When someone mentions ‘Niagara Falls’, most people immediately picture the classic Horseshoe Falls depicted in so many pictures and postcards. What most people don’t realize, however, is that there are actually three separate waterfalls: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe or Canadian Falls (so named because they are primarily on Canadian soil). Together, they are known as The Niagara Falls. So, what makes Niagara one of the top vacation spots in the USA?

Niagara provides some of the most incredible experiences you’ll ever have. It’s good to take it all in slowly so as not to miss anything. First, try a bird’s eye view of the falls. The Minolta and Skylon Towers both have excellent observation decks, and you’ll get some great pictures. Better yet, why not go for a helicopter ride? Niagara Helicopter Rides is open year round, and offers a spectacular view of not only the falls, but also the surrounding cityscapes on both the Canadian and American sides.

Next, start upstream with the Whirlpool Aero Car, a gondola-style ride that thrills old and young alike as you’re suspended hundreds of feet over the Niagara Gorge and the whirlpool rapids below. If you like getting up close and personal (not to mention very, very wet) Whirlpool Jet Boat tours offer fun for the whole family as you speed up the river through Niagara Gorge to the whitewater of Devil’s Hole Rapids. You might also want to stop off at Goat Island for a quick view of the top of all three Falls, before journeying right into the heart of the Falls with the Maid of the Mist boat ride and the Journey Behind the Falls. Here you’ll experience the full fury of nature at her most ferocious. Once you’ve stood a mere six meters away from the incredible power of 150,000 U.S. gallons of water per second, the concept of using water to generate electricity suddenly makes a lot more sense!

Speaking of power generation, one of the lesser-known attractions in the area is the New York State Power Authority in Lewiston, which is one of the largest hydroelectric plants on the planet. The visitor’s center has many fun and hands-on activities for the kids, not to mention the educational value for both children and adults. Do you know how electricity is made?

There are plenty of other attractions in the area that don’t revolve entirely around the Falls, of course. Queen Victoria Park, the Aquarium, and the Butterfly Conservatory will entertain and educate the whole family, while the children will most definitely want to stop in at Smokin Joes Family Fun Center or the Wax Museum for some fun.

Last but not least, one cannot visit Niagara without sampling some of the local wines, available for tasting at the vineyards or for more serious consumption at most of the local pubs.

All in all, Niagara Falls offers fun for the entire family. No matter who you are or what your interests; Niagara has something for you, making it by far one of the top vacation spots in the USA!