5 Fun Things To Do Near Niagara Falls USA

As the end of summer inches closer and closer to us, it's hard to believe that another fun, warm weather season has blown through Western New York so fast.

Looking back over the last few months, we've had so much fun around the region this year. From a record number of fun concerts, events, and shows to several great weather days that allowed us to enjoy the sun and water in Western New York, this year will surely be remembered for years to come.

READ MORE: New Project To Enhance View Of Niagara Falls

One of the things that we've had available to us, but lots of people haven't taken advantage of, is all the amazing things there are to do around Niagara Falls, USA.

It's hard to believe that we have a world wonder right in our backyard, but we do, and millions of people from all over the world travel to the 716 to take a look at Niagara Falls. There are so many great adventures you can find right near America's oldest public state park. From floating over the falls in a helium balloon to feeling the power of more than 750,000 gallons of water falling 167 feet, Niagara Falls is an experience like no other.

READ MORE: Look Inside The Schoellkopf Power Station In Niagara Falls

If you haven't visited Niagara Falls USA in a while, I suggest you check it out. While there are tons of great things to do, here are a few ideas of things that are nearby for you to check out:

Take A Ride On The Maid Of The Mist

If you find your way over to the Prospect Point Observation Tower, you can take the elevator down to the Niagara Gorge and get right next to the American Falls. But if you want to get a one-of-a-kind look at the falls, hop on the Maid of the Mist, where you can boat right to the edge of the falls.

Ruins Of The Schoellkopf Power Plant

Once you leave the Maid of the Mist and head back up the Prospect Point elevator, head north to check out the Schoellkopf Power Station. The waters of the mighty Niagara Falls have been used to generate power since 1759. This historic power station exploded in 1956 and left a huge hole in the wall of the Niagara Gorge.

Visit The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls

If exploring huge waterfalls or exploded power plant ruins isn't your thing, you may need to do some shopping. Right near the corner of Niagara Falls Boulevard and Military Road is the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, and this 700,000-square-foot shopping mall has more than 160 stores and eateries to keep you busy for a while.

Hike Near The Niagara River Whirlpool

Niagara Falls is breathtaking, but most people don't see the Niagara River Rapids. Located approximately 2.5 miles north of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Whirlpool is a naturally occurring whirlpool that spins counterclockwise and is more than 120 feet deep. The water in the whirlpool can reach speeds as fast as 30 miles per hour, which gives the water a class 6 (extremely dangerous) rapids classification. Unlike lots of other rivers of this type, you can get up close and personal with these rapids at the Whirlpool State Park. Just hike down to the Niagara Whirlpool Rapids trail and check it out.

Check Out Fort Niagara

Sitting 12 miles north of Niagara Falls State Park, the site that is now Fort Niagara State Park is home to a military fort that has occupied this area for nearly 350 years. Since the original Fort Conti was built in 1678, Fort Niagara has played a historic role in the development of North America. If you are a lover of nature and history, then you need to dedicate some time to checking out Old Fort Niagara.

What other fun things can you think of doing around Niagara Falls USA?