annette

Any advice for a family going to Niagara Falls via Wisconsin/Michigan?!! Two boys ages 13 & 11 that can't wait to see the Falls!! Staying at the Sheraton Falls in two weeks and heard there is construction. How is that going now? We will be staying 3 days and thought going to NOL would be interesting. Am looking forward to the beautiful scenery that should abound in the area. Thanks for any ideas/suggestions!

djkbooks

If you're staying at the Sheraton on the Falls, you won't be able to see the construction, as it's blocked by trees. If you're staying at the Sheraton Fallsview, you'll see the new Hyatt, which is rising nicely.

There are lots of wonderful websites for visiting the Falls.

http://www.infoniagara.com/attractions/index.html

BAK

Thre's some sort of special package at the Sheraton on the Falls that includes kids meals at six restaurants -- I have no idea of age restrictions.
there's apparently info at 1-888-229-9946, according to yesterday's paper.

And 2 for 1 admissions at some attractions, including The Maid of the Mist. Make sure you take this trip on a boat to the bottom of the falls. It's will be the highlight of the trip.

In Niagara on the Lake, fudge is the treat of choice.

You are near the Welland Canal, and should take the boys to a lookout point, and watch freighters go through the locks.

I think that the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, is worth a stop on the way. I think the boys will prefer themseum to the village, if time is tight. All kinds of cars, trucks, planes, other machines in the museum.

Butterfly Conservatory is worth visiting, too.

Of the discount restaurnts, I think Rainforest Cafe would be the favorite of the boys.

BAK

BuffaloGirl

Visit the American side, too. There are many vantage points where you can stand at the railing right where the water goes over. It's awesome. Also, on the American side, just north of the Falls is Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org). The fort was built before the French and Indian War. The buildings are still standing, in excellent condition, including the below ground cells used to hold captive soldiers. There is also a museum. My son is 11 and loves to go there. It sits within a state park which has a large, clean public pool for the kids to swim if it's a warm day. You can bring a picnic lunch. There is a beautiful grass beach which slopes down to Lake Ontario (no swimming) and you can see Toronto on a clear day.

Niagara on the Lake is lovely, but there's nothing there that would be appealing to boys your age.

On the Canadian side, down river a short ways, is the Great Gorge Adventure. It is a boardwalk or series of boardwalks down along the lower Niagara River gorge. You can view the rapids, which are believed to be among the strongest in the world. It is an incredible sight.

Have a great trip.

cammy114

We just returned from Niagara Falls a week ago. We were there for 3 nights staying at the Marriott. My daughter and niece are the same ages as your boys and they had a ball. We bought the Great Gorge Adventure Passes which were quite reasonable (much more reasonable than what the hotel offered) and allowed you to use the People Movers all day until 11:00 pm. Also included in the passes were Journey Behind the Falls (to be honest with you the wait was not worth it, but it was part of the passes), Maid of the Mist (which was the highlight of the trip), White water walk and the Butterfly Conservatory (which everyone enjoyed, even my husband)and the Floral Clock. We did spend one day at NOL which was beautiful. The girls really enjoyed looking in all the shops (your boys are probably not into this). We also took in the IMAX which the girls also enjoyed and learned the history, legends, etc., on the Falls. We enjoyed the illumination of the Falls at night and the nightly fireworks, which we had a perfect view from our hotel room. There is construction going on in the immediate area of the Sheraton, Marriott and nearby hotels. It can be a bit dusty if you are walking around close to the hotels...does not effect anything at all when you are down at the Falls. We did not go to any of the areas on Clifton Hill (seems a bit like Universal Studios or Disney). Hope you have a great time. We definitely want to go back.

annette

WOW!! Thanks for all the great advice! I think the old fort will be added to our list of things to see. The Maid of the Mist was already on it! Just wondering where the Great Gorge Adv. Pass can be purchased. Thanks for everything!!

cammy114

Annette -

You can purchase the Great Gorge Adventure Passes right at the Falls. One of the People Mover stops is right at the Falls and they have ticket booths right out front.

Have a great time!!