Located in Niagara Falls, New York on the American side of the Niagara Falls waterfall, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is a multipurpose museum highlighting the geology, industry, and local history of the Niagara River region. The museum center commemorates the site of the historic Schoellkopf Power Station facility and also serves as a trailhead for a number of the park’s hiking trails.

  • What is the history of the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center?
    • The Discovery Center is located at the site of the former Schoellkopf Power Station, one of the United States’ first hydroelectric power plants.
    • In 1877, Jacob F. Schoellkopf purchased land along the Niagara Gorge to operate a hydraulic canal harnessing the Falls' natural energy.
    • Over time, the plant became the largest and most advanced hydroelectric power plant of its kind in operation.
  • What happened to the Schoellkopf Power Station?
    • On June 7, 1956, structural damage caused a catastrophic collapse, destroying two-thirds of the facility and resulting in $100 million in losses.
    • The disaster led to the passage of the Niagara Redevelopment Act (1957), transferring management of hydroelectric plants to government authority.
  • Where is the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center located today?
    • The Discovery Center operates above the remains of Station 3A as part of Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States.
  • What attractions are included with the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass?
    • Visitors may explore the Center individually or as part of the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass, which includes:
      • Cave of the Winds
      • Niagara Adventure Theatre
      • Aquarium of Niagara
  • What exhibits are featured at the Discovery Center?
    • The Center features exhibits including:
      • A 180-degree multi-screen theater chronicling the natural history of Niagara Falls.
      • Displays on 12,000 years of geological history and the rock layers of the gorge.
      • A climbing wall incorporating natural fossil and mineral specimens.
      • A local history exhibit about the Great Gorge Route, a famous trolley route of the early 20th century.
    • As of 2013, visitors can ride an elevator shaft down to tour the ruins of the Schoellkopf Station.
  • What hiking opportunities are available at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center?
    • The Discovery Center serves as the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center, offering access to:
      • Robert Moses Parkway Trail – A multi-use trail connecting Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole State Parks to the Robert Moses Power Plant.
    • Four guided hikes are available from mid-May through October for an additional fee:
      • Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike – A one-hour, all-ages hike.
      • Upper Great Gorge Hike – A two-hour hike exploring the Great Gorge Railway Trail.
      • Devil's Hole Rapids and Giant Rock – A 2.5-hour moderate-level hike for ages eight and up.
      • Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike – A three-hour, challenging adventure requiring boulder hopping.
    • Visitors may also embark on self-guided tours but must stay on marked trails and avoid entering the water.
  • What safety precautions should hikers take?
    • All hike participants must wear appropriate footwear as trail conditions change due to weather and natural erosion.
  • Where is the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center located?

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