Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
included in the price of the boat ride, called the Crow's Nest, which leads you up a set of
stairs along American Falls.
After exiting the boat, continue past the elevators and you'll see the
Crow's Nest.
The
Crow's Nest is an excellent natural observation deck at the base of American Falls, set
atop giant boulders that are the remnants of a massive rockslide. The stairs that lead to the
Crow's Nest are somewhat steep, but safe, and they permit an up-close view of American
Falls.KeepyourrainponchofromtheMaidoftheMistifyouplantovisittheCrow'sNest.
AttheentrancetotheCrow'sNestareparkbenches(agreatplacetocatchyourbreath)and
bathrooms. Buying a ticket for the Observation Tower ($1) will also gain you access to the
Crow's Nest, if you aren't riding on the Maid of the Mist.
OBSERVATION TOWER
The
Observation Tower
(9am-10:30pm daily Apr.-late Oct., 10am-4:30pm daily late Oct.-
Mar., included in Maid of the Mist ticket, à la carte $1) serves two primary functions: to
provide a panoramic view of the three waterfalls that comprise Niagara, and to house the
elevators that lead to the docks of the Maid of the Mist. From afar, the tower resembles an
incomplete bridge; its platform extends more than 200 feet from the gorge wall. The views
here are among the best on this side of the border. If you stand atop the metal benches on
theplatform,youcangetagreatphotoofyourlovedonesastheystandalongtheguardrail,
with the falls in the background.
