The Grand Canyon. Niagara Falls. Old Faithful. They are the vacation destinations that define a childhood. What's magical about these spots, we've discovered, is that no matter how many times you see them in photographs, or read about them or view them on TV, they still blow you away in real life. Indeed, visiting them may well be the closest experience the modern American family has to an ancient pilgrimage. So in that spirit, we present a natural wonder your family will remember for a lifetime, the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls located on the New York-Canadian border. (For other classic family vacations, click on the following links: the Grand Canyon, Old Faithful Geyser, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore.)
NIAGARA FALLS, NY
WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT: A spectacle of staggering proportions, Niagara Falls is one of those rare places in the world where Mother Nature flexes her muscle without forcing any humans to run for cover. It's also the oldest state park in the nation, surrounded by a flood of family diversions and amusements.BEST TIME TO GO: In the summer, the crowds are biggest, but the spray offers a great way to stay cool, and the water volume is at its peak. In autumn, the foliage nearly rivals the falls for scenic value. And in winter, the mist turns the entire vicinity into a frost-coated fairyland--in the words of one park employee, "It's like a scene from Dr. Zhivago."
BEST PLACE TO VIEW THE FALLS: Try the deck of the Maid of the Mist, which chugs right up to the base of Horseshoe and American falls--souvenir raincoats are provided. If you don't like boats, you can get nearly the same experience at the "Hurricane Deck" at Cave of the Winds, where a spray-whipped sign jokingly reads, "NO SMOKING." If it's a sunny day, this particular vantage point might offer another treat--a 180-degree rainbow can form around the deck.
MOST AMAZING SURVIVAL TALE: In July 1960, seven-year-old Roger Woodward was boating in the Upper Niagara river with his 17-year-old sister, Deanne, and a family friend when the boat capsized, throwing all three into the water. Deanne was plucked to safety before the falls; Roger and the friend both went over. The man died, but Roger, in his life jacket, was rescued at the base of the falls by a Maid of the Mist tour boat. He suffered only minor injuries. No other person has ever gone over without protection and lived.
BEST SIDE TRIPS: There are many, and Niagara Falls just wouldn't be the same without them. Some we like: Daredevil Museum is as much a souvenir shop as a museum, but they do have on display a barrel that carried two people successfully over the falls in 1995. Admission is free. Call 716-282-4046. Clifton Hill, an amusement strip in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has a dinosaur-themed mini golf, a Ripley's Believe It or Not Moving Theatre, a Guinness World of Records Museum, the Skylon Tower observation deck (one of two near the falls), Louis Tussaud's Wax Works and other such stuff. The Pedaling History Museum, in Orchard Park, New York, offers the world's largest collections of antique and classic American bicycles and memorabilia. Call 716-662-3853 for rates and info. The Toy Town Museum, in East Aurora, New York, is a walk through modern toy history, from antiques right up through STAR WARS. Admission is free, donations accepted. Call 716-687-5151.
BEST LODGING: The area offers innumerable choices, many of which are listed on the Web sites noted in the Resources section below. Tip: Check into lodging on the Canadian side at Tourism Niagara, where the exchange rate can lead to considerable savings.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
Where it is: On the New York-Canadian border, north of Buffalo.
Annual visitation: 14 million people.
Names of the three falls that make up Niagara: American (or Rainbow), Horseshoe (Canadian side) and Bridal Veil.
Claim to fame: It's among the world's top three waterfalls in terms of water flow.
Number of daredevils who've gone over in various containers since 1901: 15.
Number who survived: 10.
Current fine for going over: $10,000.
Admission: Free.
RESOURCES:
General information: 716-278-1796.
Free visitors' guide: Call 800-338-7890.
Web sites: Niagara Falls Premier Vacation Guide or Niagara Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Rani Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN. Steve Dupuis and Curtis Rist contributed tips to this report.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
