Number of Miles Driven: 25

States Driven Through: Ontario and NY 


We saw a video for the Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls State Park in NY, so we planned to cross the Rainbow Bridge into the US. We started our day with pancakes and the kids jumped on the bouncy pillow at the campground while we cleaned up the campsite – they loved it! We went back through customs to get to the US – the border patrolman made me remove my glasses and then he asked to see each kid, but then we were through.

After getting to the park, we “hiked” (i.e., walked about 1 mile) to Horseshoe Falls. We were a little worried when Dani immediately said melodramatically “Hikes and pictures are my worst enemy!,” but she changed her tune pretty quickly. We had a picnic overlooking Horseshoe falls – it was beautiful and a fun way to eat lunch. 

Picnic lunch overlooking the Horseshoe Falls



Then we headed to Cave of the Winds. There was an interesting introductory video about the fundraising effort to beautify Niagara Falls and buy back the land for a state park, instead of it being individually owned by someone who made it into a carnival-like atmosphere. They also raised funds to take down the factories that were using the falls for hydroelectric power. Interesting factoid – this effort was the beginning of the State Park System, and the Niagara Falls State Park is the first state park reservation. After learning some history, we ponchoed up and headed toward the American Falls.

We walked along a boardwalk that took us right to the foot of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It was so fun to have the water rushing past us and gushing through the decks. The best part (for everyone but Matthew, who preferred to stay drier) was the Hurricane Deck where we were basically underneath Bridal Veil Falls with hurricane strength winds. I planned to stay out of it so I didn’t get soaked, but it looked like too much fun – so I jumped in and was giddy like a kid. Andrew and Carolyn didn’t want to leave and wanted to stay right underneath the falls for quite a bit longer. We all left drenched (save Matthew). Carolyn quickly shouted – “This is the best part of the trip!” – and I have to agree – it was amazing!


Still dry



Getting wetter and Matthew getting unhappier


The water got into both of our phones and we had to dry them out

Everyone I spoke to before the trip said the Canadian side was the better side for seeing the Falls. Although, the panoramic view is better, I honestly thought the American side was better. The Cave of the Winds experience was the best, the views right next to the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls were unbeatable, and the walk through the state park – around the rapids and the falls – was so picturesque! The Canadian side didn’t have the rapids and the Journey Behind the Falls didn’t compare to Cave of the Winds.

Walking along the rapids leading to the American Falls


The edge of the American Falls with the Niagara Falls, Canada skyline in the background

After successfully crossing the border for the third time in two days (I guess we don’t look to suspicious), we had a relaxing afternoon and evening at the campground. Andrew, Carolyn, and Matthew played mini-golf while Dani went to the splashpad and the pool. We hung out by the pool/bouncy pillow for a couple of hours while Michael got the campsite ready for dinner. We did hamburgers for dinner and then multiple s’mores for dessert. The group next to us had moved out, so we thought we’d have an earlier night – but after showers and closing down the fire/campsite, we didn’t get settled in until 10:30. It doesn’t help that it doesn’t get dark here until 9:45. Everyone was out pretty quickly but the morning came very early.