Niawanda park, which is just minutes from Buffalo NY, May just change some people's impression of the Buffalo area. I've lived here all my life, and when in other parts of the country, after telling people I'm from Buffalo, they look at me sympatheticlly, thinking it Snows year round. Truth is Buffalo gets more days of summer sunshine than any northeastern city, and a great a place to go on those summer days is Niawanda park. The park sits right on the edge of the mighty Niagra river, making for some gorgeous scenery. The word Niagra goes back to native Americans of the area, which in their tongue meant, beautiful river. The park has picinc tables, grills, bench's, a bandshell for concerts, with a walking/biking trail that will take you all the way to Niagra Falls. Niagra Falls less than 20 miles from Buffalo, is about an hour bike ride from the Park. The park begins at the end of the famed Erie canal, or Clinton's ditch, which many called it, because the entire canal was dug out by men, one of the great accomplishments of it's time.The canal opened trade routes to the west, allowing ocean going vessels access to the great lakes. The park also has boat launches, since the river is as good for recreational boating, and fishing, as anywhere in the country. In my opinion, Niawanda park is a wonderful place to be, on a sunny Summer day.