Скачать или смотреть Driving Around Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls, NY, lies at the western edge of New York State, where the Niagara River—draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario—plunges over a geological cliff known as the Niagara Escarpment. The city’s main attraction, the Niagara Falls waterfall system, includes Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. While Horseshoe Falls straddles the U.S.-Canada border, the American and Bridal Veil Falls are entirely within U.S. territory. The rushing water and constant mist generate hydroelectric power and attract millions of tourists each year.

The natural beauty is preserved through the Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States, established in 1885 and designed in part by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, best known for co-designing Central Park in NYC. The park features scenic walking trails, observation decks, and the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which operates from the American side and ferries visitors up close to the thundering base of Horseshoe Falls.
History and Development

The area was originally inhabited by the Neutral Nation and later the Seneca, one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy). European exploration began in the 17th century, and by the early 19th century, the location’s potential for power generation and transport was apparent. Niagara Falls grew rapidly with the construction of the Erie Canal (completed in 1825) and the hydropower industry in the late 1800s, which made it one of the first cities in the world to harness electricity for large-scale industrial use.

Industrialists like Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse played key roles in pioneering alternating current (AC) electricity generation at Niagara. The availability of cheap hydroelectric power drew manufacturing giants such as Alcoa, DuPont, and Carborundum, helping the city grow into a robust industrial hub during the 20th century.

However, the latter half of the century saw industrial decline, with the closure of factories and a shrinking population. One of the darkest chapters came in the late 1970s with the Love Canal disaster, in which toxic waste buried by Hooker Chemical Company led to widespread health issues and the eventual evacuation of an entire neighborhood. It became a national symbol of environmental negligence and helped spark the Superfund law for environmental cleanups.
Tourism and Attractions

Despite industrial setbacks, tourism remains Niagara Falls' lifeblood. The city draws roughly 8 million visitors annually from around the world. Key attractions include:

Niagara Falls State Park – offering panoramic views and attractions like the Cave of the Winds, Observation Tower, and Maid of the Mist.

Aquarium of Niagara – a family-friendly attraction featuring sea lions, penguins, and aquatic conservation exhibits.

Niagara Gorge Trail System – miles of scenic hiking trails along the riverbanks and into the gorge, revealing the region’s geological past.

Old Fort Niagara – located just north of the city where the river meets Lake Ontario, this historic fort dates back to the 17th century and offers living history reenactments.

The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, run by the Seneca Nation of Indians, is another major tourist draw, offering gaming, dining, and hotel accommodations.
Infrastructure and Economy

Niagara Falls, NY, has a population of about 48,000 people, according to the most recent census. While it has not returned to its industrial-era peak, the city has invested in tourism, clean energy, and redevelopment efforts. Projects have included the restoration of public parks, revitalization of downtown streetscapes, and expansion of eco-tourism.

The city is served by the Niagara Falls International Airport, located about five miles east, which offers limited commercial service and is popular for charter and military flights. Ground transport includes access to the Interstate 190 (Niagara Section of the New York Thruway), U.S. Route 62, and Amtrak, which offers service via the Empire Service line. The Rainbow Bridge, a picturesque arch connecting the U.S. and Canada, facilitates vehicle and pedestrian border crossings.