What to Do Beyond the Falls in Niagara County
Whether you’re planning an overnight getaway or a week-long trip, there’s plenty to do in the charming towns of Niagara County, including Lewiston, Lockport, Wilson, Olcott and Newfane, just to name a few.
When visiting Niagara Falls, make room on your itinerary to explore Niagara County’s other amazing towns. Find everything from the picturesque shops and eateries of Lewiston to the canal adventures of Lockport, outdoor activities of Wilson and historic sites and charm of Olcott and Newfane.
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/festival-events.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f5f0130e375e2a76f381e6e02c6b9749 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/festival-events.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d8b27cd0cdc4292f248715f8a7f8b0e8 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/festival-events.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8996263f1aa8f778ff85a8656f864eac 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/festival-events.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=7fe40b9594a8f9896e10b4ac828bd099 900w)
Lewiston: Festivals, Culture & Quaint Streets
A little north of the Falls, find Lewiston — a historic town home to a bounty of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. GardenFest kicks off in June, jazz and peach festivals are late summer and a harvest and hops festival happens in fall. While you’re in town, don’t miss fun stops like the Lewiston Museum — set in the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church built in 1835 — and certainly, a walk through picturesque Historic Lewiston.
If the summer is in full swing, check the events calendar at Artpark, the unique park overlooking the Niagara Gorge that hosts concerts, orchestra performances, Broadway musicals, bands and other performers — all with a world-class view as the backdrop. Oenophiles and novices alike will love the charming wineries just outside town, including Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery and Honeymoon Trail Winery — both on the way to Lockport.
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-1_History_B.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=be34e07b5c99b0060d484954c9e9cc42 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-1_History_B.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a5480af257e6b89ab12f97ff3cb7c9b9 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-1_History_B.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6c1094c7a47d4b10da868b3311f5fdac 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-1_History_B.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c9249a893d842628a4892c94a5c72e66 900w)
Lockport: Wineries, Museums & Cruises
The Erie Canal provides plenty of opportunity for recreation and historical exploration in Lockport, located just 22 miles east of the Falls. Stop by a handful of wineries for a taste of the region’s best reds and whites on your way to the Erie Canal, where you can board a sightseeing canal cruise and see the historic locks — the engineering marvel that dates back to the 19th century.
Nearby, in a stately stone church that dates back to 1842, the Erie Canal Discovery Center houses a collection of photographs, maps and antique machinery that offer a unique perspective on the canal’s history. Everyone should plan a pit stop at Lake Effect Ice Cream for a taste of standout frozen treats in classic and offbeat flavors (Whiskey Brown Sugar or Frozen Hot Chocolate, anyone?) made with locally sourced ingredients.
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/archive/6433/kayaking_%281%29.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=641cce9ef904be919925ca53f8593965 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/archive/6433/kayaking_%281%29.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5e34bdc6e9c36eca59a49b9156f468d6 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/archive/6433/kayaking_%281%29.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=db0ae73577cbb534957442e358710610 710w)
Wilson: Fishing, Boating & Hiking
This little town perched on Lake Ontario is home to some of the area’s best fishing. Find a quiet spot in Wilson Harbor and wait for fresh bass, trout, and salmon. Boaters can visit Sunset Island, located on the northern border of Wilson Harbor just five minutes away, for a quiet walk around the shore lined with tiny cottages.
On a sunny summer day, the 475-acre Wilson Tuscarora State Park is perfect for a picnic lunch while taking in views of the boat launch and lake. Or, lace up your hiking boots and set out for a hike on the park’s four-mile nature trail. In winter, it’s also a popular trail for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-4_Family_D.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=07a415f0d702e71ba436485d71fadcc6 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-4_Family_D.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6945fa456d79fb21f0a206bea0ac46d4 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-4_Family_D.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=5040f9179cba274a1edb7b2a6c5652ed 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Itinerary-4_Family_D.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=3b234e35b65d9e275ce66d5e3ea5fbdd 900w)
Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and comprised of six quaint hamlets, Newfane is the perfect place to escape the bustling Falls during busy tourist season. Olcott Beach Carousel Park is a tiny retro amusement park, home to just one carousel and a few vintage rides for tots, but the nostalgia it inspires is alone worth a visit.
Tour the Van Horn Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dating back to 1823. The site of Newfane’s first town meeting, the mansion is also said to be haunted. There are also plenty of wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail, USA in town, including Chateau Niagara Winery. Owners Jim and Kathy Baker are usually on hand to pour one of their excellent varieties, including pinot noir, chardonnay and Riesling.
MORE STORIES YOU'LL LOVE
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Lewiston.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=38d0e4042bc7a6b549be6796312af0cb 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Lewiston.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=1c50b5cd2c89df5e607178012317b8d2 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Lewiston.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=8a60e93e5b92529a1f053133239b6a87 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Lewiston.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=5b15499e581b42d8fd85285f8272e098 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Lewiston.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=e3f634b9d896600b8403a791595b859e 1185w)
Just a 10-minute drive north of Niagara Falls, this charming, historic village lies waiting to…
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/25_Lockport_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=548a0cf84f7a7ec88c8150d873b9daf4 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/25_Lockport_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=bdf2863f0d055b06254d07f340ba1c70 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/25_Lockport_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=f2ac6af4c76d2a87115b64ece400312b 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/25_Lockport_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=d0bd793a8012a0edeadc0ef01f158e25 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/25_Lockport_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=7c80ffe83103e658bab29961b9049147 1185w)
Looking for a day out in Niagara County? Here’s our guide to the perfect day…
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Hero_Olcott.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=3a2ace0cf28ee7c279f8b08cd80b5170 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Hero_Olcott.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=48d1b4d9246b10350ba0eae8d3e92734 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Hero_Olcott.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=ac679b4e7f45330f1cd72194f5adc094 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Hero_Olcott.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=464c53de61a2b21867b8883e99c6c0d6 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Hero_Olcott.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=a89362125260740fd87183da4211a96a 1185w)
If you’re a “lake person” — or just someone who’s after a bit of nostalgia…