Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

Niagara Falls is more than just rushing water. The area is full of history in addition to the natural wonder. When you need to get the sound of rushing water out of your ears, check out some the surrounding towns.

Fort Niagara was a Revolutionary War outpost for the British. Anyone fleeing the fighting that was still loyal to the Mother Country could stay here. British soldiers dressed in period costumes take you on tours of the battlements and the grounds.

This region was also a safe haven for the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War. Anyone crossing the Niagara River into Canada meant they were free from the bonds of slavery. Their perilous journey to freedom was finally over. Many of these people returned to settle the area after the bloody conflict.

The raging waters of the river created copious amounts of hydroelectric power. It was here that America advanced as an industrial nation. Large electrical generators sent power to nearby Buffalo. The electricity, in turn, sparked several industries. Just think the amount of work it took to create an enormous power plant here.

Nearby campsites offer a great home base for a summer or fall getaway. There's plenty to do apart from the falls. Don't miss the nearby towns of Lewiston and Youngstown.