Niagara Falls: Fun Facts to Know for Your Tour from DC
Niagara Falls is a beautiful destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Known for its breathtaking beauty, the Falls are also rich in history, geology, and interesting trivia. If you’re planning a Niagara Falls tour from DC, here are some fun facts about Niagara Falls that will add to your appreciation of this attraction.
Three Falls, One Iconic Name
Many people refer to Niagara Falls as if it’s a single waterfall, but it’s actually a collection of three separate falls:
- American Falls: Located entirely on the US side.
- Bridal Veil Falls: A delicate, lace-like waterfall adjacent to the American Falls.
- Horseshoe Falls: The largest of the three, predominantly on the Canadian side.
America’s Oldest State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the US. It was established in 1885 and created thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, including Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City’s Central Park. Their work ensured that the land around the Falls remained protected from commercial exploitation.
A Geologically Young Natural Attraction
Although it looks ancient, Niagara Falls is relatively young in geological terms. Formed around 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, the Falls are a result of glacial meltwater carving through the Niagara Escarpment.
How Big is Niagara Falls?
While Niagara Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall in the US, standing at 176 feet, it’s massive in terms of volume and width. Over 700,000 gallons of water rush over the Falls every second at a speed of about 25 miles per hour, which makes it the largest waterfall in North America by volume.
A Freshwater Giant
Niagara Falls has a big role in the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Falls receive water from Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie, which flow into the Niagara River and ultimately into Lake Ontario. Together, these lakes form the world’s biggest freshwater system.
Hydropower Pioneer
Niagara Falls is a source of power. In 1885, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse built the world’s first hydroelectric power plant here. Today, the Falls generate up to 4 million kilowatts of electricity and power a major portion of New York State and Ontario, Canada.
The Eroding Wonder
The Falls are slowly but steadily eroding. They were originally located seven miles downstream near Lewiston, but the brink has moved to its current location due to natural erosion. Flow control measures have slowed this process, and it’s estimated that erosion could be reduced to one foot every ten years. However, tens of thousands of years from now, the Falls could eventually disappear into Lake Erie.
Book Your Niagara Falls Tour from DC This Holiday Season with DCTrails!
Are you ready to experience the beauty of Niagara Falls this holiday season? Let DCTrails make your winter trip seamless with our comfortable charter bus tours from Washington, DC. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a school group, we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Contact us today to book your tour!
Looking for a reliable and simple way to book a charter bus service? You have come to the right place. Reach out to us with your requirements or queries and we will walk you through the step-by-step process to help you plan the perfect trip to Washington DC.