Niagara Falls Observation Tower

Visiting Niagara Falls was truly one of my lifelong dreams—and it was beyond, beyond amazing! We enjoyed every single moment, every single drop of water. The power and beauty of the falls left us speechless. We also explored the Cave of the Winds—what an adventure! Doing the “hurricane experience,” we stood right in the heart of the mist and felt the water crashing around us. The kids absolutely loved it—we laughed, played, and took so many beautiful pictures. And the Maid of the Mist boat ride? Pure magic. Being so close to the falls was an experience like no other. Words can’t fully capture how I felt in that moment—it’s something you have to live to truly understand. This trip created a memory I will carry in my heart forever. A magical, joyful, and unforgettable day.

The Niagara Falls Observation Tower offers one of the best views of the falls from the U.S. side and is a must-visit spot while exploring the area. The structure extends out over the Niagara River, providing a clear and breathtaking panoramic view of the American Falls and parts of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s a fantastic place to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty of the falls without the rush of a boat ride. The area is well-maintained, and getting to the tower is easy, especially if you’ve already booked a Maid of the Mist tour, as access is included. Even if you’re not taking the cruise, the observation deck alone is worth a visit for its perspective and peaceful viewing experience. Overall, the Observation Tower adds a unique, elevated vantage point to your Niagara Falls visit and is perfect for capturing memorable views of this natural wonder.

Niagara Falls State Park is absolutely incredible — the views of the falls are awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Whether you’re up close feeling the mist on the Maid of the Mist boat ride or exploring the scenic walking trails, the experience is magical. The park is well-maintained, with plenty of spots to relax and take in the beauty. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. Definitely a must-see destination!

Niagara Falls State Park is where nature roars and dreams mist the air. From the Maid of the Mist to winding scenic trails, every step stirs wonder. Well-kept, welcoming, and timeless — perfect for all souls who seek beauty. An unforgettable dance of water and sky — truly a must-see.

Breathtaking view, but you might get damp from the mist. You will get wet if you do a boat tour. However, they do provide you with a big poncho. We did our visit with a tour but we also arrived early.

Such a cool place. Too much snow to walk down below in the horse shoe falls side so you may want to wait to visit (we came in April). It was VERY cold. But we were able to walk down on the bridal falls side.

Breathtaking panoramic views of Niagara Falls! An absolutely amazing experience, especially at night with the illuminations and fireworks. A must-do! Don’t miss to go early timings any day. 9am is best time.. @urkotesh for more YouTube videos..

Pretty cool. It's even open in the winter except for New Year's Day. Great views of the falls. Perfect picture spot. Didn't cost anything to go up. I don't know how we missed this the first time we went to the falls in the winter but it's there.

The Prospect Point Observation Tower (also known as Niagara Falls Observation Tower) is a great way to admire the full grandeur of the falls from Niagara Falls, NY. Although it is set a short distance away from the edge of the falls, it is close enough to the falls to occasionally enjoy a refreshing spray. From here, you can get a clear view of all three falls, including American Falls, as well as the mesmerizing rapids. The boarding area for the Maid of the Mist tours is located at the base of the tower, accessed by a high-speed elevator from the observation deck. The base of the tower also provides access to the Crow's Nest, a smaller observation area located much closer to the falls. You do not need to go on a Maid of the Mist tour to go to the lower level, but there is a small fee for the deck and elevator.

Free with fantastic views of the falls, down river and across to Canada. We came here after being ripped off for a view at the lower falls down the way. This was far superior at no cost, redeeming my reputation with family.

This is a great spot to investigate as it gives one an opportunity to see a bit more of the Falls and especially the American Falls. Many compare it to the view they'd get by crossing the nearby Rainbow Bridge into Canada to get the FULL horizontal view of the falls. In summer, it's open all day but charge for access to the tower, but after 4 or 5pm, it's FREE as the ticket booths at the entrance are then closed. During the winter, due to snow and/or ice it may be closed, if open at all.

I had heard the best way to view the falls was from the Canadian side, so my expectations were on point- but the observation tower gives a good side view of the American Falls and one side of the Horseshoe Falls, plus a great view of the Rainbow Bridge, which I was very disappointed wasn't colorful. We had access with our Maid of the Mist boat tour tickets, but there is a small fee to go up from what I understand. There are elevators to whisk you up and down- attended of course. I think we picked good times and days to check out the falls- busy, but not over crowded!

Offers some amazing views of the falls. Current prices are $1.25 per person to go up (stairs or elevator) up to the deck. Easy walk from various parking lots in the main hotel/caisno area. Not too crowded on a Monday, but I can imagine that the deck gets crowded on the weekends or during the summer.

2.00$ after waiting a very long line that is for observation and for the maid of the mist.... so, after waiting 20-30 mins, to be honest, you may as well fork up the other 18$ and just join everyone else or else you're just gonna be unsatisfied with not getting up close after your hard work of standing in line and then only able to get shots from above and not up close. You get a little more view of the horseshoe and the American falls- the photos will be better to bring up and upload onto yelp, but let's be real here- if you drive or came this far, bring a picnic or something and spend as much time as you can next t the falls!! Oh you also get nice shots of the bridge over Niagara river- super scenic and I imagine during fall the leaves and foliage make this a calendar photo contest worthy photos. Come earlier in the day to Niagara bc too many tourists will have you waiting your turn to get a pic by the railing and have people's arms and hair and half cropped bodies in your selfie. Also... BRING a selfie stick bc no human arm can overcome the rails behind you unless you're super tall or have some jelly arms or Bulbasaur vine whip

Great tourist attraction! Beautiful views and wonderful photo opportunities! Another must see when on the American side of the falls.

Free with a maid of the mist ticket but also free in the evening to walk out on the observation deck overlooking the falls with incredible views. You can also take the elevator down to the base and walk near the falls feeling the mist and getting a different view (from below). It's a great place to view the nightly fireworks too.

Such an incredible and breathtaking view. I am slightly afraid of heights but I felt very safe here. Very well maintained.

You want to know a secret? I went after dark and it was open to the public for free. For that price it was totally worth getting pushed around and packed together with strangers for the best view of the falls on the American side. Great view on a budget.

The Observation Tower gives a good view of the US and Canadian sides of the Falls and allows you to be perched on a high position to see the beauty that is Niagra Falls. This is a great spot to take photos and see how far the Falls extend. Usually a ticket to the tower is included if you go on the Maid of Mist boat tour.

If this was the time of day when you get really grumpy, it would be your Aggravation Hour. People from the 60s were part of Generation Flower. And if you're expecting, your friends will probably throw you an Impregnation Shower. The Observation Tower is a magnificent and unexpected little gem in Niagara Falls State Park. (speaking of magnificent monuments... pulls down pants...) The building is cool looking and made of glass. There's a deck near the top where people can observe amazing views of the Falls. The Tower is on the American side of the Falls (my favorite side, but don't tell anyone, it's a secret). If you get a ticket to the Maid of the Mist boat tour, you get access to the tower, or you can just get a ticket for the tower alone. I've obviously seen the Falls many times on both sides, and I bring people here all the time when they visit me. I've seen every little part of them that there is to see. I could probably wander around here with my eyes closed by now. But that would be a bad idea. Sometimes my guests skip the Observation Tower, though. My review couldn't possibly be as thorough or as excellent as Harald's (in German), so I'll just say that if you are at the bottom of the gorge, and you look up, you will see a huge, imposing, powerful shaft. But only when I'm around. Just kidding. The shaft is the observation tower support pillar, extending all the way down to the bottom. What a fantastic feat of nature. If you're an advocate for plastic surgery, then you believe in Augmentation Power (and my gf is definitely one of those). And if you haven't done the wild thing before, then I hope when it does happen, you have a Sensational Deflowering.

Absolutely breathtaking view of all the falls!!! This is a MUST-Do!!!!! This was my favorite experience at the falls and very easy to get to verses all the rest. The views as stunning!!! Perfect family photo op!!!

The view is amazing! I can't say enough for the shops and how friendly they were. we went for Christmas- no I have no idea what I was thinking. We drove up from Louisiana. The helicopter ride I had planned got damaged in the snow storm, so this was a last minute plan to save or vacation. There is a down stairs arcade and multiple stores to pick up tourist and fun loot. The staff in the restaurant was great. We couldn't have asked for more. However The food was so awful- we got the package you buy dinner you get to see the falls in the rotating tower. I understand that it was off season and that it's all about the view- but lord snails on a lunch menu. The food was so bad and expensive- the spaghetti my son got from the children's menu was very liquidy! The steak I got was tough and not well seasoned. The butter was old and the rolls were hard. I think for the one adult and one child $100 lunch we had, even in off season could have been so much better- or heck trash the "fine dining" and make a burger. Worth the view and warmth in December.

Food was average but the experience was awesome nice view. Restrooms need attention !!!

Yes! Yes! And, it's one of the pristine highlights on the American side. We loved the easy walk out to this observation viewing deck! Stunning views of the entire Niagara Falls area, Rainbow Bridge (walking route to Niagara Falls CAN) and the skyline overlooking the Falls. Just GO! Niagara Falls either side is worth the visit.

went here for vacation 2 years ago, on the american side. very beautiful site to see. the tower and deck itself is pretty crowded because of tourists but still very cool. you have a neat view of the falls as well as the bridge connecting the 2 countries.

You can enjoy the tower any time, but sunsets are the best, as the sun sets behind or near the Falls, depending on the time of year. You can also enjoy some of the colored lights that brighten the Falls form the Canadian side. Be sure to look up the opening times- the Tower usually closes at or near sunset.

Love how this is absolutely free for everyone! It's a great sight seeing deck. Perfect for good photos.

For those coming to see the falls this is a must see destination. For a small fee you get to be on the platform looking down, or I guess it would be up, river. The Falls are magnificent from all angles and the shots from the platform will help the memories, and the display to your friend who haven't been yet. I was on an uncrowded day, and was able to have a free roam of the various views. The views are of course phenomenal. The falls are an incredible icon.