Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Terrapin Point is a beautiful area with a microclimate that changes with the wind. One
moment, it's sunny and clear, with a double rainbow over the gorge. The next minute, a
cooling blanket of ultrafine mist blows in, generated by the force of the water hurtling over
the 175-foot precipice. The thickness and height of the mist plume are a function of the
temperature difference between the water and the air. The greater the difference, the larger
themistplume.Thevagariesofthewinddeterminewherethemistfalls.Bringyourcamera
and an umbrella.
The point is accessed via stairs and a paved path, about 300 yards away from the Top of
theFallsrestaurant.Forsafetyreasons,TerrapinPointisclosedtovisitorsduringthewinter
season, usually starting in December, due to hazardous accumulations of snow and ice. Its
re-opening date is determined by the spring thaw.
MM
Three Sisters Islands
Many tourists overlook
Three Sisters Islands,
which jut out from the southern side of
GoatIslandintotheupperrapidsoftheNiagaraRiver.Theislands—Celinda,Angelina,and
Asenath—are named after the children of Parkhurst Whitney, a distinguished officer in the
War of 1812 and a local hotelier. These small, lightly wooded, and enchanting islands are
about a half-mile upstream from Terrapin Point. Paved pathways with guardrails give vis-
itors a chance to get close to the raging upper rapids of the river. Signs warn against leav-
ing the designated paths, but some curious visitors explore the water's edge on the island
farthest out into the rapids.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
The
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
(701 Whirlpool St., 716/278-1796,
www.niagarafallsstatepark.com
,
9am-5pm Sat.-Sun. late Apr.-late June and early Sept.-late
Oct., 9am-5pm Sun.-Thurs., 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. late June-early Sept., $3) is a rock-solid at-
traction for visitors interested in the geology that shaped the gorge. Opened in 1971, the
facility is circular and designed to resemble a hydroelectric water turbine. Rock hounds
and geology geeks could easily spend 45 minutes here enjoying the interactive exhibits,
movies,andthevirtualelevatorride,allofwhichilluminatetheancientforcesofnaturethat
shaped the Niagara Gorge. The rock-climbing wall and the video detailing the collapse of
the Schoellkopf Power Plant are some of the most popular exhibits. Even visitors with only
a passing interest in geology will find these exhibits engaging, educational, and accessible.
The Gorge Discovery Center is part of Niagara Falls State Park. Park for free at the lot
onWhirlpoolStreet,thenusethepedestrianbridgetosafelycrossoverRobertMosesPark-
