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Facts, History, Travel

10 Strangely Fascinating Facts About Niagara Falls

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Welcome curious adventurers…to the captivating world of Niagara Falls! Prepare to be astounded as we delve into a few fascinating yet entirely true facts about this iconic destination, spanning both the Canadian and American sides of the Falls. Let’s embark on this extraordinary journey together and uncover the intriguing secrets of Niagara Falls!

  • The Curious Ice Bridge: Believe it or not, in 1848, Niagara Falls froze over almost entirely due to an extremely cold winter. This rare phenomenon created what locals dubbed the “ice bridge,” allowing people to walk across the frozen Niagara River between the United States and Canada.
  • The Unusual Stunters: Niagara Falls has seen its fair share of daredevils attempting death-defying stunts over the years. From tightrope walkers like “Blondin” who crossed the Falls multiple times, to Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to survive going over the Falls in a barrel, the attraction has drawn thrill-seekers from all corners of the globe.

  • The Illuminated Falls: As night falls, Niagara undergoes a mesmerizing transformation, bathed in a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues. The Falls’ illumination is achieved through an intricate system of colorful LED lights, casting an enchanting glow upon the cascading waters. This dazzling spectacle attracts nocturnal visitors from far and wide, offering a magical experience unlike any other.
  • The Hidden Caves: Beneath the thundering waters of Niagara Falls lie a network of hidden caves and tunnels, carved out by centuries of erosion. Adventurous explorers can embark on guided tours to uncover these subterranean wonders and witness the Falls from a whole new perspective.

  • The Floral Clock: Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Niagara Parks is the enchanting Floral Clock, adorned with over 16,000 vibrant flowers arranged in intricate patterns. This living timepiece is a testament to the region’s botanical beauty and a must-visit attraction for nature lovers.
  • The Whirlpool Rapids: Just downstream from the Falls, the Niagara Whirlpool captivates onlookers with its swirling waters and raw power. Its hypnotic currents and peculiar behavior make it a true enigma of nature. Thrill-seekers can embark on heart-pounding jet boat rides through the churning rapids for an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other.
  • The Honeymoon Capital: Niagara Falls has earned the title of “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” attracting newlyweds from far and wide to celebrate their love amidst the misty splendor of the Falls. The tradition dates back to the early 19th century and continues to this day, making it a romantic destination for couples worldwide.

  • The Hydroelectric Powerhouses: Harnessing the immense power of Niagara Falls, hydroelectric plants on both sides of the border generate clean, renewable energy to power millions of homes and businesses. This sustainable energy source is a shining example of the Falls’ environmental significance and technological innovation.
  • The Geological Anomalies: Niagara Falls is not just a waterfall – it’s also a geological marvel. The rock formations surrounding the Falls contain ancient fossils and geological formations, offering insights into the Earth’s history spanning millions of years.
  • The International Boundary: Did you know that Niagara Falls straddles the international border between Canada and the United States? The iconic Horseshoe Falls lies predominantly on the Canadian side, while the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located on the American side, creating a unique cross-border experience for visitors.

  • Avian Migration Hub: Beyond its beauty, Niagara Falls serves as a vital waypoint for migratory birds, guiding them safely on their journeys with its illuminated spectacle and providing a beacon of hope amidst their long flights.
  • The Underwater Ghost Town: Beneath the tranquil waters of the Niagara River lies a hidden secret: the submerged ruins of the once-thriving village of Elgin. As part of the construction of the New York Power Authority’s Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, the village was relocated, leaving behind an eerie underwater ghost town.
  • The Niagara SkyWheel: Towering over Clifton Hill at a staggering height of 175 feet, the Niagara SkyWheel offers riders a bird’s-eye view of the Falls and the surrounding landscape. As one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America, this iconic attraction provides a thrilling perspective of Niagara Falls like no other.

  • The Three Majestic Falls: Niagara Falls consists of three separate Falls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Each offers a unique perspective and breathtaking views, whether you’re admiring them from the Niagara Parkway or taking a boat tour to get up close and personal.

So there you have it, fellow adventurers – 14 strangely fascinating facts that shed light on the wondrous and mysterious world of Niagara Falls. As you explore this awe-inspiring destination, may you uncover even more secrets hidden within its misty embrace.

Attractions, Facts, History, List, Quiz

Test your Niagara Knowledge with this “Where Am I” Quiz

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Reading Time:  < 1 minute

Niagara Falls, a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty, often reveals its hidden gems with each visit. As you return to this iconic destination, you’ll discover that there’s always more to learn and explore. In this article, we’ve curated a list of ten intriguing locations that will challenge your knowledge of Niagara Falls.

Test your familiarity by guessing the whereabouts of each spot, and after you’ve completed the quiz, check the answers to see how well you’ve fared. Get ready to delve into the depths of Niagara Falls’ fascinating secrets and elevate your appreciation for this remarkable wonder.

QUIZ START
News

Interesting Facts about Niagara Falls

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Reading Time:  4 minutes -We all know that Niagara Falls is captivating to look at, but how much do you actually know about the Falls? There is so much intriguing history and interesting facts about Niagara Falls.

Fact #1: The Niagara Falls is moving!

Scientists have discovered that the Niagara Falls have moved back 7 miles (or 11 km) in the past 12,500 years. The reason behind this is because over 70 gallons of water have eroded the rock which have determined the waterfalls position. This averages to approximately 4 feet per year.

The clock is ticking. Due to the current rate of erosion, scientists believe that between 15,000 – 50,000 years from now, they may disappear completely into a fast running river and a series of rapids that comes directly from Lake Erie.

Fact #2: The Horseshoe Falls has frozen over once, but the American Falls have frozen over 6 times.

The American Falls are susceptible to freezing because it’s only a small amount of water compared to the Horseshoe Falls that flows over the cusp. Known to us today, the American Falls have frozen over 6 times, but it could be more if we delve further back into history. The Winter flow is reduced to 8,000 cubic feet of water per second, compared to 681,750 per second over the Horseshoe Falls. The lack of water just barely covers the rock face of the Falls and during the harshest of Winters, ice dams build up along Goat Island drastically reducing the flow to the northern channel that produces the water over the American Falls. Occasionally this freezes all remaining water and as a result, the water quickly freezes over.

When the temperature becomes consistently cold, the water creates ice formations along the banks of the falls. Ice is then created in mounds of ice that stretch right across the river and form an “ice bridge”. Up until 1912 when three lives were tragically lost, people were actually able to walk out on the ice bridge. People set up shanties selling liquor and photographs, and some even tobogganed!

Fact #3: The Niagara Falls has run completely dry.

On March 29th 1848, it became historically known as the “Day Niagara Falls Went Dry”. This was due to an ice jam in the upper river for several hours. The flow was stopped enough that those people actually walked out onto the Falls to discover artifacts.

In 1969, the US Army Corps of Engineers built dams which stopped the water flow over the American Falls. This was done to allow a study of the rock formations at the crest of the Falls and if they could be removed at the base of the American Falls. In the end, the engineers abandoned the project.

Click the image below for the full story and a series of pictures during this time:

Fact #4:  Numerous barrel attempts succeeded, but someone actually attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a Jet Ski…and failed.

Perhaps inspired by James Bond, 39-year-old Californian Robert Overacker decided to ride over Niagara Falls in a Jet Ski on October 1, 1995. The plan was to abandon the craft just before it went over the Falls and descend into the pool of water below by a rocket-propelled parachute on his back. This did not happen. The parachute flew right off his back and hit the water before he did. His body was recovered shortly after.

 Fact #5: The first person to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel was a woman.

On October 24th, 1901 on her 63rd birthday, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive a trip over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel and survived.  This was a feat never before accomplished before. She used a custom-made barrel for her trip made of oak and iron and padded with a mattress.

Not only did she survive, but she escaped without a broken bone. She had a slight scalp wound, a moderate concussion, some shock for her nervous system and bruises about the body.

The reason she attempted this daredevil move was to gain financial freedom. She made a small amount of money, but never the wealth that she desired.

Fact #6: “Niagara” originates from the Indian tribe name “Onguiaahra”

The “Onguiaahra” tribe is one of the earliest known settlers to Niagara Falls, which means “Thunder of Waters”. The name “Onguiaahra” appears on maps as early as 1641.

They were an Iroquois tribe named the “Neutrals” by French settlers who found them helpful in settling disputes between the Hurons and Iroquois tribes.