American Falls with Canada's Horseshoe Falls in the background at Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Then

It's funny that, at least decades ago, this spot became a favorite for those on a honeymoon, which it still is for some, and expanded to those wanting a thrilling voyage beneath the water on those Maid in the Mist boat tours. When you stand at the railing on either side of the waterfalls, it's hard to imagine why anyone would want to thrust themselves over the side of them in a barrel. But some have. It's not hard at all to imagine why you'd want to visit the thrilling natural wonder of Niagara Falls, however. One whiff of the water in the air and roar of the thurder as it moves on its natural course can tell you the reason in an instant.

But Niagara Falls is more than just a natural wonder of beauty and power. It is in that power where much of its history lies. It is the single greatest natural source of water power in the United States, providing hydroelectric power to New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario. That power began to be harnessed back in 1852 when a hydroelectric canal was dug; it provided power to the village in 1881, and power to a larger area by 1895.

Of course, the history of Niagara Falls began way before the river could be harnessed, with Indian culture, then white settlement from the days when Father Louis Hennepin sketched the falls in 1678 to the time of Sieur de la Salle and Fort Conti. Later, as Fort Niagara, the site would be captured by British forces in a 1759 battle. Today you can learn about this history at a variety of attractions as you marvel at the beauty and adventure that surrounds the vacation aspects of the dual United States and Canadian opportunities. Don't forget your passport now, more than a bit of a hassle in these times, but necessary if you want to visit both corners of the Niagara universe.

Photo above: Lithograph of Horseshoe Falls. Courtesy Library of Congress. Below: Historic photo from the Canadian side looking toward the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Courtesy Library of Congress.

Niagara Falls Now

Niagara Falls in at the midway point of the Niagara River, which in just thirty-five miles long, but 326 feet higher at its nexus at Lake Erie than its end at Lake Ontario. Thus the falls. Grand Island is the center divide of the area the cordones the river into two streams (well, hardly streams) which form the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. How much water travels over the falls. Try 500,000 tons per minute.

More numbers: The American Falls are 193 feet high and 1,400 feet wide. The Horseshoe Falls are 186 feet high and 2,950 feet wide.

The falls are an everchanging landscape, mostly due to the pounding that the rock takes from the water minute after minute. It is estimated that Horseshoe Falls moves moves at 3 feet per year.

Niagara Falls State Park - Established in 1885 by the New York State Government, the 430 acres of park surround the falls. From here you can start your American Falls adventure, including the Cave of the Winds Tour, the Maid of the Mist journey, the Niagara Aquarium, the Gorge Trip, the Discovery Center, Adventure Movie, and more.

Queen Victoria Park - Established in 1886 by the Canadian government on their side of the river, this 196 acres of park surrounds the falls. There are a bunch of other parks in the Niagara Park system, including Devil's Hole State Park and Whirlpool State Park. From there and the surrounding area, you can take a walk among beautiful flowers overlooking the falls, go on a journey beneath them in the Journey Behind the Falls tour, or suspend above them on the Whirlpool Aero Car, which has been whisking away those on this adventure since 1916.