State Facts

New York is the only state that touches the great lakes and an ocean.

New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.

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Buffalo Museum of Science

Niagara Falls, NY

Buffalo museum of science

General Admission is:

$18 for Adults

$15 for Children ages 2-17

$15 for Seniors 62+ and Students/ Military with ID

or FREE to Members or Children 2 or under

The Buffalo Museum of Science is located at 1020 Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo, NY. It was founded in 1861 and moved to its current ​location in Martin Luther King Jr. Park in 1929. The building itself is a historic structure, embodying a rich architectural legacy. The ​museum is open year-round, with hours that vary by season. It also offers memberships, group rates, and special discounts for ​educators and students. Buffalo Museum of Science is also a part of the Museums 4 All which offers free general admission to

individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ​Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of ​photo ID. Museums 4 All rates are offered for up to four individuals per EBT/ ​SNAP card.

The Buffalo Museum of Science is also a proud partner of KultureCity—​the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for ​those with invisible disabilities. Collectively, we have put together a social ​story to help families prepare for a visit to the Museum. Guests can sign out ​a sensory bag at admissions during their visit free in exchange for a license ​held at admissions while you explore. Bags must be returned to admissions ​at the end of each visit. Bags include: noise-reducing headphones, ​weighted lap pad, fidgets, and verbal cue cards.

Permanent Exhibits and Attractions include:

Explore You: Focuses on human biology, health, and the amazing ​processes that keep us alive.

In Motion: Showcases the physics of motion and the principles behind ​things that move.

Artifacts: Features a vast collection of anthropological and archeological ​artifacts, highlighting different cultures and histories.

Rethink Extinct: Explores the science of extinction and the creatures that ​once roamed the Earth.

Our Marvelous Earth: Focuses on Earth sciences, including geology, ​meteorology, and environmental science.

EXHIBITS

This was well worth the visit. We did not get a chance to experience ​every exhibit as closing time was rapidly approaching. Our next visit, ​we will allow ourselves more “play time”. Depending on the size and ​age range of your group, I would recommend 2 hours minimum. We ​are a group of six ages, 8 to grown (me). There was something for ​everyone.

As you can see the museum is highly interactive, with numerous ​hands-on exhibits that encourage visitors to engage directly with ​specific concepts. This approach makes it a great destination for ​families and school groups.

Please visit their website for all other information including ​admission, programs and events at www.sciencebuff.org

NIAGaRA FALLS STATE PARK- U.S. SIDE

332 prosepect street

niagara falls, ny 14303

There is no charge for admission to visit Niagara Falls State Park. However, You will have to pay ​for parking somewhere either in the park or in the city of Niagara Falls. The best parking option ​is to plan to spend $15 or less to get a parking spot in Niagara Falls State Park

Driving along Lake Erie on Interstate 90, coming from ​Cleveland OH, it was but a 3-hour drive to Buffalo, NY. ​Although we did not go to Niagara right away, from the ​hotel it was only another 20 minutes or so.

It was our every intention to visit both the U.S. and the ​Canada side of the falls however fate would have us ​appreciate the U.S. side only and we were not ​disappointed.

Niagara Falls State Park in New York is a stunning natural ​attraction that offers visitors a chance to experience one ​of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Established in ​1885, it is the oldest state park in the United States, ​spanning over 400 acres. The park is home to the ​American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the ​Horseshoe Falls, which collectively make up Niagara Falls.

Educational programs and events are available ​throughout the year offering talks and presentations on ​various topics related to the park, such as geology, ​wildlife, etc. The park also hosts special events like, nature ​walks, photography workshops and historical ​reenactments which are often part of the tour program, ​but we did not partake in those experiences this time ​visiting.

There are free shuttle services that cover a 14-mile route ​connecting 17 destinations, including Niagara Falls State Park, the ​Niagara Gorge, historic sites, cultural attractions and other points ​of interest.

The temperature in the northern part of NY state in July was ​amazing! It’s a pleasant break from our normal humid summers in ​SC. When we pulled in, the aura of excitement and amazement ​filled us. The picturesque sight of the water from the sideline was ​breath-taking.

After we found a space in an offsite garage just around the corner, ​we headed up the block to be greeted by the wonderful aroma of ​Indian cuisine from the House of India. The fragrance of savory ​spices intermingled with the air giving me a spark of nostalgia. In ​my younger years growing up in NY, you are surrounded with ​diversity and different food cultures. It’s one of only a few the ​things I miss, being in the south.

I was tempted to stop in but decided to venture on. I later looked ​them up and the ratings weren’t so great, so I saved “us” some ​disappointment possibly. We eventually stopped and spoke to a ​gentleman on the corner of 1st, and Niagra Street. He was selling ​boat tours within the falls. He was super friendly and enthusiastic. ​Again, tempted just not enough for $500, we wanted to take our ​time and explore on foot or shuttle. He was still helpful as he gave ​us a map and pointed us in the right direction towards what else ​would be viable options.

We walked further towards the park and went down Mayor ​Michael O’Laughlin Drive where the Hard Rock Cafe was and a ​line of vendors selling souvenirs like t-shirts, shades, key chains ​etc. We did purchase one shirt because my daughter Lalah’s was ​too hot for the temperature. That was about $20 and a good thing ​we only brought one, because not too long after purchasing, it ​ripped in the arm. We soon passed the wax museum and several ​other shops with every intention to patronize them only fate had ​other plans. No complaints as we were in for a treat.

We crossed Prospect Street to walk along-side the water and continued ​over the pedestrian bridge. As we walked my younger two noticed a ​down-hill grassy area that they begged to roll down. How could I say, no? ​That was something my brother and I used to do in my youth. ​Remember, we live in the low country. The terrain is low and flat. (an ​observation made to discuss in school lesson) So there are no “hilly” ​areas where we are. You can see how it went on our YouTube channel. It ​was comical.

The path led us to Goat Island. Up until that point I hadn’t seen any ​shuttles and so I stopped and empty trolley to inquire. They ran rather ​frequent but this what not the “Grey Line” and we had to pay. I think ​werw eventually while riding the shuttle we met 2 rangers that offered ​through NY State Park services a free tour that provides in-depth ​information about the falls and the parks history and natural features.

The tour was about an hour on foot, which I am so glad I survived ​because I was after all the driving I had been doing over the past 5 days, ​I experienced a lot of swelling in my body, my legs specifically.

Our first area of exploration was Three Sister Island. So, of course the ​first question asked was “Why was it named, ‘Three Sister Island’?”.

For context and information, the islands are located within the park just ​upstream from the Horseshoe Falls (on the American side). The islands ​were name after the 3 daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney, an early ​settler in the area. Their names are Asenath, Angeline and Celinda. As a ​side bar, Gen. Whitney also had a son. There is a significantly small piece ​of island that was named for him but when I say it was small, it was ​almost laughable. It seemed like a second thought.

As we continue to observe this area you can also spot many rabbits and ​other wildlife. They are obviously used to the tourists as they don’t seem ​as timid as one would think. They don’t run towards you, but they aren’t ​running from you either.

Dozens and dozens of gull’s rest along the shores near the falls and is a ​beautiful site to see. The water is flowing so rapidly around them, yet ​they are so calm and just about their business.

In the background you can see the Niagara Falls viaducts and ​hydroelectric system that allows New York to generate a significant ​portion of its electricity from renewable sources while preserving the ​beauty of the falls.

The Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, drops ​about 167 feet at Niagara Falls. This massive drop in elevation creates one ​of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, making it an ideal location for ​generating hydroelectric power.

The river's flow is split between two main sections: the American Falls and ​the larger Horseshoe Falls, with a portion of the water diverted for power ​generation. The idea of harnessing the power of Niagara Falls dates back ​to the late 19th century. In 1895, the world’s first large-scale hydroelectric ​power plant, the "Niagara Falls Power Company," was established by ​George Westinghouse using the alternating current system developed by ​Nikola Tesla.

This development was a breakthrough in the use of hydroelectric power, ​and it played a crucial role in the widespread adoption of AC electricity. ​The Niagara Falls viaduct plays a crucial role in powering the hydroelectric ​plants at Niagara Falls, which generate electricity that is distributed to a ​wide range of users across New York State. Some of the power generated ​may also be exported to neighboring states or Canadian provinces, helping ​support the broader regional power network.

while getting much history and information you didn’t even realize you ​wanted, we met some new friends from North Carolina. A mom, her ​daughter and her daughter, oh and the lil’ doggy named “Zoey”. We ​trekked toward Bridal Veil Falls but not before stopping at the Nikola ​Telsa monument. We learned about how his contribution of electrical ​engineering to the falls hydroelectric system. Nikola Tesla, a brilliant ​inventor and engineer, developed the technology for AC power ​transmission. AC had significant advantages over DC, particularly its ​ability to transmit power over long distances with less loss of energy.

Tesla's work on AC motors and transformers made it possible to ​generate, transmit, and distribute electricity efficiently, which was critical ​for harnessing the power of Niagara Falls.

The guides also told us the story of how he was able to stay at the Hotel ​New Yorker until his death in 1943. He has an arrangement with ​Westinghouse Corp to pay his rent expenses. There was a much more ​interesting story that is only hear-say but I can’t remember it!

Being so close to the water was freeing and left you in awe. We ​compared old photos of the falls to compare, and you can visibly notice ​the erosion. 1969 the waters were diverted to do further study on the ​erosion. The American Falls were without water for 5 months.

The tour ended on Terrapin Point and our night ended with a spectacular ​fireworks show!