Lower Niagara Region

     Venture seven miles down river from where the mighty Niagara cascades, and explore the Lower Niagara River Region!  Encompassing the quaint towns and villages of Lewiston, Youngstown, Porter, Sanborn and Ransomville, the River Region offers a sense of history, a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts and fun for the whole family – a great combination for a daylong trip or an entire weekend adventure!

     The Niagara River has played a key role in the development and history of the River Region and today you can have an up-close experience when you board the Whirlpool Jet Boat and take a heart-pounding ride through the swirling rapids.  For those looking for that big catch, you’ll be sure to fall for the River Region hook, line and sinker with some of the best freshwater fishing in the world.  From trophy trout and salmon to world-class smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge, anglers will find everything from onshore fishing to public launch sites to chartered excursions. 

     Back on land, the River Region has a rich and diverse past.  President Carter even deemed the village of Lewiston “the most historic square mile in America” and today one can discover the area with a tour led by some of Lewiston’s most prominent citizens of yesteryear, including a stop at Niagara County’s earliest public cemetery.  With the close proximity to Canada, the River Region was also the last stop for many on the Underground Railroad.  This journey can be further explored at the Underground Railroad Interpretive Center located in the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara University campus.  At the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario lies the oldest structure on the Great Lakes, the “French Castle” at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown.  You may stumble upon a few supernatural residents during a guided tour of the famed “haunted” fortress.  Or become part of the action at an encampment of one of the region’s key battles and experience life as a 19^th Century soldier.

    Ready for an “electrifying” experience - the Niagara Power Project Power Vista gives many the opportunity to touch the power emanating from the mighty falls and to see where much of New York State’s power supply comes from!  Keep the adrenaline flowing at a fever pitch with a Friday night race at Ransomville Speedway.

     But the River Region is not just for adventure buffs.  Take a moment for reflection at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, highlighted by an awe-inspiring dome Basilica, with a contour of the Northern Hemisphere and more than one hundred life-size marble statues of Saints throughout the grounds.  Or stroll along the main streets and window shop– the River Region offers a variety of eclectic shops and boutiques where you’ll be sure to uncover one-of-a-kind finds.  And once you’ve worked up an appetite, restaurants throughout the River Region will tempt your pallet, offering everything from your basic BBQ to Irish fare to a gourmet cuisine.  The River Region also marks the starting point of the Niagara County Wine Trail, offering six wineries to satisfy your thirst.  Perhaps enjoy the countryside and select homegrown produce from one of the many roadside farm stands. 

     Wind down your visit with an evening of entertainment at Artpark, with performances of Broadway musicals and swinging big band concerts on the main stage and free outdoor concerts featuring nationally renowned performers at the outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the picturesque Niagara Gorge.  Or groove to the tunes of local musicians – the River Region features free summer concerts nearly every night of the week!  Once you’ve completed your adventures throughout the River Region, spend the night at one of the many bed & breakfasts or charming motels the region has to offer.