Niagara Frontier Travel Guide

Niagara Frontier, NY travel guide including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture, best time to visit, transportation options, and nearby destinations to explore.


Introduction to Niagara Frontier

Niagara Frontier is a region located in western New York. It is an area of great natural beauty and cultural interest, making it a popular destination for tourists. Niagara Frontier is best known for the Niagara Falls, a stunning natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. But the region offers much more than the falls alone. The Niagara Frontier is home to a diverse range of attractions, from museums and historical sites to natural wonders and outdoor adventures. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of what the Niagara Frontier has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Niagara Frontier

Here are some of the top attractions in the Niagara Frontier:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Albright-Knox Art Gallery: This museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
  • Buffalo Museum of Science: Explore interactive exhibits on science, technology, and natural history.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex: This architectural masterpiece includes a collection of buildings designed by the famous architect.
  • Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center: Learn about the brave men and women who risked their lives to help slaves find freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Natural Attractions of Niagara Frontier: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Niagara Falls State Park: This park offers stunning views of Niagara Falls and a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and boat tours.
  • Devil’s Hole State Park: Go hiking, fishing, and picnicking while taking in the beautiful views of the Niagara River Gorge.
  • Whirlpool State Park: Enjoy scenic views of the Niagara River and hike the trails and stairs at Whirlpool Gorge.
  • Niagara Wine Trail: Take a wine tour and sample wines from over 20 different wineries in the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Niagara Frontier

Niagara Frontier offers a variety of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Here are a few popular routes:

  • Niagara Gorge Trailhead: This 6-mile trail offers stunning views of the Niagara River and Gorge. Hikers can see the rapids, whirlpools, and waterfall at Devil’s Hole.
  • Niagara Scenic Parkway Trail: This 3.5-mile trail is perfect for bikers and runners. It offers beautiful views of the Niagara River and the city.
  • Letchworth State Park: This park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” with miles of trails offering stunning views of waterfalls, gorges, and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Niagara Frontier: Activities and Tours

  • Maid of the Mist Boat Tour: This tour takes visitors right up to the base of Niagara Falls for a breathtaking experience.
  • Cave of the Winds: This tour takes visitors down into the Niagara Gorge for a view of the falls from below.
  • Niagara Jet Adventures: Take a one-hour jet boat tour of the Niagara River Rapids.
  • Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises: Take a boat tour of the historic Erie Canal and the iconic locks of Lockport.

Week-Long Itinerary for Niagara Frontier

Day 1: Arrival and Niagara Falls Tour Day 2: City of Buffalo Tour Day 3: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex and Albright-Knox Art Gallery Day 4: Niagara Wine Trail Tour Day 5: Letchworth State Park Hiking and Biking Day 6: Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruise Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Niagara Frontier

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef on Weck: A traditional sandwich made with slow-roasted beef, horseradish, and kummelweck roll.
  • Sponge Candy: A local candy made with sugar, corn syrup, and baking chocolate.
  • Buffalo-style Chicken Wings: Fried chicken wings tossed in a spicy sauce made with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and butter.

Local Beverages

  • Niagara Wine Trail: The Niagara Frontier is home to many wineries, producing award-winning wines from over 30 different types of grapes
  • Flying Bison Brewing Company: This microbrewery features craft beers and taproom.
  • Buffalo Distilling Company: Known for its One Foot Cock whiskey and other spirits, this distillery offers tours and tastings.

Where to Stay in Niagara Frontier: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Niagara Falls USA: Many hotels, motels, and resorts offer great views of the Niagara Falls.
  • Downtown Buffalo: hotels including Hotel Henry, The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, The Westin Buffalo, and Embassy Suites Buffalo, are great choices for city sightseeing.
  • Guest House & Hostels: Hostelling International Niagara Falls in the USA offers affordable dorm-style rooms.

What to Buy in Niagara Frontier: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sponge Candy from Watson’s Chocolates
  • Buffalo Wing Sauce from Anchor Bar or Duff’s Famous Wings
  • Local Wines and Craft Beers from Niagara Wine Trail and Flying Bison Brewing Co.

Local Culture and Customs of Niagara Frontier

  • Hockey: Professional hockey team Buffalo Sabres have a huge fan base and games are always a big cultural event.
  • Local Food: You will find many mom and pop’s ran restaurants offering the best regional food at affordable prices.
  • Cultural Festivals: Experience the region’s ethnic and cultural diversity through festival events including the Niagara County Peach Festival, Greek Festival, and Oktoberfest.

Best Time to Visit Niagara Frontier

The best time to visit Niagara Frontier is during the summer months, between June to August, when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed fully. Fall is also a great time to visit for the colors of foliage and wine-tasting events offered during the season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Niagara Frontier

Do:

  • Visit Niagara Falls State Park.
  • Explore the wineries of Niagara Wine Trail.
  • Try the region’s famous food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Swim in the Niagara River.
  • Leave valuables in plain sight.
  • Litter.

Safety and Health

Safety in Niagara Frontier

Overall, the Niagara Frontier is a safe destination for tourists. However, it is essential to be cautious, especially when near the Niagara River or falls. The rocks can be slippery, and it is essential to follow park signs and guidelines.

Health in Niagara Frontier

Overall, there are no significant health concerns when visiting Niagara Frontier. However, tourists should be aware of potential allergies and take necessary precautions when hiking outdoors, including bringing along plenty of water and wearing sunscreen.

Getting to Niagara Frontier: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Niagara Frontier

  • Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the largest international airport in the region, located only 20 minutes away from Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Bus Stations Near Niagara Frontier

  • Niagara Falls Bus Terminal is located downtown with services provided by Greyhound and Megabus.

Other Options

  • Amtrak train service provides a comfortable ride from various stops in the USA into Buffalo Depew.

How to Get Around in Niagara Frontier

  • Car Rental: Rent a car at Buffalo Niagara International Airport or in Downtown Buffalo.
  • Ride Share: Uber and Lyft are commonly used options in the region.
  • Bicycles: Rent bikes at various locations throughout the Niagara Frontier, including BikeOrBar and Reddy Bikeshare.

Where to Go Next from Niagara Frontier: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Toronto, Canada: Just a mere two hours drive, tourists can explore Niagara Falls Canada, the iconic CN Tower, and many other diverse cultural experiences.

  • Finger Lakes: Wine enthusiasts will enjoy exploring New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Conclusion

Niagara Frontier offers an excellent blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and epicurean experiences. The region provides something for everyone, from adventure seekers to history buffs to fine food and wine lovers. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Niagara Frontier and assist you in experiencing everything it has to offer.



    Buffalo
    Niagara County
    Northtowns
    Orleans County (New York)
    Southtowns