American Side Tours in Niagara Falls, New York

While other waterfalls may vie for the title of the world’s largest and tallest, none can compete with Niagara Falls when it comes to popularity. Over 20 million people journey to the falls every year and the distinctive blue raincoat has become synonymous with outings to this natural wonder.

An American side Niagara Falls tour is a great way to experience the splendor of the falls for yourself — and there are numerous options available, catering to different travelers, timeframes and budgets.

Here's all you need to know about American side tour, one of the most captivating opportunities for sightseeing in Niagara Falls, New York.

What are the best American side tours in Niagara Falls?

Guided group Niagara Falls walking tour on the American side

This is the most affordable way of hearing Niagara Falls’ thundering waters and feeling the soft caress of its mists. However, you’ll be part of a larger traveling group and you’ll need to purchase extra tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

That being said, this tour option remains one of the best ways of exploring all that the US side of Niagara Falls has to offer. Your 1-hour Niagara Falls walking tour starts from Goat Island and you’ll visit all three major waterfalls. Your tour leader will guide you along the best viewing points, stopping for photo opportunities to ensure you immortalize your visit to this wondrous location.

The relatively short duration makes this trip perfect to be combined with another outing or boat tour — or simply as a memorable stop during a busy day out in New York State.

Half-day stateside small-group Niagara Falls tour

If you want a more personal experience while being kind to your wallet, you should consider this small-group Niagara Falls tour. You’ll start your journey to this world-famous natural wonder in comfort, with an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel.

After arriving at the falls, your guide will give you a quick orientation of what to expect on the US side of the falls. Following this, you’ll head to the Cave of the Winds viewing platform, where you may experience storm-like wind caused by the cascading waters. This is basically as close as you can get to the falls without making a wooden barrel and gravity part of the equation.

Next, you’ll enjoy an elevator ride to a viewing platform that perfectly showcases the three main falls that Niagara Falls consists of — the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The tour ends on a crescendo as you board the Maid of the Mist and head to experience the water thundering down around you.

Full-day America and Canada Niagara Falls small group tour

There’s a raging debate about whether aUS or Canadian side of Niagara Falls tour is the best. This small group trip aims to answer the contentious question with another — “Who said anything about having to choose?”

This full-day outing starts in style, with an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel. Your guide will give you a quick summation of the day’s itinerary, before telling you more about the stories surrounding the falls.

The first part of the expedition will see you exploring the American side of Niagara Falls, enjoying a Maid of the Mist boat tour — as well as a visit to the Cave of the Winds viewing platform.

Then it’s time to hop across the border and journey to the Skylon Tower in Canada, for one of the best views of the falls. Explore the Canuc side, visiting Queen Victoria Park and Table Rock Visitors Center. Finally, after experiencing both sides of this iconic natural wonder, you’ll hop over the border and travel back to your hotel.

Are there any combos available with American side tours in Niagara Falls?

Choosing a combination tour to Niagara Falls is a great way to optimize your time while adding definite bang for your buck.

US side Niagara Falls guided group boat tour

This guided group excursion includes a Niagara Falls boat tour without costing an arm and a leg. To keep the costs down, it features a shorter tour of 2 hours and you’ll be accompanied by a larger tour group, making it the perfect option for solo travelers looking for a balance between experience and cost.

After admiring the falls from the viewing platforms, you’ll make your way down to the water. Here you’ll board the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour, allowing you to get up close and personal with these iconic waterfalls.

Along the journey, your tour guide will regale you with the myths and legends that surround these misty waters, as well as the death-defying acts of those who tried to immortalize themselves alongside the thundering waters.

Niagara Falls at night stateside tour with dinner

Experiencing the roaring thunder of Niagara Falls is one thing, but experiencing this natural wonder at night as it's lit up by fireworks is something else entirely.

Your small group will arrive at Niagara Falls in the afternoon, following a convenient pickup service from your hotel. Arriving at the falls, you’ll enjoy a walking tour, venturing to all of the viewpoints, before heading to the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Immerse yourself in the midst of the deafening water, before making your way back to dry land.

The next stop is a local restaurant sporting breathtaking views of the falls, as well as dishes worthy of the scenery. Head back to the viewpoints and watch the falls be transformed into a foaming mass of cascading hues as they reflect the fireworks display — the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day out.

USA Niagara Falls small group trip with Helicopter tour

Not many outings to the American side of Niagara Falls can compete with this action-packed tour — as you’ll explore the falls by land, air and water. It’s the ideal outing if you have limited time to spend in Niagara Falls and the small group size will ensure an unforgettable personal experience.

Set off directly from your hotel with a convenient air-conditioned pickup service taking you to the falls. Once at Niagara Falls, your guide will accompany you to all of the best viewpoints, telling you more about the history along the way. Make your way to the Cave of the Winds viewing platform, before descending into the depths to board the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Next, it’s time to take to the sky and you’ll enjoy a 45-minute helicopter tour of Niagara Falls. Seeing this majestic geological wonder from up high provides you with a clear picture of the falls’ sheer scale — while simultaneously ending your outing in an unforgettable manner.

Which places are visited?

Niagara Falls American Side

For as long as people have been traveling to Niagara Falls there’s been a debate about which side is better. While the Canadian side of Niagara Falls offers better views of the cascading waters, the US side offers a better close-up experience.

The American side of the falls is also home to the pristine Niagara Falls State Park with its many viewing platforms — as well as the world-famous Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Maid of the Mist Boat Rides

The iconic blue plastic raincoats are usually one of the first images to spring to mind when Niagara Falls and boat tours are mentioned. The apparel in question belongs to the Maid of the Mist boat rides, an integral part of any visit to Niagara Falls.

Sure, the viewing platforms provide you with an unforgettable tableau of this natural wonder — but the Maid of the Mist boat ride gets you in the thick of things, allowing you to experience the falls like no other activity.

Skylon Tower

Stateside Niagara Falls tours that hop the border almost always visit the Skylon Tower, and it’s easy to see why. The Skylon Tower reaches 160 meters high, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of Niagara Falls, both on the US and Canadian sides.

The tower is also a rotating restaurant, allowing you to enjoy your meal while admiring a view for the ages.

Cave of the Winds

Visitors to the Cave of the Winds are sometimes disappointed when they find no sign of a cave anywhere. This is because the viewing platform is named after a cave behind the Bridal Veil Falls known for its impressive gusts and stunning view.

However, in 1954 a rockfall destroyed the cave and the eponymous viewing platform was built nearby — allowing visitors to experience the winds caused by the displacement of tons and tons of water.

How much do American side tours in Niagara Falls cost?

American-side guided group Niagara Falls walking tours cost US$50 per person, making it the least expensive way to tour the falls. However, you’ll be part of a large tour group and you’ll need to pay extra for activities like boat tours.

US-side Niagara Falls guided group trips with a boat tour cost US$100 per person. These excursions operate in large groups, with parties of more than 20 people.

Half-day stateside small group Niagara Falls tours cost US$140 per person, with groups capped at 9 people, allowing for a more personal experience.

Full-day America and Canada Niagara Falls small group tours cost US$190 per person. These tours will keep you busy for the better part of the day and are limited to a maximum of 9 people.

Combo tours to Niagara Falls start off at US$130 per person for the night tour with dinner, going all the way to around US$400 per person for a Niagara Falls tour with a helicopter flight.

What is included?

A Niagara Falls tour will feature a knowledgeable and passionate guide, and you’ll be in great hands as they lead you through the park.

A tour of Niagara Falls almost always includes your most basic entrance tickets to the falls. Niagara Falls walking tours usually do not include tickets to the boat tour or the trolley ride, but these can be purchased online or at the falls.

Where does it start?

The departure point for stateside tours of Niagara Falls differs depending on the type of excursion. Trips that last between 1 and 2 hours typically depart from Goat Island, or from the Niagara Welcome Center.

Longer excursions will typically start with a pickup service fetching you from your hotel. Consider confirming the tour’s departure point when making your reservation.

How long does it last?

The duration of a tour on the American side of Niagara Falls depends on the type of excursion you choose. Niagara Falls walking tours usually last between 1 and 2 hours, which is sufficient to visit all of the viewpoints.

More comprehensive tours that include a boat tour or trolley ride usually last 4 to 6 hours, while trips that cross the border to Canada can last 10 to 12 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, all of Niagara Falls’ viewing platforms are accessible to wheelchair users, as is the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour. However, facilities available on individual tours may differ, so consult the tour company before booking your tickets.

When is the best time for an American side tour of Niagara Falls?

The best time for an American side tour of Niagara Falls is typically from late spring to early fall, specifically May through September. During these months, the weather is warmer and more conducive to enjoying the outdoor activities and scenic views.

Summer (June to August) offers the fullest range of attractions, including Maid of the Mist boat tours and Cave of the Winds, but expect larger crowds. Early fall can be less crowded while still offering pleasant weather.

Travel tips

• Weather can be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho (especially for boat tours like the Maid of the Mist), comfortable walking shoes, and layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
• If your tour includes crossing into Canada, ensure you have the necessary documentation like a passport or enhanced driver's license.
• Don’t miss the falls at night when they are beautifully illuminated. There are also occasional fireworks displays.
• Respect the environment and always follow park rules. Stay on designated paths, and dispose of trash properly to protect the natural beauty of the area.