8 Things to Do This Fall in the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

The Niagara Falls National Heritage area is a great place to explore any time of the year, but fall brings some unique opportunities as we experience the beauty of summer giving way to autumn. This seasonal change brings bright, colorful leaves to the Niagara Gorge before they arrive in other places, as well as small communities festive with decorations and fun. While COVID-19 certainly has had an impact this year, there is still plenty to do is we let go of summer and slip into the season of pumpkin spice!

1. Rent a Reddy Bike

Fall is actually the perfect weather for getting out and exploring our National Heritage Area on two wheels. If you don't have your own bike, Reddy Bikes are available for rent all over Niagara Falls and provide a fun and affordable way to take in the autumn scenery while also very much staying in touch with it.

Learn more about Reddy Bikes at https://reddybikeshare.socialbicycles.com/.

2. Whirlpool State Park

With plenty of hiking trails available, Whirlpool State Park is a top notch destination for seeing the bright, colorful leaves of the Niagara Gorge, as well as the awe-inspiring power of the rapids. Take advantage of free parking, and brand new walking/biking paths then extend all the way to the Falls or to Lewiston.

3. Visit a Farmer's Market

Just outside of the quaint Village of Youngstown, you'll find two top notch Farmer's Markets at Tom Tower's Farm Market and Sanger Farms & Bakery. Both offer a rustic farm experience, fresh fruits and vegetables, pumpkins and other fall must-haves, and apple picking.

Pro Tips:

• Pet a cat (or 10) at Tom Tower's
• Don't leave Sanger Farms without buying a Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookie
  

4. Iconic Year Round: The Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist runs through the first weekend of November, so there is still plenty of time to hop on and experience one of the most iconic boat rides in the world. Better yet, they just went electric, so you can be one of the first to experience the future of this incredibly fun (and incredibly wet) adventure!

Visit their website for tickets: https://www.maidofthemist.com/

5. Lewiston Scarecrow Festival

While most of our beloved festivals were canceled this year due to COVID-19, the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce has brought back their annual Scarecrow Festival. Businesses in Lewiston get creative and make fun and festive scarecrows that line Center St. through October. While in town, be sure to get a head start on that Christmas shopping at some small local shops, or a grab a bite at the many restaurants lining this picturesque village.

6. Get Hands-on With Some Sea Life

There have been many new additions to the Aquarium of Niagara in the last few years, but if you haven't visited in a while, now is definitely the time! The M&T Bank Shark & Ray Bay just opened lets you get up-close-and-personal with some fascinating sea friends!

Buy tickets online: https://www.aquariumofniagara.org

7. Get the Lore and So Much More At Old Fort Niagara

It's always a good time to visit Old Fort Niagara, but there's something very special about the fall at this historic and creepy place. While COVID-19 is claiming some of the usual programming, there are new experiences to participate in that will get you in the Halloween spirit! Notably, their Lantern and Lore tours are sure to bring the goose bumps! Experience the darker side of Old Fort Niagara's history during this seasonal fundraising tour! Guides, dressed in 18th century clothing, will take guests on a journey through the dark fort while telling stories from its haunted past. Heard about the “ghost in the well”? How about the “hobgoblin” or the “wall of fog”? The tours will fill in the details!

View all events and purchase tickets online: https://www.oldfortniagara.org/calendar/list/current_page,1/per_page,10

8. Take a Walk or Drive Through Oakwood Cemetery

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking it's totally cliche to visit a cemetery during October. Yes, the spirits are very active this time of year, however, Oakwood Cemetery boasts a beautiful landscape full of trees bright with color and beautiful buildings and monuments. You also get to pay a visit to some of Niagara's most famous people, such as Annie Edson Taylor.