Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
inexpensive energy transmitted throughout New York State. The portion of the plant open
to visitors has displays and interactive, kid-friendly exhibits that explain how the Niagara
River is harnessed to generate electricity.
While there, be sure to visit the fishermen's platform at the base of the power plant. Ac-
cess the platform from Hyde Park Road, turning right onto Power Authority Service Road,
and parking at the bottom. The anglers will be glad to show the impressive trout and steel-
heads on their stringers.
Artpark
The most popular attraction in Lewiston is
Earl W. Brydges Artpark
(450 S. 4th St., 716/
754-4375,
www.artpark.net
,
dawn-dusk daily, free), a sprawling, 150-acre complex dedic-
ated to the enjoyment of all art forms. It features two large performance venues: an indoor
stage with seating for 2,400 and an outdoor amphitheater for 10,000 people. The amphi-
theater is an amazing space for a concert because the stage backdrop is the Niagara River
Gorge. Check out the Tuesday in the Park summer concert series where you can see major
acts like Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd for just $10.
In addition to musicals and dramatic performances, Artpark provides week-long classes
(known as “camps”) for young people to explore drama, music, and graphic arts. Nature's
artistry is on stage here as well. Artpark has picnic shelters and hiking trails, with excellent
shoreline fishing in the Lower Niagara River.
Whirlpool Jet Boats
The
Whirlpool Jet Boats
(115 S. Water St., Lewiston, 888/438-4444,
www.whirlpooljet.com
,
$61) provide an adventuresome, 45-minute ride through the lower
rapids of the Niagara River. Prepare to get wet! This attraction promises thrills and delivers
as boats slash through the rapids during its nine-mile round-trip. Bring extra clothes and a
towel, and consider wearing a bathing suit during the ride. The ride is available in two op-
tions:wetordry.Forthe“wetjet”ride,sitinthefrontrow.Thedryride(inaglass-enclosed
boat known as the Jet Dome) is wonderful, but not as thrilling.
This attraction can also be accessed from two locations on the Canadian side of the bor-
der. The Niagara-on-the-Lake site is farther downstream, so requires an extra 15 minutes in
the jet boat. However, the exciting, adventure-filled portions of the attraction are identical
from all locations.