The Discover Niagara Shuttle offers free transportation to 21 destinations along a 14-mile stretch between Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara. It operates daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with limited weekend service in May and October.
The two-hour round-trip journey allows you to hop on and off at any stop without needing a ticket. Just make sure to keep an eye on the schedule. Shuttles stop every 30-45 minutes, depending on how full each run is. You can see exactly where each of the shuttles is using their app or website.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Youngstown, NY
1. Old Fort Niagara
In Fort Niagara, at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming in the pool, exploring the nature center, and, on a clear day, taking in the spectacular view of Toronto’s skyline. The fort was vital to military success, controlling access to the Great Lakes and resources in the frontier. Fort Niagara was occupied by French, British, and American forces during its complex 300-year history. Before you go, read up on its history.
2. Youngstown Center
Youngstown is a serene village situated at the point where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. Take a leisurely stroll along Main Street and Water Street to explore the array of locally-owned establishments, including shops and restaurants, and enjoy access to the Niagara River. Youngstown is also home to Niagara Jet Adventures.
Lewiston, NY
3. Stella Niagara Preserve
Stella Niagara Preserve, managed by WNY Land Conservancy, is the largest privately owned, undeveloped tract of land along the entire length of the Niagara River. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy beautiful and rare wildlife along the walking trails.
4. Lewiston Waterfront
You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront or take a thrilling Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. Additionally, there are a few great dining options situated along the river, including The Silo, which is pictured above. If you decide to walk from the Discover Niagara Shuttle stop at this location to the next stop at Lewiston Center, please note that there is a steep hill that rises up from the waterfront.
5. Artpark State Park
Artpark is a 150-acre state park located on the Niagara River Gorge. It is dedicated to showcasing the best in performing and visual arts programs. The park hosts a variety of events, including world-class amphitheater rock and pop concerts, outdoor festivals, interactive public art installations, gallery exhibits, art and theatre workshops, summer camps, and more. Please note that the Empire Pass and Golden Park Pass are not accepted at this location.
6. Lewiston Center
Lewiston boasts some of the most exceptional food and musical festivals in the region that have gained national recognition. Take a leisurely walk through the village along Center St. and explore the numerous options for shopping and dining. This stop is located approximately 0.5 miles to the east of the Lewiston Waterfront stop and is uphill from there. For more information on the history of Lewiston, please visit the Historic Lewiston website.
7. Lewiston Academy Park
Academy Park is the venue for the annual Niagara County Peach Festival and summer farmers market, with ample parking and a variety of restaurants, making it an ideal starting and ending point for your trip.
8. Niagara Power Vista
The Power Vista offers free admission, free parking, and hands-on activities for all ages year-round. Visitors can also enjoy an observation deck overlooking the Niagara River.
9. Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University
The Castellani Art Museum is the largest visual arts resource in Niagara County. It is open only on weekends and offers free admission to visitors. The museum’s website states that its founder, Armand Castellani, who owned the regional supermarket Tops Friendly Markets, and his wife, Eleanor, began collecting contemporary artworks in the second half of the twentieth century. Starting from their private acquisitions, the collection has now grown to include over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs dating from the 1850s to the present.
Niagara Falls, NY
10. Whirlpool State Park
There are two levels to explore at Whirlpool State Park: the rim level and the gorge level. The rim level is located on the street and offers stunning views of the whirlpool and rapids from a high vantage point. On the other hand, the gorge level can be accessed by climbing down a staircase consisting of over 300 stone steps. It leads you along the riverside trails, which connect to the nearby Devil’s Hole State Park via the Niagara Gorge Trail. Check out this informative article on nyfalls.com.
11. Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
For those visiting the region without cars, the Amtrak Station is an ideal starting point. In Niagara Falls, the center showcases the stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists, and there is an admission fee to visit. The price of admission includes Freedom Conversation tours.
12. Niagara Falls Public Library
In addition to the library, you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the iconic cash-only The Why Coffee Shop.
13. Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery boasts an array of stunning funerary art featuring obelisks, sarcophagi, and exquisite statuary. The cemetery’s lush landscape is adorned with mature plantings and trees, many of which date back to its earliest days.
14. Niagara Arts and Cultural Center
Housed in the former Niagara Falls High School, there are multiple galleries and a mix of visual and performing arts programs and programming to enjoy.
15. Aquarium of Niagara
The aquarium may not be very large, but it provides a fun daily schedule and a pleasant respite from the heat and crowds. Its main focus is on rescuing sea lions and penguins. There is an admission fee to enter, as well as a parking fee. Nevertheless, you can avoid the parking fee by parking near one of the other Discover Niagara Shuttle stops.
16. Niagara Gorge Trails and Schoellkopf Elevator
The old Discovery Center serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails that span miles. Guided hiking tours in Niagara Gorge are available from mid-May to October. However, please check ahead of time because the trails are periodically closed for maintenance. You can take the elevator down to the river’s edge at the bottom of the Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site.
17. 3rd Street Entertainment District
If you’re searching for restaurants, shopping, and public art, this is place. Art Alley showcases 19 murals created by local artists, which can provide a perfect background for selfies or fun family photos. You can find the alley between Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar and Delhi Darbar Indian Cuisine.
18. 3rd & Old Falls St
The stop is .3 miles away from the 3rd St Entertainment District stop. It’s a three-block, family-friendly space for games, performances, seasonal concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, and special events. Check out this informative Facebook page.
19. Goat Island Pedestrian Bridge
From this stop, the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and Observation Tower attractions are a short walk away. Use the bridge to walk around Goat Island or catch the trolley.
20. Niagara Falls State Park
The Niagara Falls State Park stop is the entrance to the oldest state park in the United States. You’ll be glad to know that the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center is now open! This center offers dining and shopping spaces, as well as tourism information.
“The final phase of the project, to be completed at a later date, will feature interpretive museum space including an immersive experience and exhibits highlighting a diversity of topics including natural, industrial and Indigenous American history, as well as outdoor exhibits and interpretive signage.”
21. Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center
Many visitors come to the area to see the actual waterfalls, which is why they are often saved for last. The Visitor Center is the central location for everything related to the falls. From here, you can connect with other trolleys that run through the town of Niagara Falls, NY, and Goat Island. This Discover Niagara Shuttle stop is situated right next to the American Falls at Prospect Point, Niagara Adventure Theater, Niagara Falls Observation Tower, and Maid of the Mist. Additionally, it is located next to the pedestrian bridge that connects Goat Island, Three Sisters Islands, Luna Island, Cave of the Winds, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
They are incredibly helpful with brochures itinerary planning, hotel and restaurant recommendations, public restrooms, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
If you plan to do a few of the major activities, like Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist, go for the Discovery Pass to save a few pennies.
Pick a Place to Start
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility or to park. The Niagara Falls Aquarium charges for both parking and admission. Depending on your activities, here are a few possibilities to start your journey where parking is free:
For a leisurely experience, start at Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, head south to Niagara Falls Visitor Center, and catch the Scenic Trolley (small fee) around Goat Island, stopping for a picnic near Three Sisters Islands. Take the shuttle north with a stop in Lewiston for dinner.
For more of an adventure, start at Lewiston Waterfront and hike the Niagara Gorge Trail along the river to Horseshoe Falls. Take the Discover Niagara Shuttle north, grab a shower, and swim (for a small fee) at Fort Niagara State Park. Enjoy dinner in Youngstown before looping back to Lewiston.
With kids in tow, start at the Power Vista for a high-energy experience. Take the shuttle south to the Aquarium of Niagara. Head south to Old Falls St, then north, and let them nap it out before hopping off at Lewiston Waterfront for dinner at The Silo. Looping back to your car, I bet there’s a great view of the river at sunset from the Power Vista observation deck!
If you are making the fireworks part of your itinerary, you’ll definitely be parking closer to the Visitor Center. Start your day there by wandering around Goat Island and Luna Island. Jump on the shuttle for a 2-hour loop around, with dinner in Niagara Falls before the show.
Explore More
Niagara Falls is majestic year-round, and I recommend going at different times throughout the year to witness the uniqueness of each season.
Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.
Which is your favorite Discover Niagara Shuttle stop?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Any chance we are running this year? 2022
Where are you stops in lewiston , most signs are no longer there
Hi Valerie! The Discover Niagara Shuttle is not running this year due to the pandemic. I can’t say whether or not their signs are in place in Lewiston, but they would normally have several stops, including Lewiston Waterfront and Lewiston Center. You can see them on their map: https://www.discoverniagarashuttle.com/destinations/ The Lewiston Center stops are northbound and southbound, on opposite corners of Center St. and 5th St.