As a kid I saw a movie where Anthony Quinn played the role of a daredevil, and goes over Niagara Falls in a barrel. How cool is that?  That intrigued me, and I have wanted to see Niagara Falls ever since.   The day we visited Niagara Falls coincidently a man survived his trip over the falls.  The crazy part is hearing the televised news during lunch, and the waitress tells us, “Oh that sort of thing happens all the time.”  According to the Buffalo News, it is estimated that 25 people annually commit suicide by going over the falls.  Best records show only 12 have survived.

Man survives Niagara Falls

We camped at Four Mile State Park about 12 miles from Niagara Falls along the shore of Lake Ontario. the 13th largest lake in the world.  The retention time of Lake Ontario’s water is six years. The Great Lakes make up 20% of all the worlds fresh water.

The color and intensity of Whirlpool Rapids was our first view of the Niagara River.  The Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike is recommended for experienced hikers, who are at least 8 years of age. (How much experience can you have by age 8?) The trail begins at Whirlpool State Park, and is a three-hour hike round trip.  Very stunning.

We toured the Niagara power plant facility/museum. I really liked the history exhibit of building the dam, and playing with the interactive learning games.  There was also a Disney type ride that mimicked flying over the country side, showing the electric grid, wind generators, and the falls.  It truly had a motion sensation including a water spray when going over the Niagara River and Falls area.  I asked about going into the dam and seeing the turbines, but that portion of the facility has not been viewable since nine eleven.

Lake Ontario, Shoreline Trail

 

Niagara Falls

Most state parks will waive entry fees if you are camping at another park with in the state.  We were able to find a parking spot in Niagara Falls State Park, which was kind of cool.  The U.S. side offers up a wonderfully manicured park, several attractions in addition to the Falls.  Crossing over the Rainbow Bridge to Canada was easy, and offered up great views. The Ferris Wheel, Zip Line, and promenade walk made for a fair grounds feel on the Canadian side.   There was no charge getting into Canada. The Canadian Customs turnstiles charged a dollar, (U.S. Quarters only) to pass back over the Rainbow Bridge.  U.S. Customs took a little longer, and the agents were more discerning of our documentation.

Click here for Niagara Falls State Park

 

Niagara Power Project

We toured the Niagara power plant facility/museum. I really liked the history exhibit of building the dam, and playing with the interactive learning games.  There was also a Disney type ride that mimicked flying over the country side, showing the electric grid, wind generators, and the falls.  It truly had a motion sensation including a water spray when going over the Niagara River and Falls area.  I asked about going into the dam and seeing the turbines, but that portion of the facility has not been viewable since nine eleven.