Niagara Falls in New York is a beautiful testimony to the handiwork of God. Viewed from high up or right next to its thundering waters, a visitor will be stunned by the beauty and power of the Falls. The Aquarium offers an array of sea creatures, while wax museums offer a view of the nostalgic. For those with some extra cash, a helicopter trip over the Falls is a dynamic way to see the Falls from above.
Identification
There are three distinct falls that constitute Niagara Falls. The Bridal Falls and the American Falls are located in the United States, and the Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls are located within the borders of Canada. However, the term Niagara Falls is used collectively to describe all three of them.
Features
The American and Bridal Falls are 176 feet at the highest level. Over 150,000 gallons of water flow over the falls each second. The Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls are 167 feet at their highest. Over 600,000 gallons of water flow over the falls each second. Hydroelectric plants provide electricity to surrounding communities in New York and Canada.
The Water
The river flows at about 35 miles per hour. The water falls at a rate of 32 feet per second. The force at the bottom of the American Falls is equivalent to 280 tons. The force at the bottom of the Canadian Falls is equal to 2,509 tons. Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie drain into the Niagara River, which then empties into Lake Ontario.
Considerations
Visitors can walk underneath the Falls and feel and hear the thunderous roar of the water. In winter, you can see the icicles that have formed. The Maid of the Mist is a seasonal boat ride that takes visitors to the base of the Falls. Here you can feel the rocking of the boat as you get soaked from the mist.
Benefits
At least 12 million visitors travel to Niagara Falls yearly. Niagara Falls State Park was established in 1885 and is one of the oldest state parks in the United States. Niagara Falls is a stunning place to honeymoon and has hosted thousands of newlyweds.
Fun Facts
In 1969, the American Falls were stopped by a man made earthen dam to determine if it would be feasible to remove some of the fallen rocks from the bed of the American Falls. It was later decided that it would be too cost prohibitive, and the River was allowed to resume its normal flow and wear on the rocks. Niagara Falls moves backward at about one foot per year. At one time, the main cities were Lewiston (New York) and Queenston (Ontario), about seven miles from the present Falls sites.