray was a lot more over at Horseshoe Falls! I had to step back after a couple pictures to clean my water and camera from the water. I did not really care to go get soaked. It was cool and starting to get dark so we headed back.

The stopped and played in some leaves while I finished talking pictures (and took a picture for a tourist couple). Then we headed on our way again. They kept seeing little squirrels all over and I got this picture of one.

At this point it was getting too dark to get pictures of the Falls, but it was beautiful at dusk!

If you get the chance to go it is worth it, but I highly recommend good walking shoes. If you have a choice summer is the best time to go. We spent a lot more time there than we thought it would be, but it was really nice. Going in summer and doing the optional tours would be cool, but if you do plan on it taking most of a day! During higher tourist times they have more "snack" stands (which we could not have done anyway) and of course more things to do. It is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, all year!