Niagara Falls Free Viewing Itinerary – You’re Gonna Love It!

Did We Say See Niagara Falls Free?!?

Yes, we said that you can see Niagara Falls Free. No, there is no mistake there.  And, we are about to tell all the incredible free places to see Niagara Falls.

You may think that can’t be true  It is such an amazing place, that you may have even been wondering “how much does Niagara Falls cost?”  Well, Niagara Fall costs nothing.  You can visit Niagara Falls for free, and there are 7 great places to get up close and get the best free views of the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and both sides of the upper falls. We have put them all together here.  We have even put them all on a walking map, so you won’t miss any of these free Niagara Falls viewing locations on the American side.

Just so we are all on the up and up here, no, I am not saying that you can do everything possible in Niagara Falls for free.  Of course that is not the case.  We have another story to guide you through the  Everything there is to do at Niagara Falls, and more details about some other attractions, such as the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, which we believe is a must have experience, if money is not tight. There is so much to see and do in the area that we recommend staying a couple days, and we have some amazing suggestions on where to stay in Niagara Falls.  

BUT, you can definitely have an amazing experience at Niagara, see every part of the falls, including the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls, the Upper Falls, both the American and Canadian rapids, for no cost but getting there.   

The area surrounding the falls on the American side is part of the Niagara Falls State Park.  Like many state parks in the US, entrance is entirely free! This is unique for a geological wonder of such renown. One of the very best facets of this is that it keeps the majority of the commercialism outside of the park grounds.  Not only can you see the fabulous views of the falls in a beautiful, natural setting, you won’t have to contend with tacky marketing or advertising while you explore.  Yes, you still gotta get there, and you may have to pay to park, and we will give you the info on that at the end of the article. 

We can’t wait to show you all of the fabulous views available in Niagara Falls for free, BUT, if you know us, you know we have to give you some history first.

Niagara Falls State Park History

Visitors to Niagara Falls today may have a hard time envisioning what the banks of the Niagara River looked like 150 years ago.  The Industrial Revolutions had already happened, and the power of the water attracted businessmen hoping to capitalize from across the country. By the end of the 1870s the river banks were awash with factories and heavy industry.  Shanty towns of factory workers grew up to the north and south of the falls.

As the degenerate state of what was once a scenic natural wonder increased, naturalists were alarmed.  It was noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who initiated a report on the state of the Falls area, and led a publicity and petition campaign, on the premise that “the state” had the right to acquisition certain lands for public recreation use.  By the way, Olmstead designed many of the US most notable areas, including Central Park.

In 1883 the bill would be signed by the New York Governor, Grover Cleveland, appropriating certain lands in the surrounding areas, forming the state controlled Niagara Reservation in 1885. In operation since that time, Niagara Falls State Park claims to be the oldest state park in continuous operation today, and it is definitely the first state park created by eminent law.

The state park protects over 400 acres, and 140 of those areas are below water.  The riverbank along the American side is part of the park, both upstream and downstream, as are several islands.  Not all of the islands are accessible, but most are, including Green Island, which sits in the midst of the American rapids, Goat Island which separates the two American side falls from the Horseshoe Falls, Luna Island, which separates the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and the Three Sisters Islands, which sit in the Cascade Rapids.  

Our Personal Niagara Falls History

Niagara Falls is one of those places almost everyone wants to see, and the thought of it gets pretty exciting when you know it is going to happen.  On their first trip to the falls, everyone I know reached a point where they knew they were close.  They could see the river, and perhaps the mist in the distance, and suddenly had that urge to see the falls now. I mean right NOW!  At this point, they lost all track of their gps and maps, and just started following the signs to get there.  I understand! We did this on our first trip. Oh my goodness, it’s right here! Find a place to park.

In most cases, when this happens nowadays, they end up in either parking lot 1 near the main viewing platform, or parking lot 2, on Goat Island.  (I must point out, that parking in either of these lots is NOT FREE.) If you are not worried about this, follow those signs when your heart starts racing!  When we did this, parking was a bit different, and we ended up in what is now parking lot 3.  That first moment stepping out of the car is amazing! The sound hits you immediately.  You can’t see the falls, yet you can hear the awesome power of the rushing water, almost surrounding you.  

My children were teenagers at that time, and they could barely stand it, so I let them start following the sound, and I followed behind.  I could only see them and the trees, but suddenly they stopped about 50 meters ahead of me. As I got closer I could finally see why they were staring in wonder. They were at the side of the Canadian Rapids, and it was an awesome sight!  

If you have never seen rapids, or only those in smaller waters, seeing the rapids for the first time, up close, is hard to describe.  Imagine a river wide torrent of water racing past at 25 miles per hour, literally 2 steps in front of you. I have to tell you that this is a moment that I will always remember.  Even cool American teenage boys realized they were seeing something special.

Our Niagara Falls Free Views Itinerary

Ready to take your tour of Niagara Falls best free viewing locations?  Lets take a look at the views, and then we will share a pinned map, so you won’t miss any of them!

Parking lot 1 is near the State Park Visitors Center, and the Observation Tower.  This is the best starting point, if the lot is not full.  The visitor’s center is free, and there are a couple displays about the history of the falls.  But if you are not planning to spend any money, there is not a whole lot to see there.  There are public bathrooms though, so it is a good stop if you have been driving a while.  You can also grab a map of the park, so you can have one in your hand as you follow our itinerary, and if you are planning to see the paid attractions, this is where the Discovery Theater is located.

If walking is a challenge for anyone, this is also where you can get trolley tickets.  The trolley is an all day hop on hop off service that goes to all of the noteworthy viewing locations and paid attractions.  If you are using the trolley, see the tips section, so you don’t miss or favorite two viewing locations.  It costs $3 for an adult and $2 for children, and a bracelet is issued, ensuring that trolley use is available for the entire day.

Niagara Falls Free Spot 1 – Your First Glimpse of the Falls

Continue on past the center and the tower,  and down the path for your first glimpse of the falls.  From this vantage, you can see the American Falls, and a portion of the Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.  This spot, and the observation tower, are the only places on the US side where all 3 falls can be seen at the same time. (To see all three in their entirety at once, you must be on the Canadian side, or on one of the boat trips. None the less, this is an amazing view!)  Remember this spot, as this is where you want to come at night.

If you look across the American Falls you will see what appears to be a ledge at the edge of the falls, and you will see people there.  At first glance you may wonder how they got there, as it seems a bit remote and inaccessible, in a way scary. I actually thought it was one of those special tour places that I would not be able to go, but I was wrong!  

Niagara Falls Free Spot 2 – Walk Along the Rapids

When you are done soaking in the view, turn left, and follow the path.  It leads upstream alongside the American Rapids.  The pathways are paved, and skirt the river bank for good views. The rapids really are impressive, and in this section, they have been nicknamed Hell’s Half Acre.  There is shade along the way, as well as intermittent benches and large rocks to sit and take it all in.  

Niagara Falls Free Spot 3 – Stop for the Bridge View

When you come to Goat Island Road, turn right, and cross the bridge, unless you want to enjoy more rapids.  You can also continue, and cross at the 1st Street Bridge.  If you cross on the Goat Island Road Bridge, the first island is Green Island, which has no paths or facilities, so continue straight onto a second bridge, and cross over to Goat Island.  If you cross on the 1st Street Bridge, you miss Green Island all together.

One of the cool things you notice on the bridges is that the water here is actually not very deep.  I found this a little surprising, considering the massive torrents flowing over the falls.  The bottom of the river is all stone here, and you can see its details clearly.

Free Niagara Falls Bonus – See the Point of No Return

If you go left on Goat Island, you proceed through a quiet and grassy area along the American Rapids.  Eventually you will see parking lot 3, and be near the end of the island. Although it may not seem overly remarkable, what is cool at this spot is that you can see what is called the point of no return.  

Looking straight out from the end of the island the Niagara River seems almost quiet and placid.  However, on either side, as the water splits, you can clearly see the point where the water suddenly begins to rush, on both sides of the island.  This is the point of no return. Boats go out on the Niagara River for fishing and pleasure. As long as they stay beyond this point, they are fine.  But if they hit this point, they will most likely go over the falls.

Niagara Falls Free Spot 4 – My Favorite – Luna Island

Turning right on Goat Island will lead to some of the most spectacular viewing locations in the park.  Stay on the trails that skirt the rapids, as they go on down the slope, and eventually there is another bridge, to Luna Island.  Luna Island is small enough that it isn’t even indicated on many maps, so it is easy to miss.  This is my favorite place in all of Niagara Falls State Park!

Luna Island sits between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.  On one end of this tiny island, you seem to be in the midst of a calm woodland stream, with some gentle waterfalls.  On the other end of the island, you can literally look straight down at the torrent of the American Falls as it plummets to the ground, and to the wooden pathways beneath the Bridal Veil Falls.  The juxtaposition of the two sides, seems surreal.

From here, you also have fabulous views of the Maid of the Mist and the Hornblower, as they make their journeys toward the Horseshoe Falls.  And if you look toward the observation tower, you realize that you are now one of the people standing in the precarious spot, causing all of the newcomers to wonder how you got there, and if they can get there too.

The vibration from the power of the water can be felt by those who are sensitive, and the sound of the rush fills the air.  It causes you to wonder how long the man-made railings and bridge will last. Still, it is captivating, and hard to leave.  It would be the perfect place and time to have a picnic lunch when making the route to the different viewing spots on foot.

Luna Island was so fantastic that I would have been satisfied if it were the only free place to see Niagara Falls!

Niagara Falls Free Spot 5 – Get a View from Above – Goat Island

When you can finally let Luna Island go, and cross the bridge, use the stairway that leads back up onto Goat Island, rather than the path.  This brings you to the Nikola Tesla statue. It was Tesla who discovered how to truly harness the power of the water and transmit it long distances using alternating current.  There is a display on his work and discoveries as part of the Cave of the Winds attraction.  We share our experience there in our Discovering the Niagara Attractions story.  At this point though, though, turn around for stunning views from above.  You can see the Bridal Veil Falls, Luna Island, the American Falls, the Observation Tower and the Rainbow Bridge.  

Niagara Falls Free Spot 6 – Terrapin Point – Travis’ Favorite

From the statue, turn right and take the trail that runs along the edge of the gorge.  This path leads to my son’s favorite viewing spot on Goat Island, Terrapin Point. Terrapin point is the only place on the US side where you can get a view of the full Horseshoe Falls.   The disadvantage on the American side is that you are literally right next to the Horseshoe, so you are in the mist.  That is really cool for the view and experience, but challenging for your photos.

Perhaps it is different during full peak season, but I have never seen Terrapin Point completely packed in either of my visits.  It is a bit remote, and perhaps not everyone realizes it is there, and it is free. In a park full of incredible views, this is one of the best, and it can’t be missed.  

There are several paths winding around at Terrapin to afford different vantages, and making it accessible.  There are also large rocks and a few benches to sit and take it all in. Here, you can see how much more powerful this side of the falls is, as 90% of all the water goes over the Horseshoe Falls.  

Niagara Falls Free Spot 7 – A Bit More Rapids

When you finally decide to leave Terrapin point, you may be done for the day.  But if not, continue along the path, which now runs along the Canadian Rapids. This path will lead you to a turn which goes out onto the Three Sisters Islands.  

Three Sisters Island are quiet and wooded, with only a single path on each.  They offer some brilliant views of the Cascade Rapids. Even if you have already spent time at the American Rapids, there is so much more water flowing through the Canadian side, that it is worth a stop.  As I told in my story, the Canadian Rapids were my families very first experience at the falls, and one we will always remember.

Our Niagara Falls Free Views Map

Don’t miss any of the free Niagara Falls viewing locations!

Come back for More Free Niagara Falls Views at Night

Even if you had a long day of walking the park and seeing the falls, or a long day of driving to get there, you must visit the falls at night!  On our first visit, two of my sons and I had a lot of ants in our pants, so to speak, and could not sleep.  My husband and the other two had been sleeping sound for quite some time, when one of us brought it up.  Why don’t we go down and check out Niagara Falls at night?  Off we went.

The truth is that we had no idea that the falls were lit up at night.  We just wanted to get out, and see it again.  When we got there, we saw it, all lit up by colored lights coming from the Canadian side.   It was beautiful.  We were virtually alone, with the sound of the rushing water, and a symphony of colors.  We stood and watched for a long time.

If you go right at dusk, you will encounter a crowd on any warm night.  Wait a little later to go, as many visitors take their selfies and videos and leave.  The best view on the American side is just below the visitors center at Prospect Point, the very first view-point on our itinerary.  You will be glad you went!

Important Tips For Niagara Falls Free Views

If you happen to get a trolley ticket, the trolley stops near all of the our suggested viewpoints.  However, for Luna Island and Terrapin Point, get off and on at either the Cave of the Winds Stop, or the Top of the Falls stop.  From this stop, it will be necessary to go down a stairway to get to Luna Island.  If the stairway is not within your capabilities, go back in the direction the  trolley came from, and in about 400 meters you will find a sloped walkway.

There are no guard rails for trails along the rapids.  Be mindful of this if you are bringing children, as some trails are literally right next to the rapids.

Visitors with a fear of heights may have some difficulty on Luna Island.  Staying away from the edge can take away the feeling of insecurity.

Getting to Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls has it’s own airport, the Niagara Falls International Airport, however, tickets are usually much cheaper to fly into Buffalo at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.  This is about half an hour away from Niagara by car. Generally speaking, you can readily get an Uber to make that ride.

Both Niagara and Buffalo have Amtrak train stations and service, and Buffalo is serviced by Greyhound buses.  If you come into Buffalo by train or bus, you can catch the “city bus” or the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority buses at the main station on Ellicott Street.  Bus route 40 takes you right into Niagara Falls downtown, with a stop just across the street from the state park. It costs $2 for a single ride at this time, and $5 for a day pass, in case you are headed back to Buffalo at night. Tickets are half priced for children 5-11, and seniors 65 or older.

If you are driving into Niagara, your gps will get you there.  But in shortest terms, it is Interstate 190 north, taking the Niagara Scenic Parkway exit, which will lead directly to the park.

If you are driving from states to the west, we recommend Cleveland for a stop along the way!

Parking in Niagara Falls

Parking in lots 1 and 2 of Niagara Falls State Park costs $10 per day, Monday through Thursday, and $15 Friday through Sunday. The lots are open from 8 to 5, and provide the closest access to the various free places to see Niagara Falls.  Parking lot 3 is free, but it is only open Fridays to Sundays during the summer months, at this time.

There are municipal parking lots in Niagara Falls that offer 8 hour parking for between $6 an $12, which you can find at this link:  Niagara Falls city parking.  

City hotels offer free parking for their guests, and many are within walking distance to the falls. 

Other free things to do near Niagara Falls

Head on up to Whirlpool Rapids State Park, or Devil’s Hole State Park, if you have not gotten your fill of rapids.  These parks have more hiking trails at the upper and lower levels of the gorge. There are also more rapids and a cool whirlpool.  The river is much narrower here, and it appears there is less water flowing through, but the rapids actually go as fast as 40 miles an hour.  

If you happen to visit at the right times, you can watch the cable car go out over the whirlpool, or see the whirlpool jet boats traversing the waters.  The US-based jet boats depart from the nearby town of Lewiston.

 

Staying in Niagara Falls

If you are staying overnight, and you are on a strict budget, inexpensive options are slim during peak season.  Rooms of any kind are far cheaper before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. During summer, you may find a better deal staying in Buffalo, and using the transit buses to get back and forth from Niagara.  

There are several campgrounds in the area which run around $45 a night per site, and none are within walking distance, and the hostels also run $40 – $55 a night during the summer.  

There are dozens of hotels in the city, with the lowest prices being on the outskirts of town, near the Interstate 190 and US Route 62 junction.  However, we got a fabulous deal on The Giacomo, right across the street from the park, through our own Choice Hotels link. It turned out to be literally one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in!

We hope you can make it to Niagara Falls soon!