BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 158: See Niagara Falls in person

View from the Observation Point at Niagara Falls State Park.

One of the world’s great natural wonders is Niagara Falls. Like most people, I’ve heard about Niagara Falls and seen photos of it all my life, which is why I put it on my “bucket list” several years ago. I officially scratched this item off my list yesterday when I saw “The Falls” for the first time with my own eyes.

My family and I arrived at Niagara Falls State Park yesterday around five o’clock. Once we got the lay of the land, we set out to see the famous falls for ourselves by crossing the pedestrian bridge from the mainland to Goat Island, which is between the U.S. and Canada. Niagara Falls is actually made up of three larger waterfalls called American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, and a short walk took us to an observation deck where we got good looks at Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls.

We then crossed another short bridge onto a smaller island called Luna Island, where another observation deck provided us with an even more impressive view of the American Falls. We would learn later there there’s another popular observation point on the mainland called Prospect Point, where people get good looks at the American Falls.

Later, we walked to the other end of Goat Island to a point called Terrapin Point. From here, you can see the largest of the falls, Horseshoe Falls, which stretches from the U.S. board across to the Canadian border. When I say this waterfall is huge, it’s HUGE.

Trying to sum up the Niagara Falls experience is somewhat difficult because it’s hard to verbalize what it’s like to see all that raw, natural power. There’s also a palpable element of danger involved because you know that if you fall in the water there, you’d be a goner. My hat’s off to all the daredevils who tight-roped across the falls, rode barrels over them, etc., etc.

In my mind, Niagara Falls is somewhat comparable to the Grand Canyon. It’s a sight that every American should see for themselves at least once in their lives. Photos don’t do it justice, and, young or old, it’s something you’ll never forget once you’ve seen it.

In addition to seeing “The Falls,” there’s a lot more to do at the park. You can ride the famous “Maid of the Mist,” tour the “Cave of the Winds,” climb to the “Crows Nest,” geocache, visit the Aquarium of Niagara, eat at the Top of the Falls Restaurant and see the Nikola Tesla Memorial. Maybe best of all, it’s not that expensive, especially if you buy a Discovery Pass, which gives you a huge discount on most of the attractions at the park. For more information about Niagara Falls State Park, visit its official Web site at www.NiagaraFallsStatePark.com.

In the end, how many of you have seen Niagara Falls in person? What did you think about them? What other similar sites would you recommend seeing in person? Let us know in the comments section below.