Niagara Falls Attractions

The Niagara Falls needs no introduction and I'm not going to try. There will be no lines to the effect of '...and there behold, oh human, the water as if falling from the skies above...' I'm not going there. I choose to be simple and direct with this one. So here goes - the Niagara Falls attractions are truly one of the finest in the world. There should be no doubt about that. The pure strength and aplomb with which the water makes its way to the ground is really enough to mesmerize a thousand spectators. This article is solely dedicated to the phenomenon of the varied attractions that the Niagara Falls offers.

Facts about Niagara Falls

Before we get into the attractions at the Niagara Falls, let us look through some of the interesting facts about Niagara Falls and understand what makes this phenomenon one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world:

• The Niagara Falls are situated at the borders of America and Canada and divide the two countries. There is thus the 'Canadian Niagara Falls' and the 'American Niagara Falls'.
• The water in the Niagara Falls comes from 4 freshwater lakes. From here it merges into the Niagara and St. Lawrence river and eventually flows into the Atlantic ocean.
• The Niagara Falls was formed as a result of the last Ice Age and is a fairly young river at 12,000 years.
• Niagara Falls is the second largest falls on Earth. The first being the Victoria Falls in South Africa.
• The Canadian 'Horseshoe' Niagara Falls are (180 feet) 60 meters high and (2,500 feet) 833 meters wide. While the American Niagara Falls is 70 feet high (23 meters) and 1,000 feet wide (330 meters).
• The Niagara Falls is the largest producer of hydro-electric power in the world, as of now.
• The word "Niagara" is derived from the Indian word 'Onguiaahra' which means either 'The strait' or 'A thundering noise'.
• Several acts were performed over the river which included jumping over it in a barrel and walking on a tight rope across the water body.
• In 1969, the flow of the water was completely stopped to try to enhance the appearance of the Falls by removing the rocks that were causing erosion.
• In the winter, the falling river and the accompanied mist create ice in the water and along the banks which is known as the 'Ice bridge'
• Hydro-electric companies use the Niagara Falls as their main source of power.
• During winter, huge chunks of ice fall down through the Falls which could lead to a block in the river, to prevent this, an 'Ice boom' has been installed on Lake Erie. This includes a long steel chain of 2 miles that is put across the Niagara river and covers the distance from Buffalo to Fort Erie.
• The Niagara Falls has over 20 million visitors each year. And is one of the most popular family vacation spots in the United States.

Attractions at Niagara Falls

These are some of the famous attractions that the Niagara Falls offers. All of which are totally worth visiting.

• Maid of the Mist
• Luna Island - An island between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
• Niagara Falls State Park - The oldest state park in America.
• Goat Island - Gets you a tour of the Cave of the Winds, Three Sisters Island, Terrapin Point and the Rapids.
• Prospect Point
• Visitor Center
• Aquarium of Niagara
• Rainbow Air, Inc
• Bedore Tours
• Whirlpool State Park
• Motherland Connextions
• Devil's Hole State Park
• Over the Falls
• Niagara Wax Museum
• Hyde Park
• Reservoir State Park
• Wintergarden
• Niagara Majestic Tours
• Flight of Five
• Niagara Walking Tour
• Niagara Falls Green Tour
• Niagara Science Museum
• Seneca Niagara Casino
• Niagara Wedding Chapel
• Niagara Gorge Tail
• Niagara Aerospace Museum
• Daredevil Museum
• Hiking Trails
• Floral Clock
• Safari Niagara

There are several other attractions that are all worth witnessing. You should definitely plan a trip sometime in your life and not miss the opportunity of watching something so spectacular.