Fort Niagara State Park — Attraction in Town of Porter

Looks like a nice park to stay in. I did not stay in the park but I did visit Old Fort Niagara, which is within the park. I did notice plenty of parking, campsites and playing fields on my drive through. There is also a World War II POW camp on the grounds but I did not visit it. According to their website, they offer plenty to do for the family. Cost to enter the park is $8.

My reason for visiting the park was to tour Old Fort Niagara. Cost is $17 for adults, $12 for kids 6-12 years and children under 5 are free. They do offer a Senior Citizen and a discount for military and Veteran's with ID, among others. The adult discount is $16 and the 6-12 years old discount is $11. Not bad prices to see a nearly 300 year old piece of American history. After paying and getting your tickets, there is a small museum to tour while you wait for the short movie to start. The artifacts are well displayed and informative. For me the most impressive artifact they had was the garrison flag and the story behind it. There are volunteers in the museum that are willing to answer questions you may have. The short movie is about the fort and it is very informative. I can't remember the run time but it wasn't long. One of the volunteers then escorts you out and to the fort, stopping a couple of times to explain some of the history. The guide then takes you inside the fort to the parade ground and talks a little more before letting you go to explore. I can't remember the name of the volunteer that took my group into the fort but I do remember her saying that she was a former teacher. She was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and funny. Be sure to grab a map of the grounds so you can learn about the different buildings and the other items on the grounds. There are numbered plaques posted throughout the complex and they correspond to the numbers on the map, explaining what you are looking at.

Outside the fort, where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, there is a Coast Guard Station. This is not open to the public as it is an active station. The grounds inside and outside the fort are impressive and expansive. The time I visited there were no planned demonstrations or re-enactments. If that is something you are interested in, be sure to check their website to plan your visit. There was a re-enactor dressed in full military gear and uniform. He talks about the uniform and gear for about fifteen minutes and demonstrates the musket. A word of caution to those with sensitive hearing, hearing aides or sensitive to noises: it's loud. You don't have to stop and listen to him, but it's worth standing there for fifteen minutes to hear him speak. He is also able to answer questions. When I visited they were working on the French Castle and they had scaffolding up. The Castle was still open. The rooms inside the Castle are set up as they would have been when the fort was garrisoned. It was interesting to see how they lived back then and made you appreciate the sacrifices they made. The stairs to the upper floors are narrow and are built in a spiral configuration. This may pose a challenge to those with mobility issues. There is no elevator to the upper floors but the main floor is wheelchair/motorized chair accessible, though some of the rooms may be tight to turn around in.

There is very little shade, so plan accordingly. The views from the redoubts is impressive, it gives you a sense of what the defenders saw and were up against when they were attacked. There are some buildings you can not go into because they are being used by the staff as administrative offices. You are able to walk around the earthen defenses outside the fort but heed the signs cautioning you to stay off the slopes. Well worth a visit and a small donation.

A note about the Rush-Bagot Memorial: there is a ledger grave marker on the floor. Unknown soldiers are buried under it so please, treat it like a grave and do not step...

This was a very good experience. I had no clue about the importance and history of this place. If it weren't for Ft. Niagara we wouldn't even have a nation today! The architecture is breathtaking and the property is so well maintained. I honestly haven't seen any property this well maintained since I visited Versailles in France. The docents in costume were fantastic as well. We will have to come back during the summer because the winter has reduced staff and less to do. Regardless it's still wonderful. I wish, hiwever, there was an admission adjustment for those of us who are disabled. Being low income like that makes it so we can't go back any time soon especially with the 20 dollar admission price (not awful, but quite a bit more than I would have expected. Most museums have a reduced rate for those with NY benefit cards or Medicare cards. That would have been a very beneficial thing. We would have been more likely to spend money in the gift shop as well, but didn't bother going in because of the admission price being so high.

I also wish this was a place you could go to and just walk and enjoy yourself on the water for the day in addition to the historical parts. Being the place where many American's ancestors fought and died, it sort of seems wrong not to have it open to the public all the time. However, again, I also get why because of the cost to maintain such a great place. It's a...

I recently visited Old Fort Niagara and was blown away by its rich history and stunning waterfront location. The fort offers a unique glimpse into the region's past, with original 18th-century buildings and daily interpretive programming that spans three centuries.

Highlights:

Historic Significance: The fort played a vital role in shaping American, French, and British history, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Interactive Experiences: Visitors can enjoy musket and artillery firing demonstrations, guided tours, and artisans at work, bringing the past to life. Scenic Views: The fort's waterfront location offers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts. Family-Friendly: The fort is suitable for all ages, with plenty of space for kids to explore and learn.

Tips for Visitors:

Plan Ahead: Check the fort's website for operating hours and special events. Allow 2-3 Hours: This will give you enough time to explore the fort and its surroundings. Take a Guided Tour: The guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the fort's history, adding depth to your visit.

Overall, Old Fort Niagara is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and families alike. Its unique blend of history, interactive experiences, and scenic views makes it an...