Where we stayed: Four Mile Creek State Campground: This place was beautiful and mostly empty. The sites are all grass and either electric or non-electric. We opted for non-electric for the week. It worked out perfectly since we had the beach in our backyard and the playground in our front yard. It was only about 15 minutes from the falls too!
Old Fort Niagara: This was an unexpected gem! We went because it was part of the junior ranger book, not knowing what to expect. The history here was fascinating. You can walk through the old fort and within the trenches. It was interesting to hear how all the different parts protected the fort. It was originally built by the French, then the English overtook it during the French-Indian wars, then during the War of Independence, it was a stronghold for loyalists. Part of the War of 1812 treaty was for England to give it to the US. See how much you can learn from a ranger talk?!?! Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park: We did the overlook at Whirlpool then went to Devil’s Hole and hiked down 407 steps to the river. If you like hiking, you should do this. You can hike all the way to the Whirlpool steps (which were closed for repairs when we were there). The nice thing about the Niagara area is there is a dedicated walking/biking/running road that goes along to all the points of interest. NY Power Project Visitors Center: Unfortunately this closed early the day we were there, but the little we did get to see was so cool the kids wanted to go back (but we were leaving the next day). When you arrive, you get a badge that you scan each time you do an interactive activity. You can log in to their website at home and see all the things you learned about. We especially liked the 4D ride about electricity! Also, you can get here and many other places on the free shuttle. Definitely worth using if you don’t want to drive! Niagara Falls, Canada: Everyone said, “Make sure you go to the Canadian side” so we did and it was beautiful. It was also such a contrast to the American side. Dan nicknamed one street “Las Vegas of Canada” because it has the light up billboards, amusement rides, and food booths everywhere. Lance thought it looked like Times Square. Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds: The kids absolutely LOVED these. Lance laughed more during the boat ride than we’ve heard from him in a while. He kept his hood off so he could get wet and therefore not have to take a shower that day. It was windy, wet, and loud! The Cave of the Winds walk also soaked any part of us that wasn't covered up. We were really glad for the shoes they gave us since our tennis shoes were already wet from the boat ride! The hurricane deck almost blew the kids away, but they loved it!
Overall Niagara was a great stop, with way more than just a waterfall to see!
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AuthorKim: I've seen very little of the US and can't wait to see it all with my family. This is a crazy adventure that I never thought I would have the guts to do! Archives
April 2017
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