NIAGARA RIVER MAGIC TOUR

Begin your tour at Niagara Reservation State Park, on Goat Island. Here you will have access to Three Sisters Islands and Luna Island, bringing you within an arm's length of the mighty Upper Rapids and the majestic Falls themselves. Terrapin Point will give you a breathtaking view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Take a spectacular guided trip to the base of the Falls on the Cave of the Winds tour (See Water Fun Tour). Take a stroll, or ride the New York State Park Viewmobile to the New York State Park Visitor's Center, where you will enjoy the Great Lakes Gardens, a bite to eat, or the giant screen thrill film "Niagara Wonders."

Get another outstanding view of the Falls from the New York State Observation Tower at Prospect Point. Take the elevator down into the Niagara River Gorge, and take the ride of your life on the Maid of the Mist, a half-hour boat ride past the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. Once back on shore, visit the Schoelkopf Geological Museum, where you will learn about the geological history of Niagara and its gorge (free parking available).

Take the foot bridge over the Robert Moses Parkway, and within minutes, you are at the Aquarium of Niagara, the nation's first inland oceanarium. This family fun spot enables you to come face to face with many creatures of the deep, from sharks to sea lions, as well as rare Peruvian penguins. Explore the largest collection of Great Lakes fish anywhere. When you are finished at the Aquarium, follow Lewiston Road north to the Niagara Power Project Visitor's Center & Fishing Platform. You'll find hands-on displays, another breathtaking view of the gorge, and access to a fishing platform that enables you to fish for salmon, trout, walleye, and bass.

From here, take a short drive to the adjacent Niagara University campus, where you can browse through 20th century and contemporary art at the Castellani Art Museum. Hop on the Robert Moses Parkway, north to Historic Lewiston and Artpark. Here you will find many unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants; all in a charming "Norman Rockwell" type setting. Artpark (located at the foot of South 4th St.) is a cultural center where 200 acres are dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Enjoy a summer musical or dance performance, or take part in the various workshops and hands-on activities for adults and children. After a full day, head back to Niagara Falls for dinner, and take in the beauty of the spectacular nighttime illumination of the Falls and Upper Rapids. During the summer, don't miss the Friday night fireworks over the Falls.