US Travel Guide - Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Entertainment

Got you over a barrel
Picture yourself surrounded by millions of gallons of swirling water, on the edge of a 170-foot precipice, about to tumble over that precipice to the rocks below with only the flimsiest protection of a barrel around you. Or flying over that same precipice on a jet ski and reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour before crashing!

Now that, you might argue, is the ultimate thrill, and the most exciting way to see, feel and do the Falls in all their majesty and power. In fact, it has been tried 15 times and 10 have survived to tell the tale (jet skier Robert Overacker didn't). You can check them - and some of their paraphernalia - out at the Daredevil Museum of Niagara Falls or at the Daredevils Hall of Fame. But its definitely not an advisable way to get your entertainment while visiting the area. Besides, it is now against the law.

Fortunately, there are more legal ways to enjoy the Falls, including a trip to Goat Island, part of Niagara Reservation State Park and the dividing line between the American and Horseshoe Falls. For those who like their action wild, wet and woolly, theres the Cave of the Winds, which takes you behind the Bridal Veil Falls through a series of scaffolds (heavy-duty raingear provided). Or you might try the ride to the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist which started operation in 1846.

The truly adventurous can take the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, a thrilling if bumpy romp through the white water rapids below the Falls. Or how about a different kind of trip over the Falls? Airborne Adventures, operating out of Gasport, NY, east of Niagara Falls, offers twice-daily balloon flights in season, which take up to four passengers on a one-hour ride over the entire Niagara Region. Its quiet yet exhilarating and all landings are guaranteed to be soft!

An evolving story of creation
Moving away from the Falls, there are plenty of things to do for fun and entertainment, both in the city itself and in the outlying villages and towns. For starters, begin in the downtown area and visit the Schoellkopf Geological Museum, which recreates the story of the creation of the Falls including exhibits and a multi-screen theater presentation. Then move on to the Aquarium of Niagara with up-close encounters with sharks, piranhas, California sea lions, and endangered Peruvian penguins. Out near the Niagara Falls International Airport, you'll find the Niagara Aerospace Museum which includes the worlds only Bell X-22A, and a rare Lockheed F-94A.

Nature lovers have a choice of several state parks, such as Whirlpool and Devils Hole, where hiking, biking and picnicking are permitted. Also, a trip to Grand Island brings you to Beaver Island and Buckhorn Island state parks. While at Beaver Island, visit the River Lea House, home of the Grand Island Historical Society and filled with Grover Cleveland memorabilia.

Golfers have dozens of courses from which to choose. The closest to the city are the Hyde Park North Course, the Niagara Falls Country Club, and the Beaver Island Golf Course. For those who like to practice their game, come what may, theres the vast Niagaras Golf Wonderland, with indoor and outdoor golf driving ranges, lessons by PGA pros, and a fully-equipped pro shop.

The waters of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River are teeming with freshwater fish of all kinds, from bass and walleye to steelhead, lake trout and salmon. They're also teeming with charter fishing services such as First Class Bass Charters and Dougs Charter Fishing Service. Remember you need a fishing licence, obtainable from most tackle supply and sports stores as well as New York Department of Environmental Conservation offices.

Delights for culture vultures
Lovers of the arts also have a solid choice of venues both in the city and throughout the region. For visual arts in the city, theres the Castellani Art Museum on the grounds of Niagara University, the Polly King Art Gallery in the downtown area, and Artisans Alley, a shop and gallery featuring contemporary and traditional works by over 600 American craftspeople.

Outside the city, you'll find the Carnegie Art Center in Tonawanda and the Kenan Center Gallery in Lockport. While in Lockport, be sure to get on the Lockport Cave Underground Boat Ride and the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises. And, during the spring to fall season, you're bound to fall in love with Artpark, indoor and outdoor art activities near the historic town of Lewiston that engage the entire family.

For a spot of history, head further north to Youngstown and Old Fort Niagara, right where the Niagara River flows out into Lake Ontario. Built by the French in the 1700s, the fort - directly across from Fort George and Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side - was used as a major launching site for both artillery and troops during the War of 1812. Today, you can visit the barracks to see how soldiers lived and worked 200 years ago, and there are even educational programs for young people to spend several days here.

Finally, for the shoppers in the crowd, Niagara Falls boasts several of the top malls and factory outlets in Western NY, including the downtown Rainbow Centre Factory Outlet, which also features an OTB Rainbow Racing Room Teletheater, and Niagara Falls Prime Outlet Malls and Summit Park Mall, both located near the Niagara Falls International Airport.

There you have it, Niagara with and without the Falls. If you aren't tired out yet, maybe you should start padding that barrel. Just kidding. Enjoy your stay and be sure to come back if you can't fit it all into one trip.

Michael Mirolla