There is an island in New York that allows you to see Niagara Falls from the inside

If you travel to the world famous Niagara Falls in western New York, you will certainly notice a large island in the middle of the Niagara River, between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. It was from there, as reported Only In Your State, the most incredible views of the waterfall open up.

Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, and it is one of the most famous places in the country due to its breathtaking waterfalls. But most people who have never visited this magnificent park may not know about the island among the waterfalls, which is considered one of the attractions of this region. Goat Island sits in the middle of the Niagara River and boasts some of the best waterfall views in the park.

There are many trails through this unique island. You can even cross the bridge from Goat Island to Three Sisters Island for even more stunning views. In 1885, Goat Island was incorporated into Niagara Falls State Park.

Head to the western part of the island, admire the views from Terrapin Point, see the Nikola Tesla monument and the Cave of the Winds. You can also cross the Luna Island Bridge for another great view of Bridal Veil Falls.

History of the island

Fortunately or not, there are no more goats on Goat Island. John Stedman, the pioneer, kept a herd of goats on the island. All the animals died during the terrible winter of 1780, but gave the island its name. In 1879, botanist Frederick Law Olmsted concluded that spray from the falls created a natural nursery for native plants.

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The preservation of the island as a parkland was made possible by the efforts of Augustus Porter, who recognized the long-term value of the falls as a tourist attraction in the mid-19th century. Porter purchased the island and later allowed a group of Tuscarora Native Americans to live on the island and sell their wares to tourists who came to the falls by stagecoaches and early railroads.

Despite the pressure, Porter refused to tame the island's nature. In 1817, he built a toll bridge to the island for tourists. It was destroyed by ice, so the next year they built another one, downstream. British naval officer and world traveler Basil Hall called it “one of the most extraordinary pieces of engineering in the world.”

You can find out more about Goat Island at the official website.