Niawanda Park — Attraction in City of Tonawanda

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...

You get to walk right next to a beautiful river, what's not to like. There are some picnic tables and benches too, and a boat launch, and a couple of well loved hot dog/hamburger/ice cream restaurants are just across the road. There's almost always a breeze, which is wonderful (can be a godsend) in summer, and definitely bracing ( in my opinion also wonderful) in winter. They keep the walkway cleared in winter, which is great. Isleview Park, immediately next-door, isn't quite so accommodating in that regard. Niawanda is run by City of Tonawanda and the only real drawback is their bathrooms are open only from around Memorial Day to around Labor Day or until it gets cold. If you want a bathroom during the winter, walk down to Isleview Park, right next door, and the bathrooms by the red house, right next to Two Mike Creek, are heated and open all year. The County runs that park and it's good too, but not the subject of this review. (For those who don't know, you can have a nice long walk if you want by combining the two parks; both have more or less the same facilities -- except as noted here -- and both of course have that...

With social distancing enforced, this is perfect for getting out and not feeling alone. The vibe is slightly different now but that's everywhere; however, this is still one of my favorite places. The geese don't stay six feet away. They still approach and beg for a food offering. The gulls still scream at you as you pass. The ducks are sleeping on the grass. The river is gorgeous and the waves continue to make that unmistakeable soothing, churning sound, while the bike path remains active and manicured. Old Man River and Mississippi Mudd are both open but obviously maintaining the distance rule. You have to wear a mask on the property unless you're eating. That's fine with me, as long as it's open. This is an ideal location for exercise or just relaxation. I recently moved back after four years in Vegas and wow am I happy to see water, trees, clouds and nice people! It hasn't changed much, despite the alteration in all venues across the county. Good to see it...