What to do in Niagara County, NY

Niagara Falls may be the iconic American vacation destination. With its blowing winds and powerful water, there is no better place to appreciate the forces of nature. The falls are not just pretty, but also very powerful; more water passes over these waterfalls than any other waterfall in the world. Whether you are a nature buff or not, Niagara Falls State Park is a fascinating place to explore.

The Rainbow Bridge was built between 1940 and ’41 to replace the Falls View Bridge, which was also known as “Honeymoon Bridge.” It collapsed in January 1938, the result of an ice jam. The new bridge was constructed atop 50-foot (15-meter) abutments to avoid a repeat of the disaster. It is 950-feet (290-meters) long and sits 202 feet (62 meters) above the Niagara River. The bridge is on the border of Canada and the USA.

Take the spectacular Cave of the Winds tour at Niagara Falls, one of the world’s largest cascades. Bring a waterproof camera and prepare to get wet; this tour brings you within exhilarating striking distance of the torrential waters.

When you step on a Maid of the Mist boat, from either the U.S. or Canadian side, you are embarking on the second-most popular boat tour in North America. Get ready for an exciting — and wet — adventure past American and Bridal Veil Falls, right into the ferocious mist and spray of Horseshoe Falls.

The Aquarium of Niagara is small, but packed with things to do and see. Feed a Humboldt penguin from Peru. Watch California sea lions frolic, balance balls on their noses, then applaud themselves. Learn about rescued harbor seals while the trainers introduce each one by name and feed them. In summer, you can even help with feeding the animals. Wonder at tidal pool creatures such as anemones, clams and baby sole as they are fed individually by hand. Or, just wander at your leisure among the range of themed aquariums. You’ll see Great Lakes fish, such as sturgeon and trout, as well as creatures of the Amazon, including piranhas and seahorses.