A Day Trip to Niagara Falls, New York
The Most Powerful Waterfall in North America!
A visit to our Son and his family in Cortland, Ohio, prompted us all to visit Niagara Falls since it was just more than three hours away from their home.
Directions to Niagara Falls
Leaving around 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning, we took Interstate 90, stopping in Erie, Pennsylvania on our way for a nice breakfast at Cracker Barrel, just off of the Freeway. We crossed into New York on I-90 East to Exit 53 (I-190 North), and continued on I-190, crossing Grand Island from South to the North, to Exit 21, the Robert Moses Parkway, and to Prospect Street.
Pap-Pap teased Granddaughter Ashley that he and she were going to ride in a barrel over the Falls!
Upon Arrival at Niagara Falls
Guides directed us to free parking. Fort Niagara, museums and aquariums are nearby for those who wish to extend their visit. We moseyed around the commercial buildings, where food courts, souvenirs, and many different tours were offered. Choices included helicopters, jet boats (both open and domed), package and combination tours originating from either the U.S. or Canadian side, movies, walks, etc., all of a longer duration (4 to 8 hours), were more expensive (starting from $49.95 per adult to $239.95), and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Having not booked any tours in advance, we were looking for a shorter cruise on the Maid of the Mist, and wanted to view only the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, we were advised to cross the street into the New York State Park Entrance near the Observation Tower for tickets.
As a note, if you want to cross the Rainbow Bridge from the U.S. to view the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, you must now have a U.S. passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License, or a Trusted Traveler Program Card, effective June 1, 2009.
Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist Tour
We walked to the ticket stand, and bought boarding passes for one of the Maid of the Mist cruises at $13.50 per adult, and $7.85 per child (6-12). This totaled just about $40 for five. There are no reservations. Tickets are first-come, first serve only. During the week, tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the boats run every 30 minutes. Saturday and Sunday ticket hours are also 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but boats run every 10 minutes.
We were directed to the green elevator and descended to the water level for boarding. There were three Maids of the Mist operating on the U.S. landing, and I believe there were two operating from the Canadian landing
As we entered the loading line, blue plastic ponchos were issued by friendly staff to keep us from getting soaked by the beautiful mist that emanates from the Falls. The boats are easily accessible for the elderly and physically challenged visitors. It is advised to wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes.
The 30-minute cruise was exciting and breathtaking! Our boat had two decks; but we opted to stay on the bottom level and were able to take wonderful photos! We enjoyed every minute of the spectacular panorama! Our Granddaughter Ashley got soaked without her hood on, but loved every single moment. Maid of the Mist has been in existence since 1846. Millions of gallons of water crash like thunder onto the rocks below the Falls, with the mist rising before you. It's such an exhilarating feeling!
Niagara Falls Souvenirs
After we disembarked, Ashley and her Dad walked up a trail for a different view of the spectacular Falls, while the rest of us took the elevator back up to the Park entrance. We found reasonable prices for tank tops, t-shirts and other souvenirs at the State Parks Gift Shop.
All total, we spent between two and three hours at Niagara Falls, then turned around and headed home, stopping in Erie, Pennsylvania to eat at the famous Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant right off of I-90 in Erie, Pennsylvania. If you haven't eaten there, it's quite the place with a racing car atmosphere. The buffalo wings are delicious!!
We arrived home before dark, with smiles, happy hearts, and beautiful photos of our day-long adventure!
We arrived home before dark, with smiles, happy hearts, and beautiful photos of our day-long adventure!
Resources:
Official Maid of the Mist Website
Grayline Tours website
Viator Website
2008-2009 Tourist Info Map (compliments of Gray Line)
www.quakersteakandlube.com
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
Grayline Tours website
Viator Website
2008-2009 Tourist Info Map (compliments of Gray Line)
www.quakersteakandlube.com
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
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