Goat Island is one of the most visited viewpoints by tourists exploring the American side of the majestic Niagara Falls. This is because, situated along the course of the Niagara River, it separates the Horseshoe Falls from the Bridal Veil Falls and provides privileged panoramic terraces for up-close observation of the surrounding natural spectacle.
Add to its unique beauty the fact that it is incredibly easy to reach, offers convenient parking, and has a restaurant where you can dine while admiring the waterfalls, and you will understand why you should definitely consider this stop in your itinerary.
Contents
How to Get to Goat Island
To reach Goat Island from the city of Niagara Falls on the American side, simply drive across the 1st Street bridge and park in one of the two spacious parking lots on the island. Please note that the parking fee for Niagara Falls is $10 per day.
Things to Do at Goat Island
Despite its small size, Goat Island has many interesting surprises in store for those who choose to visit. Let’s take a closer look at what they are.
Cave of the Winds
One of the most well-known and visited attractions at Niagara Falls. Thanks to an elevator, you’ll be transported to a point nearly at river level, and from there, via a wooden walkway, you can reach the Hurricane Deck. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the Bridal Veil Falls, take spectacular photos, and even get completely soaked! You can find more information about this particular attraction in our dedicated article on the Cave of the Winds.
Luna Island
Connected to Goat Island by a pedestrian bridge, this small island sits between the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, offering a privileged viewpoint from above this section of Niagara Falls. It’s especially recommended to combine a visit to Luna Island with the Cave of the Winds excursion to get both an aerial view and an up-close experience from below.
Terrapin PointTogether with the Prospect Point Observation Tower, Terrapin Point is one of the two most popular viewpoints on the American side of Niagara Falls. You’ll be practically at the level of the famous Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most well-known waterfalls. Combining a visit to Terrapin Point with a boat trip on the Maid of the Mist is the perfect combination to view this natural wonder from all angles.
Tesla Monument
This statue, intended to pay tribute to the Serbian-born, naturalized American scientist, was donated to the United States by the government of then-Yugoslavia in 1976. The statue, created by the artist Frano Kršinić, depicts Nikola Tesla seated and reading his notes.
Three Sisters Island
These small islands that extend into the Niagara River toward the Canadian side of the fall are connected to each other by a pedestrian walkway. Their dense vegetation makes them particularly pleasant to explore. Their fortunate location, situated just before the Niagara River forms the Horseshoe Falls, makes them perfect for unique photos and to gain a clear understanding of the power of the water before it takes the “big plunge.”
Top of the Falls
The only restaurant on Goat Island, as you can guess from the name, has its strength in being built just above Terrapin Point. This allows you to have lunch with one of the most beautiful views in the area. However, don’t expect gourmet dishes or particularly fancy options, as it’s a very touristy restaurant. Despite this, it manages to offer good quality at reasonable prices. You can take a look at the menu by visiting the official website.
Goat Island Video
Thanks to this summary video, you can admire everything that this small island full of surprises has to offer.
Where to Stay Near Goat Island
As we’ve seen, there are no hotels on Goat Island. The most convenient alternative is to choose one of the many options in the city of Niagara Falls and its surroundings. We have analyzed the most interesting types available in our article dedicated to where to stay at Niagara Falls.
