
Four of the five Great Lakes drain into the Niagara River and create the Falls that fall into the last of the five lakes. The Falls consists of three sets of falls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls which create a border between the United States and Canada.
Last week we did a road trip to Niagara Falls New York. I wanted to visit Ontario but the girls passports were an issue so we stayed on the U.S side of the falls. Prior to the trip I purchased the Niagara USA Discovery Pass which provides a significant discount to the attractions. The pass includes admission to five popular attractions, a trip on the Maid of the Mist boat, admission to the Cave of the Winds, a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center experience and Niagara: Legends of the Adventure movie. It also included one day unlimited use of the Niagara scenic trolley.
We arrived and immediately headed to the historic Maid of the Mist. We were issued blue souvenir ponchos and began our cruise passed the American Falls to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The boat essentially disappears into the mist of the spray from the thunderous falling water. The girls loved the excitement of the closeness to the powerful water; plus they enjoyed the cool spray from the water since it was ninety plus degrees.
Leaving the Maid of the Mist we caught the trolley to the Top of the Falls Restaurant for an up close and personal lunch near the crest of the roaring Horseshoe Falls.
After lunch we were off to the Cave of the Winds. We were issued souvenir sandals and another poncho before we traveled 175 feet down an elevator into the Niagara Gorge to begin our walk to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. We followed along the wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck. It was a thrilling and very wet experience, with a spectacular view of the Bridal Veil Falls. I think standing on the deck was our favorite part of the trip. We were soaked; even with two ponchos on Alli was drenched.
We made a quick trek to small Luna Island situated between the rushing rapids on the rim of the falls before we headed back to the Visitors Center. We waited for the evening display of colorful lights illuminating the Falls and then the fireworks show before we headed to our hotel.
The following morning we were off to the Aquarium, the Gorge Discovery Center and finally the movie theater. I was amazed that the 40 minute movie kept the attention of the girls and had them leaving with numerous more questions.
It was a great fast paced fun filled trip. The girls learned a lot and can brag that they have visited the famous Niagara Falls. I highly recommend that everyone to make a trip to the Falls, there is plenty to see and do for all ages.