Niagara Falls State Park offers plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, but the most obvious focal point of the entire area are the magnificent, cascading waters that make Niagara Falls such a riveting and compelling vision. The park covers a large area, as it includes the land that borders the American side of Niagara Falls. The area features several islands that act as vital vantage points when experiencing a park this size. These islands include Three Sisters Island, Prospect Point, Goat Island, and Luna Island at Bridal Falls. The park also features a highly informative Visitor's Center, the Niagara Falls Discovery Center, as well as a very popular Observation Tower. The park is open all year round and visitors can enjoy such activities as fishing, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.
The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of what life was like for the area’s settlers. The museum is situated on a 35-acre park that is dedicated to telling the story of frontier life in the Niagara area. See such interesting sites as vintage houses, restored homes, and actual buildings in which the area's pioneers lived. Don't forget to stop into the museum to see some authentic arts and crafts that date back to this formative period in Buffalo's history.
Darien Lakes State Park is known for its challenging, hilly terrain that surrounds the 12-acre Harlow Lake. There are several excellent recreation trails to be found in this naturally alluring part of the area. In addition to the trails, you will also find an impressive 158 campsites, a beach, playgrounds, great fishing spots, and horseback riding trails, too. Additionally, the trails here are open for not only hiking, but for sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling as well.
The Buffalo Zoo offers a collection of various species of some of the world's most amazing animals, all presented in their natural habitats. As it is one of the country's oldest zoos, it's also one of the most extensive. Species from all over the globe are represented in the exhibits and attractions here, including pandas, polar bears, Indian rhinos and lots more. Also, don't miss the incredible collection of birds and reptiles as well as the excellent Children's Petting Zoo and the delicious snacks that await at the popular "Beastro."