Anna G.
Yelp
I am so happy I discovered Wilkeson Pointe Park this past summer. Back when I was a UB student, the Outer Harbor didn't really exist and now that I'm back, it's as though a whole new world is open to me. No matter where you live, if you're in the Buffalo area, Wilkeson Pointe Park is a necessary element of the summer experience.
I spent lots of time at the park in order to take advantage of free fitness classes, mostly yoga, but a few boot camp type classes as well. I loved practicing yoga with the water in the background, imagine total serenity and oddly enough, you get it at the Outer Harbor, even though you're almost literally underneath the skyway and the General Mills plant. I would make it a point (Pointe?) to get there early to just enjoy the sailboats drifting by and to claim the perfect spot where the sun wouldn't get in my eyes during my vinyasa.
There's a small parking lot by the boat launch, and plenty of spots on the road leading to the park entrance. My advice would be to carpool if you can, when there's an event, the place can get packed. If you don't have your own kayak, there are rental available, and you can also rent bikes for the winding path. Next summer I plan to take advantage of these amenities, but if I don't, walking the path is just as nice. You'll also find plenty of outdoor activities, I often watched volleyball games and groups running around through the fields.
But my real favorite (non yoga) activity? Just sitting in the Adirondack chairs scattered along the beach. Grab a book, and a beer if the beer garden is open, and sit back and enjoy the spectacular view and appreciate that this hidden gem of a park is a hop, skip, and a drive over the skyway from downtown. It's so easy to get caught up in a busy day, and I could just sit in those chairs for hours. Actually, I did do that one day before yoga.
Wilkeson Pointe Park is a must do for the warmer months, and I plan to spend plenty of time in yoga class, reading, or just enjoying the scenery. Take a few minutes to enjoy the hidden gems of Buffalo, you'll be glad you did!