The new Cataract Stairs and Overlook is now open at Niagara Falls. The new stairs and viewing platform gets visitors up close and personal with the falls’ powerful cascade bring visitors as close as 35 feet from the American Falls. [Read more…] about Niagara Falls New Cataract Stairs and Overlook Opens
Niagara Falls State Park
State Parks Outlines New Investments Hoped for 2026
In support of the goals outlined in Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State and executive budget, New York State Parks has announced support for several initiatives they say are designed to create jobs, enhance state park experiences, improve access to outdoor recreation and preserve state history. [Read more…] about State Parks Outlines New Investments Hoped for 2026
The Movement to Save Niagara Falls
Every year, more than nine million people come from all over the globe to experience the bucket-list waterfalls at Niagara Falls State Park. With attractions like the Cave of the Winds decks and the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour of the base of Niagara Falls, visitors can experience the power of the Falls first hand.
Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park holds the distinction of being the oldest state park in the United States. The creation of the park marked a significant milestone in conservation history. [Read more…] about The Movement to Save Niagara Falls
New Sign Marks First Same-Sex Couple Wedding Under NY’s Marriage Equality Act
On July 24, 2011, Niagara Falls was lit in rainbow as Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd became the first same-sex couple in the state to wed under New York’s Marriage Equality Act. A new interpretive sign at Niagara Falls State Park commemorates this watershed moment.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act in June 2011. When the Act went into effect on July 24th, New York became the sixth state to recognize same-sex marriage. [Read more…] about New Sign Marks First Same-Sex Couple Wedding Under NY’s Marriage Equality Act
Ladders to the Outdoors: Helping Youth Connect with the Outdoors
Created in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2021, New York State Parks’ Ladders to the Outdoors program launched with a goal to have children from underserved communities experience the outdoors at state parks in Erie and Niagara counties. [Read more…] about Ladders to the Outdoors: Helping Youth Connect with the Outdoors
New Documentary Details 100 Years of New York State Parks
WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, has announced the premiere of its latest locally produced documentary, From Land to Legacy: 100 Years of New York State Parks & Preservation. [Read more…] about New Documentary Details 100 Years of New York State Parks
New Way to View Niagara Falls Being Constructed
A new way to view Niagara Falls is expected to open for the 2026 season. The planned expansion of the Crow’s Nest includes the construction of new stairs and an overlook which will connect the existing Crow’s Nest to Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park, providing a new close-up view of the Falls. [Read more…] about New Way to View Niagara Falls Being Constructed
Remembering The 1925 Solar Eclipse
Solar eclipses of all kinds happen more frequently than you might think. According to NASA there are about 2,380 solar eclipses of all kinds every 1,000 years — or roughly 2-3 solar eclipses each year. For total solar eclipses, where the moon completely covers the Sun, it works out to two eclipses every three years.
The last total solar eclipse in New York State was on January 24, 1925 and the next ones are not expected until 2079 and 2144. Total eclipses occur in the same place only once every 400 years. [Read more…] about Remembering The 1925 Solar Eclipse
Niagara Scenic Parkway Removal Update
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) is beginning the scoping process for phase three of the removal of the Niagara Scenic Parkway, between Findlay Drive in the City of Niagara Falls and Center Street in the Village of Lewiston. [Read more…] about Niagara Scenic Parkway Removal Update
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid Named Open Space Institute CEO, President
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has announced that New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) Commissioner Erik Kulleseid will serve as its next President and CEO.
The selection of Commissioner Kulleseid marks his return to OSI. During his original eight-year stint at OSI, Kulleseid oversaw the creation of OSI’s parks initiative aimed at making protected land more accessible and welcoming to all people, according to the announcement. [Read more…] about State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid Named Open Space Institute CEO, President
Bodies Recovered After Fall Into Niagara Falls Gorge, Snowmobile Accident
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers recovered two bodies in separate incidents in Upstate New York on Monday, February 13th. In the first, a woman’s body was recovered from Niagara Falls Gorge.
Several hours later Rangers recovered the body of a snowmobilier killed when his sled hit a tree in the Adirondacks. [Read more…] about Bodies Recovered After Fall Into Niagara Falls Gorge, Snowmobile Accident
Transforming The Niagara Falls Experience
The currently-closed Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is becoming Great Lakes 360, in partnership with the Aquarium of Niagara. Great Lakes 360 will tell the ecological story of the region through accessible exhibits, highlighting the wildlife of the Niagara River and the larger Great Lakes ecosystem while celebrating the area’s unique geological history. [Read more…] about Transforming The Niagara Falls Experience
Niagara Falls State Park Building $46M Visitor Center
Governor Andrew Cuomo has unveiled the design for a new $46 million state-of-the-art visitor center in Niagara Falls State Park, with construction scheduled to begin this fall. [Read more…] about Niagara Falls State Park Building $46M Visitor Center