If you’re looking for a road trip packed with waterfalls, history, amazing food, and a few surprises, the Greater Niagara region has you covered.
This trip will take you through small towns, state parks, and lakefront spots where you can hike, eat and explore this fascinating region.
You’ll see one of the most famous natural wonders in the world, but that’s just the beginning—there are also secret places where history comes to life.
Whether you want to get outside, learn local history, or just eat some delicious food, this itinerary has something for you, so get ready to hit the road.
1. Roycroft Campus
Roycroft Campus in East Aurora is a historic arts and crafts community that started in the late 1800s, and it’s packed with cool old buildings and tons of history.
The writer Elbert Hubbard founded this place, which became a huge deal in the Arts and Crafts movement.
Today, you can still tour the original print shop, furniture shop, and copper workshop where artisans once worked.
The campus has a museum, a working artisan guild, a gift shop with handcrafted goods, and even an inn where you can stay overnight.
If you get hungry, the Roycroft Inn serves delicious food in a gorgeous, wood-paneled dining room from the early 1900s.
2. Eternal Flame Falls
For something totally unexpected, head to Eternal Flame Falls in Orchard Park, about 20 minutes from East Aurora.
This waterfall isn’t just pretty—it has a small natural gas flame that flickers behind the rushing water, making it look like something straight out of a fantasy book.
The hike to get there is about a mile through Chestnut Ridge Park, with some rocky and muddy sections, so wear good shoes unless you want to slide your way down.
It’s a short but fun adventure, and if you bring a lighter, you might even get to relight the flame since it occasionally goes out.
3. Buffalo
After hiking, make your way to Buffalo, the biggest city in western New York and the ultimate spot for great food, remarkable architecture, and lakefront views.
Start with a visit to Canalside, where you can walk along the waterfront, rent kayaks, or relax in a giant Adirondack chair while watching boats go by.
No trip here is complete without trying real Buffalo wings, so when hunger hits, head to Anchor Bar for the classic or Duff’s if you like them extra saucy.
Before leaving, drive down Delaware Avenue to see the massive historic mansions or stop by the Buffalo City Hall observation deck for amazing skyline views.
4. Niagara Falls
Of course, no trip to this part of New York is complete without seeing Niagara Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls on the planet.
You can get a great view from the top at Niagara Falls State Park, but the real fun is getting up close.
Ride the Maid of the Mist boat or walk the Cave of the Winds boardwalk to experience the spray and power of the falls.
For a different perspective, cross the border into Canada for stunning views and attractions like the Skylon Tower and Clifton Hill.
Stick around after dark if you can because the falls light up every night with colorful LEDs, and on some nights, they even put on a fireworks show.
5. Devil’s Hole State Park
If you want a break from the crowds at Niagara Falls but still want epic views, head a few miles north to Devil’s Hole State Park.
This park sits along the Niagara River Gorge and has a steep, winding trail that takes you all the way down to the water, where you can watch the powerful rapids rush by.
The hike involves a long staircase and some rocky paths, but it’s totally worth it for the up-close look at the water and the towering gorge walls around you.
It’s a peaceful spot with plenty of shaded picnic areas, and if you’re up for a longer trek, you can connect to the Whirlpool Rapids Trail for even more dramatic scenery.
6. Lewiston
After exploring the gorge, visit Lewiston, a small town on the Niagara River with a surprising amount of history and some great spots to eat.
At the Freedom Crossing Monument, discover Lewiston’s history as one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad and a gateway to freedom in Canada.
If you’re hungry, stop by The Silo, a restaurant inside an old coal silo, where you can grab a massive sandwich and eat right on the riverbank.
(Please note that The Silo operates seasonally, from May to September only.)
Lewiston also has a fun downtown with local shops, festivals in the summer, and Artpark, an outdoor concert venue set against the Niagara River.
7. Fort Niagara State Park
Keep heading north, and you’ll hit Fort Niagara State Park, where history meets some excellent lake views.
The big draw here is Old Fort Niagara, a nearly 300-year-old military fort that was held by the French, British, and Americans at different points.
Today, you can still see original cannons, stone barracks, and even musket-firing demonstrations.
Beyond the fort, the park has picnic areas, hiking trails, and a beachfront along Lake Ontario, where you can see Toronto across the water on a clear day.
8. Olcott
For a fun stop, drive over to Olcott, a little lakeside town that feels like stepping into a classic summer vacation.
The big highlight is Olcott Beach Carousel Park, a vintage amusement park with old-fashioned kiddie rides, including a 1928 carousel that still runs for just a quarter.
Right next door, you can walk along the pier, grab ice cream at a local shop, or check out the small but lively marina.
It’s a laid-back, charming place to stretch your legs, enjoy the breeze off the lake, and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere.
9. Lockport
Before wrapping up your trip, swing by Lockport, a town built around the historic Erie Canal.
You can watch boats pass through the famous Lockport Locks, a set of massive water elevators still operating as they did nearly 200 years ago.
If you’re hungry, hit up Tom’s Diner for a classic hometown meal or head to one of the local wineries since this area is also part of New York’s Niagara Wine Trail.
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