Niagara Falls is one of the most famous falls in the World, even sometimes cited as the eighth wonder of the world. Each year, it attracts more than 12 million visitors and it borders both Canada and the United States. Since the late 1880s, it has been known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world for the romantic grandiosity of the fall. And I agree, they are a beautiful sight that you should see at least once in your life!
In fact, the Niagara falls consist of three Waterfalls, the Horseshoe fall (or sometimes called the Canadian Falls), the American falls and the little Bridal Veil falls just beside. If you’re on the Canadian side of the fall, you’ll be able to watch them all. The falls never freeze completely but there are some years there has been partial freezing of the falls.
The Horseshoe fall
That fall is really powerful, the most powerful one in North America in fact. It has a flow rate of more than 6 million cubic feet of water going down the fall every minute during the peaks in summer. The vertical drop is more than 50 meters (160 ft). The fall is 790 m (2.590 ft) wide.
The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
They are both accessible via the Niagara Falls State Park. Did you know that the Niagara state park was the first state park in the United state, founded in 1885? Each year, the state park welcomed 8 million visitors. Crossing a bridge to Luna Island, you’ll get a splendid view of the fall. The American fall is 320 m (1,050ft) wide.
What to do in Niagara Falls
The oldest tourist attraction is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise. The first Maid of the mist was christened in 1846 as a border-crossing ferry. During the ride, you can get close to the horseshoe fall. Heading to the Prospect Point Observation Tower, you’ll get to the elevator to the dock for the Maid of the Mist and you’ll be able to get a fantastic view of the falls.
You can also hike under the Bridal Veil fall while taking the Cave of the Winds. And of course, you can just enjoy walking in the State Park and enjoyed the view of the rapids, the river and the gorge.
Entertainment history
With such a famous place, there ought to be spectacular and thrilling entertainment in the past. Well, you guessed right.
- There have been 5 tightrope walk over Niagara Falls.
- The first one was in 1859 by Charles Blondin. He did his first one wearing pink tights, walking over a section of the Niagara Falls. He walked several other times, including one trip blindfolded.
- The last one to tightrope walk was Nik Wallenda in 2012. He was also the first one to walk completely over the Niagara Falls. The full length of the rope was 1800 ft (550m).
- There have been also numerous daredevils trying their shots with the Fall
- In 1829, Sam Patch, the Yankee Leapster, was the first to jump from a high tower into the gorge and survived.
- In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old teacher, was the first person to take a trip down into the waterfall inside a barrel. She survived her trip, but said it shouldn’t be done again!
- Since Taylor, over a dozen persons have intentionally tried to face the fall, but not all of them were successful.
Hoping you had fun reading my post for the New York State Challenge!
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