Whirlpool State Park (with kids)

Not sure why Google map says this park is temporary close, we almost skipped it but we saw cars parked at the park so we went to check, the trails and viewpoints are all accessible. View of the whirlpool and Niagara river are beautiful from here. You can also see a cable car crossing the whirlpool on the Canada side.

Interesting place to see because of the way the Niagara makes a sharp turn to the right. The turn in the Niagara and the speed of the water is what creates the whirlpool. There’s a cable ride over the whirlpool if you’re on the Canada side. You can also take a whirlpool jet boat ride on the Niagara but the site for boarding for the ride is a few miles down stream from the actual whirlpool. Looks l...

I love this park. I have visited in all seasons and it never disappoints. The view of the water is amazing. Some days it doesn't even look real. As a bigger person new to hiking I like that this park offers variety. The easier paths are still a bit inclined but nothing too scary. The more hill dominated walks are still nice if you want a challenge. Or if you are feeling crazy there is a mile or so...

Whirlpool State Park is the second best park after Niagara State Park (to me) there. Niagara Gorge Rim Trail is an amazing hiking place across the Niagara river, moderate trekking (stairs to go down and up to the lower gorge). Best whirlpool rapids view is toward 4.3 mile to Fall direction (in the pic), 15/20 min walk (don't need to walk entire trail for best rapid view). 1.9 mile trail is calm a...

Great spot away from the crowds at Niagara Falls. We rode a rented city bike from Goat Island here. Park provided a beautiful view of the river rapids and a view across to Canada. There is also good view of the Canadian Great Wolf Lodge’s gondola that crosses over part of the river. There are large clean unisex restrooms there with large stalls for privacy. There is also a large parking area and a...