Best Two Days in Niagara Falls NY – Planning Guide (By A Travel Expert)
Deciding whether to spend two days in Niagara Falls NY and want to know the things to do during your visit?
Most people I know have been to Niagara Falls sometime during their childhood but have little memory of the visit. Stuart and I are in the same boat. So, we decided to drive to Niagara Falls for a two-day visit.
We found that visiting Niagara Falls in New York was a thrilling experience due to its awe-inspiring natural beauty and immense power. The sheer scale of the falls, with massive volumes of water cascading down, created a sense of wonder and excitement. It was mesmerizing!
In this guide, we will provide a two-day itinerary on what to do and see during your stay.
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DAY 1- Two Days in Niagara Falls NY Planning Guide
A trip to the Official Visitor Center is the best way to start the visit. At the Center, we got our maps of the Niagara Falls State Park and learned about the free Discover Niagara Shuttle (white). They have 3 different routes from the Niagara Falls State Park to Old Fort Niagara.
You can download an app to track the shuttle and check schedules. This shuttle runs from May to mid-October. Click on this link to view their website.
The Niagara Falls State Park also offers a Niagara Scenic Trolley (green). This trolley has stops in the Niagara Falls State Park, at the Niagara Gorge Trails and Schoellkopf Elevator Stop.
The trolley ride costs $3.00 per adult, $2.00 per youth and are good for the day. Tickets can be purchased at the trolley stops. The trolley runs from May till the end of November. Click on this link to view their website.
Another option is to walk, which we like to do. We were able to walk through the park and out to the Schoellkopf Power Plant.
Rainbow Bridge
We started our day with a walk across the Rainbow Bridge. This bridge connects the United States with Canada and spans the Niagara Gorge. Its name aptly describes the rainbows that often are seen in the mist from the Falls.
In the center of the bridge is the boundary sign between the US and Canada. This is a great place for a photo and to view the Falls. We spent our time at the boundary line, watching the falls and the gorge below.
Please remember if you want to enter Canada you must have your passport!!! In returning to the USA, you must go through the Immigration Inspection Checkpoint, and you must have your passport. They also accept an Enhanced Driver’s License which is available only to residents of New York (NY), Vermont (VT), Michigan (MI) and Washington (WA).
The process for us was easy with no waiting. The Agent asked some questions and then we were on our way.
Niagara Falls NY Observation Tower
We walked from the Rainbow Bridge to the Observation Tower. The Tower extends out over the Niagara Gorge.
A ticket to access the Tower is required and can be purchased at the Maid of the Mist Ticket Booth. Currently the cost is $1.25 per person to take the elevator to the Observation Deck.
From the Deck, we had an unobstructed view of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls as well as Canada and the Rainbow Bridge.
Crow’s Nest at Niagara Falls NY
From the Observation Deck, we took the elevator down to the base of the gorge. There was a walk path along the gorge that lead to a series of steps to the Crow’s Nest. It was an amazing view of the American Falls crashing down.
It gets a little misty here and you may get wet! This area closes at 7pm and the Park Rangers start moving everyone out by 6:30pm back to the elevators – just an FYI.
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
Now if you really want to get wet, then the Maid of the Mist boat tour would be perfect. The tour is about 20 minutes, and the boat takes you as close as safely possible to the Horseshoe and American Falls. Since 2020, they have been using two electric boats for the Falls tour.
Tickets can be purchased from the Maid of the Mist ticket booth. The ticket price does include admission to the Observation Tower and rain ponchos.
Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park
This is the best spot to view the American Falls and the American Rapids. The area is within walking distance of the Observation Tower and Maid of the Mist. They are building a new Welcome Center here too. Not sure when it will officially open, but they seem to be making progress.
Prospect Point is also a great spot to view the nightly illumination of the Falls. The lights come on at dusk till 2am every night of the year.
From mid-May to mid-October, a fireworks display takes place every evening at 10pm. The show lasts about 10 minutes. I must admit that we did not see the fireworks during our visit. We were already in bed from a full day of walking!!!
Luna Island in Niagara Falls State Park
From Prospect Point, we walked along the Lower Gorge Trail towards the American Falls Pedestrian Bridge. The view of the American Rapids is incredible from the trail and from the pedestrian bridge – so powerful!
From the bridge, we entered Goat Island, and my first reaction was that it looked like Central Park in NYC. The same landscape architects, Olmsted and Vaux designed both parks. It was beautiful with wide walking paths.
We followed the signs for Luna Island along the North Shore Trail. The island was small, but it had wonderful views of the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. It was well worth the walk for the awe-inspiring views.
DAY 2 – Two Days in Niagara Falls NY Planning Guide
The plan for the second day was to learn more about the power plants and to further explore Goat Island in the Niagara Falls State Park.
Niagara Power Vista Plant
The power plant is a 15-minute drive from the Falls. It is in Lewiston on the Niagara River Gorge. Admission to the Power Plant is free.
We wanted to learn how they harness all the energy generated from the falls. This is an operational plant that has a Visitors Center with interactive exhibits and displays explaining the history of hydroelectric power generation.
On the lower level of the Center was a theater. The film was very informative by providing an understanding of the plant’s inner workings, renewable energy technologies and how it impacts the environment. The Niagara Power Vista Plant provides up to 25% of New York’s electricity.
The Tesla versus Edison display was very interesting and educational in learning about AC/DC. This is a great facility for children with lots of hands-on displays.
One of the highlights of the visit was the view of the gorge and the plant from the Observation Deck. A similar power plant is directly across the river on the Canadian side.
Lewiston Village
After our visit to the Power Plant, we drove to Lewiston Village. It is a very quaint and charming town with shops, art galleries and restaurants lining the main street. We drove through the town to the Niagara River. Here the river is calm and lined with boats docks and several restaurants.
The Freedom Crossing Monument is the center piece in a small park along the river. It is a tribute to the last stop on the underground railroad.
This is also the place to take a Domed Jet Boat Tour (stay dry) up the Niagara Gorge to the Whirlpool through the rapids. I did not take the tour but enjoyed watching the jet boats zipping along the river while having a snack and cocktail at the Griffon Brewery and Gastropub.
Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site
From Lewiston, we took the Niagara Scenic Parkway back to Niagara Falls stopping at the Schoellkopf site. Now I must admit that I did not pay attention to the words “ruins site” and I was expecting to see an actual building. All that remained were the original elevator shaft and some exterior walls.
We took the elevator down to the Niagara Gorge. The history of the plant is explained in signage along a wall. In 1924, the Schoellkopf was the largest hydroelectric plant in the world.
In 1956, over two thirds of the plant collapsed due to a water leak behind a wall. Surprisingly only one employee lost their life in the catastrophe. The information was very interesting and there were great views of the Gorge and the Rainbow Bridge.
Three Sisters Islands in Niagara Falls State Park
We returned our car back to the hotel and walked over the American Rapids Bridge to Goat Island to visit the Three Sisters Islands. The islands are a trio of small islands situated in the Niagara River, just upstream from the Horseshoe Falls.
The islands were named after the three daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney, an influential figure in the early development of Niagara Falls tourism.
We were able to access the Three Sisters Islands via pedestrian bridges and pathways. The views of the powerful Canadian Rapids leading to the Horseshoe Falls were stunning.
Terrapin Point in Niagara Falls State Park
We walked from Three Sisters Islands to Terrapin Point. This was one of the major observation areas to view the Horseshoe Falls. It was thrilling to stand next to the edge as the water crashed over into the gorge. We were able to view the Maid of the Mist through the heavy mist below circling near the falls.
The Top of the Falls restaurant is slightly uphill from the Point, and it was a perfect spot for a beverage and snack.
We sat on the terrace and watched the falls and felt the mist blowing by. We also had a great view of the Canadian side. So much to see!!!
Cave of the Winds
From Terrapin Point, we walked to the Cave of the Winds. This attraction is best to do at the end of the day since you will get very wet! There are a series of wooden walkways and platforms that take you very close to the Bridal Veil and American Falls.
Tickets can only be purchased from the ticket booth at the site, and they are timed. It is best to go there first thing in the morning to schedule your tour. A rain poncho will be provided.
We did not take the tour since we had no desire to be totally soaked. But we did watch everyone walk along the wooden path and they were certainly having a blast. This attraction is open year-round, and I cannot imagine what it would be like in the winter.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls NY for Two Days?
Niagara Falls has a variety of chain hotels and bed & breakfasts. During our visit, we stayed at the Hampton Inn which is a 15-minute walk to the American Falls. The room was spacious and clean. They provided a free breakfast, and the hotel is dog friendly.
If you are looking for a quaint town, consider staying in Lewiston and driving into Niagara Falls. The town is nicer than Niagara Falls and they have a variety of restaurants.
Where to Eat in Niagara Falls NY?
Niagara Falls has several diverse dining options and most of them are very casual. We ate at La Cucina di Mamma which was a block away from our hotel. We also tried Wine on Third which had a good wine selection.
There are chain-style restaurants like Hard Rock Café and Rainforest Café which are great for families. The Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino has a several restaurants which tend to be higher priced, but the atmosphere may be fun.
Visiting Niagara Falls NY: FAQ
We covered a lot of things to see and do during a two-day visit to Niagara Falls. But you may have a few more questions about Niagara Falls which are answered below in the FAQ’s.
Is two days in Niagara Falls enough?
If your primary reason for the trip is to see the Falls, then yes, two days is enough. Within the two days, we were able to see everything in the state park.
Are there other fun things to do in Niagara Falls that are not on the two-day itinerary?
Yes, there are more things to do such as:
- Old Fort Niagara
- Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours – Domed (Dry) or Open-Top (Wet)
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Is there anything to do on the US side of Niagara Falls?
Yes, there are plenty of things to do on the US side. This planning guide covers the key attractions to see while in Niagara Falls. The US side provides access to the rapids which lead to the Falls. They are powerful and add to the excitement when visiting.
Where is the best place to see Niagara Falls on the US side?
Prospect Point and the Observation Tower are the best places to see the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.
Final Thoughts: Best Two Days in Niagara Falls NY – Planning Guide
During our two days in Niagara Falls, we got to spend a lot of time exploring the state park and appreciating the beauty and power of the Falls. We were able to get close to the edge of the Falls and feel the mist on our skin. The sound of the water was intense and at times frightening.
Walking across the Rainbow Bridge and crossing the boundary line into Canada was fun. The surrounding parks and viewpoints offered different perspectives of the Falls, allowing us to admire their grandeur from multiple angles.
Our goal in sharing the two-day planning guide is to help you plan your trip efficiently, saving time and effort in the research process. We want to provide insights, recommendations, and tips that enhance your overall travel experience to Niagara Falls and ensure a more enjoyable journey.
If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Niagara Falls, New York we would be happy to help. Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.
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