NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Those visiting Niagara Falls will soon be able to enjoy a new vantage point of the falls.
Construction will begin in early September on the extension of the 'Crow's Nest' at Niagara Falls State Park. The project includes the construction of new stairs and will connect the existing 'Crow's Nest' to Prospect Point.
The 'Crows Nest' is a currently a set of stairs alongside the American side of the falls that visitors can climb up halfway to view the falls, but have to return back down to the gorge and to the Maid of the Mist elevators. The new expansion would allow two-way access.
“Niagara Falls State Park is the perfect place to get outdoors, get offline, and enjoy nature,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in press release. “This project will provide another opportunity for New Yorkers to put their phones down and take advantage of all the beautiful natural resources that our state has to offer.”
“This project perfectly exemplifies the ways we are working to enhance our visitors’ experiences to our State Parks. In this case, the stairs will provide recreation opportunities by expanding access to the lower part of the gorge and to Niagara Falls, an alternative to needing an elevator and the overlook will allow people to experience the Falls from a very close and unparalleled viewing perspective. We are grateful to all of our partners who have contributed to this project," said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons,
The expansion project, which costs $9 million is being funded by State Parks capital funding, The Maid of the Mist Corporation, The Niagara River Greenway and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“We believe our $1.7M investment in this innovative project will further enhance the Maid of the Mist Experience,” said. When the extension is finished, it will expedite people moving up to Prospect Point, alleviating some of the pressure on the Observation Tower elevators during our busiest times, such as the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends," said Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn.
The added extension will also give a new, close-up view of the falls.
