Discover 10 Amazing Facts About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a bucket list item for many people. Who can resist this gorgeous landmark in New York State and Canada? There is much more to these waterfalls than just the stunning splashing waters. Follow along to discover ten amazing facts about Niagara Falls.

1. Niagara Falls Isn’t Just One Waterfall

Did you know that Niagara Falls isn’t just one waterfall but three? The waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls are Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are the more minor falls.

The American falls range from 69 to 98 feet tall, while the Bridal Veil Falls is about 181 feet. Interestingly, the American Falls are sometimes listed as 188 feet when measuring from the top of the falls to the river. The tallest waterfall is the Horseshoe Falls, which is around 187 feet.

2. Father Louis Hennepin First European To Describe the Niagara Falls in Depth

The first European to fully describe Niagara Falls in detail was Louis Hennepin, a Belgian Catholic priest and missionary. Louis Hennepin published a book about Niagara Falls called ‘A New Discovery.’ He also brought Saint Anthony Falls to Europe’s attention.

3. Niagara Falls Partially Freezes

Third on our list of the ten amazing facts about Niagara Falls is that the waterfalls freeze! Well, they freeze partially. During winter, you can see the Niagara Falls covered in ice. Although the temperature does drop significantly, it’s not cold enough to completely freeze the waterfalls—every second, about 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls.

4. Niagara Falls is Over 12,000 Years Old

Some people think Niagara Falls is artificial, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Niagara Falls isn’t fake. It started to form over 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age. This was a slow process, and the formation continues today.

5. Niagara Falls is in Canada and the United States

Niagara Falls isn’t just in the United States, but also in Canada! For years, there has been a debate over which side of Niagara Falls is better. The falls are along the border between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York. The Horseshoe Falls is in Canada, while American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are in New York State.

6. Niagara Falls Hosts Over 20 Million Visitors

Over 20 million people worldwide visit Canada and New York State to see Niagara Falls in person. This number might be higher. While these falls aren’t the tallest in the world, their impressive and powerful nature is hard to resist. Interestingly, more people visit Niagara Falls in New York than in Canada.

7. Niagara Falls State Park is Recognized as the Oldest Start Park in the U.S.

Niagara Falls State Park is recognized as the oldest state park in the United States. The Niagara Reservation first established this park in 1885. The surface area of this stunning park is 221 acres. Niagara Falls State Park isn’t just Niagara Falls. The Cave of the Wind, Maid of the Mist, Aquarium of Niagara, and the Observation Tower are in the park.

8. Fish Sometimes Go Over the Falls

It’s hard to imagine fish tumbling down the mighty waterfalls, but it does happen! Some fish species within Niagara Falls include smallmouth bass, northern pike, largemouth bass, and perch. 

9. People Have Gone Over Niagara Falls in Barrels

A funny fact surrounding Niagara Falls is that some daredevils have purposefully gone over the falls using barrels! The first person to go over the falls in a barrel was Annie Edson Taylor on October 24, 1901, her 63rd birthday.

10. By the Niagara Falls is the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Taking a break from the Niagara Falls mist, you can visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory in Canada. It opened in 1996 and has a surface area of 11,000 square feet. The Conservatory is a favorite for many and includes over 2,000 tropical butterflies.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/jferrer