Goat Island

Goat Island sits between the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, with viewing areas positioned to show both waterfalls from different angles. The island has a walking path around its perimeter that brings visitors close to the rushing water and the mist rising from below.

A herd of goats brought to the island in the late 1700s perished during a harsh winter, giving the place its name that remains today. Over time, the location transformed into a major viewpoint for witnessing one of nature's most powerful water displays.

The Tesla monument on the island recognizes a pioneering figure in electrical engineering whose work changed how people lived worldwide. Visitors walking past it see how this location honors innovation and connects people to a larger story about technological progress.

Walking around the island is manageable and takes roughly half an hour, leaving visitors time to stop for photographs and views. The area is open from sunrise to sunset and sits within Niagara Falls State Park, where parking is readily available.

The mist rising from the waterfalls creates moisture conditions that support plant growth found nowhere else in the surrounding area. Visitors can see these unusual plants thriving in the spray, showing how nature adapts to extreme environments.