Niagara County Communities

A quick drive from downtown Niagara Falls, explore our communities and mix with the locals.

There is so much more to do and experience once you venture beyond the Falls. Dine at some of the best restaurants, browse quaint shops, and immerse yourself in our backyard.

Niagara Falls

Home to a natural world-wonder and the oldest state park in America – Niagara Falls State Park. Immerse yourself in Italian culture and delicious foods in Little Italy, or commemorate your visit to Niagara Falls with a selfie in Art Alley, a public mural project created by local artists. Grab a sweet treat from a local ice cream shoppe, or enjoy cocktails on Third Street and mix and mingle with the locals.

3 Must-Do Things

  • Ride the iconic Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls State Park. Enjoy breathtaking views and soak in the power and beauty of Niagara Falls.
  • Get a birds-eye view of Niagara Falls. Take a thrilling ride with Rainbow Air, Inc. Helicopter Tours and view the Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls. Extend your tour and follow the Lower Niagara River to Lewiston and Youngstown.
  • Hike the scenic Niagara Gorge Trail System, featuring various trails ranging from easy to difficult skill levels. Explore a truly unique area rich in wildlife and geologic history.

Lockport

Just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, explore Lockport, N.Y. and discover the rich history and heritage of this 21st century city, with its roots in the early 1800s. Tour the historic Erie Canal, fill up on local flavor and travel the towpath to biking trails and fishing hot-spots.

3 Must-Do Things

  • For a unique perspective on historic Lockport, experience a guided tour through America’s past and see geologic cave formations, old mill ruins and a 1,600-foot tunnel through the Lockport Cave.
  • A Lockport staple for over 70 years, Reid’s Drive-In is must-stop for an affordable bite to eat. Serving burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes, enjoy a taste of summer and tradition year-round.
  • Cruise through the only set of double locks on the Erie Canal aboard Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, “locking through” and being raised the 49 ft. elevation of the Niagara Escarpment – the same one that creates Niagara Falls.

Lewiston & Youngstown

Situated just 7 miles north of Niagara Falls, Lewiston, N.Y. is an idyllic village known for its unique festivals, boutique shops, restaurants and rich history. A short drive from Lewiston is Youngstown, N.Y., offering some of the best sunsets and a perfect view of Toronto on a clear day.

3 Must-Do Things

  • Treat yourself to a sweet treat at Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard – made fresh daily since 1939. Why is Hibbard’s custard so good? In the design of the custard machine, less air gets pumped into custard, leaving you with a creamer, much richer treat than ice cream.
  • Thrill-seekers wanted! Take a heart-pounding ride through Class V rapids into the Niagara Gorge with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Prepare to get drenched!
  • Step back in time at Old Fort Niagara to an era when great empires struggled for control of North America. Interact with educated re-enactors, engaging exhibits and enlightening programs, perfect for the entire family.

North Tonawanda

Located at the conjuncture of the Erie Canal and the Niagara River, small-town charm awaits visitors to North Tonawanda. From historic carousels to a bustling marina, this revitalized community offers a down-home feel, from mom-and-pop shops to an enticing foodie scene.

3 Must-Do Things

  • Ideal for kids and kids at heart, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is a testament to the wonder of a bygone era. Go round and round on two working carousels, or venture outdoors to the Kiddieland Testing Park Exhibit, featuring refurbished kiddie rides from the factory’s post-war baby boom era.
  • Save the dates for Canal Fest, one of the largest events held each year on the Erie Canal at Gateway Park. The eight-day festival features free concerts, carnival rides, specialty foods and a parade.
  • Chocolate lovers rejoice! Known for their orange chocolate and sponge candy, Platter’s Chocolate Factory is a one-stop featuring handmade chocolates, and a cafe and ice cream shop.

Newfane & Olcott Beach

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario, Newfane and Olcott Beach are located in the heart of the Niagara Wine Trail, USA. This vacation destination has a small town feel – filled with charming cottages, quaint village shops and some of the best freshwater fishing.

3 Must-Do Things

  • Stroll the boardwalk and browse a collection of handmade gifts and snacks offered at the seasonal Lakeview Village Shoppes. Open from May to October.
  • Visit the Olcott Beach Carousel Park, a vintage kiddie amusement park with nostalgic arcade games and rides for kids, including an original 1928 Herschell-Spillman carousel. The best part? All rides are just 25 cents each! Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • Tour the Niagara wineries and explore nearly two dozen locally-owned wineries, breweries and cideries.