Lewiston, NY

Named after a well-known New York city planner, the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station was America's largest source of hydropower when it was opened in 1961, and it's still an incredible sight to see. Visitors are welcome to marvel at the exterior of the plant, but tours of the interior are not available because of safety reasons. However, if you want to learn more about hydroelectricity and how it works, you can head to the Visitor's Center above the power plant to enjoy the interactive exhibits, watch some short educational videos, and stand 350 feet above the river on a glass-enclosed walkway.

5777 Lewiston Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092-2152, Phone: 716-286-6661

Occupying more than 150 acres on the Niagara Gorge, Artpark is a beautiful state park that's often used as an outdoor music venue, particularly in the summer. The outdoor amphitheater has seating for up to 10,000 people, and it regularly hosts everything from musical theater performance to live music shows by some of the country's top artists. The weekly outdoor concert series is a highlight of the summer, but the park is a great place to visit even when no events are taking place, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic tables, hiking trails, and fishing docks year-round.

450 S 4th St, Lewiston, NY 14092, Phone: 716-754-4375

Created to honor the courage of American slaves who crossed the Canadian border in search of a new life, the Freedom Crossing Monument sits right on the bank of the Niagara River, and it's one of the most iconic landmarks in Lewiston. Made entirely of bronze, the monument depicts five people, including a family of freedom seekers about to cross the river. An educational plaque provides more information about the story of the monument and this period in history, and the site also offers several picnic tables where visitors can sit to admire the beautiful view of the river.

N Water St, Lewiston, NY 14092, Phone: 716-754-4214

Located right in the heart of Lewiston, the Tuscarora Heroes Monument was erected as a symbol of thanks to the Tuscarora Nation, who courageously saved the lives of dozens of settlers during the War of 1812. The slightly-larger-than-life bronze statue was dedicated in 2013, approximately 200 years after the events in question took place, and it depicts two Tuscarora men helping a fleeing settler and her baby. The work speaks for itself, but if you're interested in learning more about what took place, you can pick up a copy of the beautifully illustrated Tuscarora Heroes Book from the Lewiston Museum.

100 Portage Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092, Phone: 716-754-4214

Stretching for more than 150 miles across New York State and into Canada, the War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail was established in 2012 to commemorate 200 years of peaceful relations between the United States and Canada. The trail's gardens can be found in approximately 15 different communities, and the one in Lewiston is located just off Center Street behind the Spice House. The flowers are designed to bloom between May and October, and there are several benches for visitors to sit on while they pray, meditate, or simply admire the beauty of the garden.

Formerly known as the Lower Niagara State Park, the Joseph Davis State Park encompasses almost 400 acres on the banks of the lower Niagara River. The landscape is relatively flat, and it features a number of trails that can be used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter and for hiking and cycling during the warmer months. When there's no snow on the ground, visitors can also enjoy the park's 27-hole golf course. Fishing is permitted both in the river and in the park's ponds, and there's a fishing dock conveniently located on the river.

4143 Lower River Rd, Youngstown, NY 14174, Phone: 716-745-7273

A beautiful arch bridge that spans the Niagara River gorge, the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge was opened in 1962 to connect Lewiston to the Canadian community of Queenston. It's one of four such international bridges in the Niagara region, and although it's one of the most picturesque, it also tends to be the busiest. Pedestrians are not permitted on the bridge, but if you're crossing in a car, you can make a stop at one of the two duty-free shops that sit between the customs plazas on either side. A small toll payment is required on the Canadian side.

Robert Moses State Pkwy, Lewiston, NY 14092, Phone: 716-285-6322

Established in 1993 by a talented mother daughter team, the The Village Bake Shoppe is one of the most popular dessert shops in town. They offer everything from cheesecakes to cupcakes to their famous five-pound apple pie, and all their products are proudly made from scratch. Hot and cold beverages are available as well, and customers who want to enjoy their treats on-site can sit at one of the tables inside or out on the patio. If you need something for a special occasion, the staff are always happy to make a customized cake or put together a mouthwatering gift basket of goodies.

417 Center St, Lewiston, NY 14092, Phone: 716-754-2300