Flynn|Wirkus|Young, P.C

While many people see the Erie Canal from a distance, getting a closer look will reveal how this body of water works to further the area's economy. The canal is actually quite interesting, and you can learn more about it when you take the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruise. Your tour guide will be quite informative from start to finish, describing how Lockport is known for the area's water "locks" that run approximately 50 feet. When you cruise through the canal on this tour, you'll actually go through the "locks" and see for yourself how these locks are used to move traffic along the river and its uniquely elevated terrain. It's a great tour for the whole family.

Reading about art is one thing, but seeing it for yourself takes the experience of art appreciation to a whole new level. That is the mission of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. This internationally recognized museum proudly houses impressive collections of international sculptures and paintings that will captivate your imagination the moment you see them. Also, there are works from iconic artists like Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and Van Gough that are among the many highlights that you'll see in this world-class art venue.

Buffalo's economic growth owes much to the Niagara River and Lake Erie. Historically, this body of water has been pivotal in the area's water trafficking economy and is also an attractive natural spectacle. Hear about the commercial growth while enjoying the aquatic visual appeal when you take the Buffalo Harbor Cruises. The cruises feature highly informed guides who tell the stories that have occurred between these shores. They will be happy to answer your questions, as well. Take your camera to snap lots of great views of the harbor and the city. The tour's vessel, "Miss Buffalo II," regularly departs from the dock at 79 Marine Drive.

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.