Old Fort Niagara State Park

The Old Fort Niagara has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Niagara area, featuring the oldest buildings in the Great Lakes, amazing scenery, and exciting special events. Sitting at the entrance to the Niagara River since 1726, Old Fort Niagara has a lengthy and important history—from the struggles of France, Great Britain, and the United States to control the Great Lakes region of North America, to the destinies of the Iroquois peoples and the nation of Canada, this National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site is a historical centerpiece and a must-see for all history buffs!

Today, Old Fort Niagara welcomes more than 100,000 visitors yearly who come to see original military architecture and fortifications from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors here will get a kick out of unique living history events and programs with costumed interpreters—a great activity for the kids. There are three flags that are raised each day representing the United States, France, and Britain, who at one time each held Fort Niagara as their own. Most of the buildings here can be toured, including the restored French Castle (the oldest building in the Great Lakes area), a bake house, the Powder Magazine, in which ammunition was stored as late as 1929, and more. And if you're lucky, you'll get to see the old, huge cannon test fired, and may even get to help fire it!

To get here from the New York State Thruway, take exit 50 to I-290 West to I-190 North. Get off at exit 25B and follow the Robert Moses Parkway North into the park. Old Fort Niagara State Park welcomes you and your family to a fun-filled day of history that will unfold before your very eyes!