Beautiful Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park
Goat Island
We didn’t find any goats on Goat Island, but we did find some phenomenal views of Niagara Falls. The island was named Goat Island in the 1770s and it was used to raise goats for a while. Sadly, most of the goats did not survive the cold weather, but the island kept the name (it was changed to Iris Island at one time, but then changed back to Goat Island).
I personally love Goat Island. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place. There are landscaped trails, bridges, and balconies all throughout the island. From these vantage points, you feel like you are getting a behind-the-scenes view of Niagara Falls.
Goat Island is in the middle of the Niagara River. The island splits the Niagara River in two before it cascades over the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls.
This gorgeous area really celebrates the natural qualities of Niagara. It is nice to get away from the commercialized part of Niagara and just enjoy the state park and its natural beauty.
Terrapin Point
One of our first stops was Terrapin Point. The views from this area were absolutely spectacular!
There are several open spots here as well as shaded areas where you could just sit and relax and enjoy the views. Or, you can walk along the river and enjoy the views of the rapids.
It’s a great place to watch the water roaring over the Canadian Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. We also enjoyed watching the Maid of Mist and Hornblower boats as they navigated the waters.
Luna Island & Bridal Veil Falls & American Falls
Luna Island is a small piece of land that separates Bridal Veil Falls from the rest of the American Falls. This area gives you the unique experience of standing between these two waterfalls. Exploring this island gives you many different views of the falls and it’s a great place to take photos.
Activities & Food on Goat Island
If you want something to eat while you’re here, the Top of the Falls Restaurant, snack shops, and ice cream shops are located on Goat Island.
While you are here on Goat Island, you can hike Three Sisters Island, see Terrapin Point, and Luna Island, and/or join in the Cave of the Winds tour. Keep in mind that the Cave of the Winds tours only run from May to October.
You can reach the Three Sisters Islands from Goat Island. These islands offer a gorgeous view of the Upper Rapids before they descend over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Parking on Goat Island
Goat Island is free to visit, but parking is $10. If you’ve already found a parking spot (Buffalo Avenue is a great spot to park) in the area and don’t mind walking, you can take the pedestrian bridge to Goat Island. This bridge crosses the American rapids just above the American Falls. It takes you to a trail that takes you to the island. The trail actually goes around the whole island and is two miles long.
See more fun things to do in Niagara Falls HERE.
Have you visited Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park? What was your favorite thing about this beautiful place?
Goat Island // Niagara Falls State Park – Niagara Falls, NY 14303 // 716.278.1796
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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I have been to Niagara Falls but only from the Canada side, not the USA side. I did not know about the existence of the Goat and Luna islands but I can see that the views, especially from Terrapin Point are gorgeous! Interesting, though sad, story about why the Goat Island was named as such.
I know…it’s kind of a sad story. I was really curious as to why it was called Goat Island since there were NO goats in sight. Anyway, I hope you get to visit the American side one day. We are planning to go back and spend some time at the Canadian side. We’ve been before but it has changed a lot since our last visit.
Goat island, what an interesting name! I don’t this though I was there to see the falls. It looks like a nice family destination.
It really is a great place for families to visit! We enjoyed the fresh air, gorgeous views, and ice cream.
I didn’t visit the island when I last visited Niagara Falls because I had only limited time. However, reading this article, I’m definitely sold on visiting. I’m planning a big trip around the US next year and I’ll definitely visit Goat Island too.
We found ourselves with an entire afternoon after Whirlpool Jet and decided to check this place out. We had heard of it, but didn’t know what to expect. It was one of our favorite experiences!
I never knew about Goat Island! How cool! I’ve only visited Niagara Falls once when I was little so it’s time to go back again! I’ll definitely be checking out goat island when I do!
Niagara Falls has changed so much in the last 5 years since we visited last. We found so many new things to do.
I could imagine how relaxing to stay just behind that rail and enjoy the beauty of Niagara Falls and watching many tourists as they launched they boat. The whole view of the island is amazing, and no wonder you like it so much. How’s the humidity? I hope it wasn’t high like ours here in Philippines.
The humidity wasn’t too bad in mid-June. It definitely wasn’t as bad as the humidity we have here in Alabama!
I already knew of Goat Island, thanks to your earlier post. Thanks much again for the indepth detail into it.
Thanks for the peak into the history of the place! I was definitely wondering if the place had any goats!
Oh wow! The walk down to the Cave of Wind and Hurricane Point is fascinating!
I’ve never heard of Goat island but looks like a fantastic viewpoint! I love the fact that there are lots of open spots to enjoy the mighty waterfalls. Also descending into the Niagara Gorge must be really cool, great tip!
I highly recommend giving Goat Island a visit, Val! It’s a great spot to view the falls!
It’s great to know about Goat Island. The way it is is situation between Niagara Falls makes for a great vantage point. You got some really great photos there! Such a powerful and stunning waterfall.
Thank you, Summer! It’s a beautiful Island!
I never knew about Goat Island. The only time I visited the falls I was 7 with my family. This island looks like a great spot to get some good views and photos.
Niagara Falls has definitely changed a lot over the years. We’ve visited about 6 times and it is different every time. It’s nice to discover new things to experience when we visit.