This Charming Little Island Is The Most Unique Way To Experience Niagara Falls On The US Side

It's no doubt that Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful water falls in the world. Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest in the country and has stood the test of time. Tucked among the rapids separating Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island is a charming little spot in this storied park that's the most unique way to experience the falls on the U.S. side. The island is connected to the mainland by a series of bridges and home to a number of the region's most famous and memorable attractions, as well as some stunning views of the falls.

Goat Island has an interesting history to go along with its natural splendor. It was named by John Stedman, "Master of the Portage," in the 1770s when he was appointed as a logistical shipping director to move materials along the Niagara River. Stedman raised goats on the land, but by 1780, harsh weather conditions had killed off the majority of his herd. Though the goats' time on the island was quite short, the name endured even after the land was reorganized into the state park system. There was a brief stint where it was rebranded to Iris Island, named for the goddess of the rainbow. But this was an unpopular move that saw the name revert back to the beloved Goat Island not too long after. Today, Goat Island still retains its wild charm, right at the precipice of the powerful falls.

Accessing Goat Island is incredibly easy since it's connected to the main park by both a pedestrian bridge and a vehicle bridge. For those taking a drive over, Parking Lot 2, located right across from the top of the Horseshoe Falls and next to the Cave of the Winds attraction, is the closest lot to the action. While there is a fee to park in this lot (typically $10 to $15 depending on the season), Parking Lot 3, located at the very southern end of the island, is free to park Tuesdays through Thursdays, year-round. 

If you're lucky to find free parking on the mainland, then walking to Goat Island is an easy way to get there too. The Goat Island trail is a quick 10-minute walk that leads you to the island from the mainland, walking you through some central woodlands before bringing you to the top of the falls. The pedestrian bridge to Goat Island can be found just southwest from the park's newly renovated, state-of-the-art, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center (worth a visit, we assure you), connected by clearly marked pathways. Visitors will cross over Green Island before making it to Goat Island.

During the summer season, visitors can take the Niagara Scenic Trolley to the island (among other local stops in the Niagara area). Reasonably priced at $5 per fare and $3 per child, this is an inexpensive and incredibly pleasant way to get to and from Goat Island, while also being able to see landmarks along the way — like the iconic Maid of the Mist Boats. It's both a nifty means of getting around, as well as a fun summer attraction!

Once you're ready to explore, you'll get some of the best views from Terrapin Point, the tip of the island that rests right at the top of the falls between the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. Here, visitors can encounter the powerful waterfalls within feet of the viewing platform, feeling the spray and hearing the roar of water up close. Of course, to get an even closer view of the falls, curious adventurers can head to the Cave of the Winds experience. A seasonal opportunity to descend 175-feet down into the Niagara Gorge via built platforms next to the Bridal Veil Falls, this is among the must-visit attractions in Niagara to truly the experience to full power of the falls.

Some of the best scenery is located on or near the island as well, so taking the 1.5-mile loop around the perimeter of Goat Island is a treat unto itself. Adventure further afield by walking to the Three Sisters Islands, a series of small land masses surrounded by the upper rapids before the water dives over the Horseshoe Falls. This area is quiet and quaint with viewing spots sprinkled throughout the islands.

Given its focus on outdoor exploration of the falls, the best time to visit Niagara and Goat Island is during the late spring to summer months when the majority of the attractions, like the trolley, are optimally open. This also gives you the chance to experience the wooded areas of the park in full bloom as well, making any outdoor hikes or walks all the more pleasant. Whenever you decide to visit, however, Goat Island is a can't-miss spot for its views and its attractions.