Where to go and what to do

I get asked semi-regularly for Niagara Falls tour recommendations.

Sometimes, it is for a private tour, led by me. If you want such a tour, reach out. I am happy to help and your people will have a better experience with someone local to show them the ropes. Yes, I accept payment but you will have a better time and spend less than if you hire one of the tour companies I work for as a side-hustle.

I am happy to give free advice as well. My preference is to walk almost everywhere. There are parking lot and trolley options for others.

Where to park:

Option A.) Parking in Lot 1 by the Maid of the Mist and Lot 2 on Goat Island is $10 now. The address for Lot 1 is 333 Prospect St. Niagara Falls NY 14303. Parking Lot 2 on Goat Island 15 Goat Island Road. One fee covers both lots all day.

Option B.) Park at the Schoellkopf Elevator/Great Lakes 360 lot right in front of the Park Police Barracks, 570 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Free. You can walk from there or even take a free trolley to the Maid of the Mist. Free

Option C. Use Lot 1 or 2, buy trolley tickets, $5 per adult. The trolley goes from the Maid docks to Goat Island with stops for the Cave, Terrapin Point and Three Sisters Island. Cave and Trolley passes are sold in the visitor’s center.

What to do:

Schoellkopf Elevator: After parking in the free lot, take the elevator down to the Schoellkopf Ruins and the Maid of the Mist winter docks. There are great historical displays and for the more adventurous a beautiful hike nearby either from the bottom of the elevator or along the gorge rim. Up top, walk north along the gorge (away from the Falls) continue on the path for the Great Gorge Railway trail. Partway to the stairs by the Underground Railroad Heritage Museum (which is worth visiting), there is a turnoff to the left for a marked trail leading to the Schoellkopf ruins.

Continue on that trail (which is moderately difficult) to the Maid winter docks and ruins. If you continue past the boats and displays, a rough trail will take you down to the water’s edge and a great view of the Falls framed by the Rainbow Bridge.

Take the elevator back to your car.

Maid of the Mist: Nov. 2 was the last day for this season. Tickets are $30.25 for adults and $19.50 for kids. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cave of the Winds: Stays open year round on Goat Island $19 in season. $14 now. Decks below Bridal Veil Falls with a great view of the American Falls. It has not been a cave since the 1800s. 20 out of 20 Japanese tourists I polled this summer liked it better than the Maid. Deck deconstruction is under way. Before heading to the attraction, there is a small museum dedicated to hydroelectric, geology and history. There is also a 7-minute movie. If you sit in the back, you will be first in line for the elevator.

While you are on Goat Island:

3) Walk to Horseshoe Falls from the Cave.

4) Walk to Stedman's Bluff, see the Tesla Statue, talk about the underground railroad.

5) Optional: Walk down 54 steps to Luna Island. See the Cave attraction from above.

6) Drive or walk to Three Sisters' Islands. Bring birdseed.

Lunch suggestions:

1. Starry Night Cafe. Park on Portage Road near Pine Avenue in front of the red doors at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.
2. DiCamillo’s Bakery, Linwood Avenue. Everything is good but spinach ricotta is my favorite pizza. Pot roast is my favorite sandwich.

Have questions? Email me at joegenco@gmail.com

After Goat Island:

Free stuff:

1) Visit the Niagara Power Vista at the hydroelectric plant. No cost. Awesome museum/science and history.

2) Visit Whirlpool State Park. See the Whirlpool from above. Class 6 (non navigable rapids) above and below. For more able hikers, there is a path on the rim of the gorge that leads to a staircase. 400 steps down. Go left to an area called the flats. Watch for sassafras trees. Go right along the Great Gorge Railway bed to the Devils Hole stairs. Walk the rim back to your car.