This is such a fun place to visit. You will enjoy it whether you are 8 or 80! And it is all free! The parking lot is huge, but if you have someone with mobility difficulty, make sure you drop them off, because once you get in you will need to do a bit of walking as well. When you enter the building, you get lanyards and can visit a station to register. When you register, it takes your picture and tracks the various activities you do throughout the exhibits. You don't have to do this, but it is a fun step to see the results of your various activities and pictures at the end. You proceed down a long walkway with amazing views of the Niagara River and Lewiston Queenston Bridge. During December, they have a festival of trees which line the hallway with trees decorated by local organizations. It was a fun touch! There are a variety of information panels along the way. When you enter the main area, you proceed down the escalator (or elevator) to the main exhibit area. There is a movie about the power authority (and power in general) that I recommend starting off with. There is also a fun 4d simulator ride! If there isn't a staff person at the ride, you can go to the information desk and ask someone and they will get you in. There are interactive sections where you work through a variety of situations (like working to keep and restore power to a fictional town). There is also a cool cave like walk through that talks about the geology of the gorge area. We spent about two hours here because my kids were insistent on doing every activity. But you could spend less time if there wasn't as much interest. A highlight was the literal hair raising Van De Graff generator. Staff walk you through the safety protocol and then you get to experience your hair standing straight up! It was really a fun touch. You can go out on the balcony area for some stunning views or a quick break from the action. I also learned that they host birthday parties or other gatherings here. What a unique idea! If you want to learn more about electricity or are just looking for something unique to do, this is a great place to visit. read more

We have a family tradition to stop at the Power Vista and see the Christmas trees at Christmas time. The long hallway going over the Niagara Scenic Parkway, that you have to walk to get to the power vista fun exhibits, is lined with Christmas trees decorated by local organizations like the girl scouts, people Inc., etc.. It's fun to see how they choose to decorate incorporating their organizations purpose. It's different every year. Many handmade ornaments showcasing the talents of individuals, many who benefit from the organization. I always get a few new ideas to use by seeing their creativity. Plus you can still so the rest of the power vista fun things like the simulator ride. Free admission, free parking....what more could you want? read more

What a fun place to visit! This was a last minute addition to our trip. It was totally free and had such fun experiences for the kids, including demonstrations, movies, interactive displays and more. The place is huge and not crowded. It is such a great find! read more

Niagara Power Vista - Museums Near Me - Lewiston, New York

Great stop for the family. It's free! Amazing views Nicely laid out Easy to navugate Educational Air conditioned It's worth a visit for sure read more

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This is the best "visitors center" I have ever visited. It's really more a museum. You'll enter and there will be some general information, and you'll be greeted and pointed in the right direction. You'll take a big bridge over the highway where the bulk of the exhibits are and then you'll learn all about the power plat you are visiting. They explain so much, from how power works, power systems, how the plants work, to the history of the region, the building of the plant, the importance of Niagara Falls and more. The exhibits are interactive and some are appropriate for younger kids and there is ever a 4D ride!! Wow! We had a nice day here and we could have stayed longer if we'd brought lunch. We did go to the cafeteria and have some snacks we brought but we expected it to be a 1 hour and done museum. I really could have stayed much longer than the 2 hours we spent. Thank you NYPA and great job. read more

I Came here on a Tour & This was my very 1st time going to the Niagara Power Vista.... This Niagara Power Vista sort of reminds me of The Exploratorium of San Francisco Ca!!!! They have a lot of interesting Science exhibit .. They also have a fun Science exhibit ride inside the Theater!!!! This is a fun place to bring your kids!!!!! And learn about interesting Science Technology!!!! read more

OMG. I really enjoyed visiting this place. All the interactive stations, games, and videos were amazing, even as an adult. The best part: It's FREE. The plaques and information boards were short and sweet so absorbing the information weren't difficult. The colorfulness of it made it more fun. This was a really educational place to stop by if you have the time. You and young ones will learn something along the way about electricity generation and how dams work. Psst: Don't miss out on the 4D movie. It's a really enjoyable ride. Also don't forget to keep your badge. You can view your scores online later. read more

It's a cute place to take the young ones and the curious adults. I like it. I had a good time reading and interacting with the modules. They are cool. A great.place to learn! All the 4 snack and beverage machines are Out Of Order Not a.good thing. read more

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The first destination (Day 2, Venue 1) on our Western New York family vacation, was Niagara Power Vista (NPV). AAA had it on their list of 'best of New York' attractions, and frankly we were skeptical. While hands-on, interactive museums often appeal to a wide age-range, our late teenagers let us know that their attention span would be vanishingly small if NPV's exhibits were geared toward elementary or even middle school kids. Instead, all five of us (from ages 17 to 48) found NPV to be -pardon the pun- shockingly modern, interactive, and engaging! As everyone in our family was a gamer to one degree or another, having our own, permanent lanyard to log-on ("Welcome, Power Player!") to the exhibits and keep track of our accumulating score was genius, as it gave young and old alike a vested interest in doing well at each station and watching our scores increase! Different exhibits appealed to various members of our family, with my wife enjoying the Power Up! water drop simulator, and the twins loving the challenges of the multi-player grid operator sim. Personally, I found the Build A Power Grid transmission operator simulation table to be absolutely fantastic! In fact, I could have spent the whole day at that one station, and my wife had to all but drag me away from it when it was time to move to the next floor down. The bottom floor of the facility was a little less interactive, but being history buffs, we all found the exhibits on the construction of the dam, reservoir, and hydro power plants very informative. Likewise, the Tesla vs. Edison station was a great refresher on the War of the Currents between the two great inventors. The outside observation deck was also very nice, providing panoramic views of the Niagara River and the Niagara Gorge, as well as both the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant on the American side, and the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations on the Canadian side of the border. However the observation desk was decidedly less awesome for those afraid of heights, as the drop -straight down!- from NPV to the dam below was a very, very long ways. Best of all, all of it was free (my favourite price), and we even got to take our Power Player lanyards home! Overall, our family had a fantastic time at Niagara Power Vista, and would not hesitate to return! read more

Niagara Power Vista - Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Power Stations on the left/Canadian side, and the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant on the right/American side. - Museums Near Me - Lewiston, New York

This was a lucky find, buried in all of the information about the falls themselves and the touristy things in their immediate vicinity. It was an easy drive out to the power plant, where the vista sits on top. Parking is free and there are EV charging stations available. The view is quite dramatic. When you enter, you get a free "Power Player Pass" to take around the facility with you. This allows you to interact with a lot of the fun activities. There are a ton of hands-on things to explore, providing a lot of information about, of course, power and the power grid. There is a short movie available, as well as a really fun 4D theatre show that we did a couple of times as it was a favorite. We also especially enjoyed playing Power Pool, which was a great group activity to try out how to balance the power grid during peak usage scenarios, like heat waves and blizzards (personal best was 94%, bragging rights, ha!) There is also a nice outdoor observation deck to look out at the river. We had an excellent time and would recommend! read more

Amazing hands on experience for adults and kids. It's free admission and free parking. You enter and they have a free coat rack to use. You receive free RFID lanyards so when you interact with the exhibits you can access your experience at home afterwards. Watch a movie about the facility to start and then lots of great exhibits to teach you about hydroelectric generation. Super fun. We spent about 2 hours here with elementary aged kids. If you're going to the Canadian station do this one first. If you're only going to do one, this is the spot for interactive learning. The Canadian one is only cool for the photo op with the falls read more

What a fun place! Went here in December, right before Christmas and they had many Christmas trees all dressed up by various schools and other organization. There's free parking in a big lot, right in front of the place. Once you enter the place, they tell you about the plastic card on a lanyard they provide each person, how you register and use it at each station. You walk up an escalator, over the highway, and watch a movie on the bottom floor that tells you all about the power project and how it works. Be aware this video can make you dizzy and feel funny, so look away from the screen if that happens to you. You then check out the various interactive displays and watch a cool video about supplying power to Buffalo using AC or DC power, featuring Tesla and Edison. This is a great place for kids to learn about electricity. Outside are picnic tables and a great view of the whirlpool rapids, the gorge, the border bridge, and the Canadian side. This is one amazing place that's completely free. A must do while in the Niagara county region! read more

Niagara Power Vista - Museums Near Me - Lewiston, New York

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Free and awe-inspiring looking down onto the majesty of Niagara Falls, and learning about the turbines that turn that energy into the greatest powerhouse in America read more

We stopped by the Niagara Power Vista before making our way across the border. It was such an awesome experience!!! It's located next to Niagara University. We were in such awe of the atmosphere, just overlooking the river. Unfortunately, most of the interactive kiosk wasn't really working too well. That didn't stop us from enjoying the 4D show they had, and how much time you can really spend here. The museum is free along with the parking. Probably the only thing that is free when you visit Niagara Falls on either side. This is a must visit after a loooong drive. read more

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Wow!!! Phenomenal museum- modern, high-tech, interactive, interesting, and free!! Upon entering, you receive a badge which you register with your name and email, and you can print out a picture of yourself or an avatar to stick on the badge. You use the badge throughout the museum at interactive stations. The stations vary in type but can be used by people of all ages. I like that the interactive activities promote STEM and get you thinking critically. After registering, you walk through a scenic overpass tunnel with great views. Once you're on the other side, it's recommended you start on the lower level. There are a few interactive exhibits and some reading until you get to the theatre, then wait in there until they start the 13 minute video. The theatre is AWESOME! Huge screen that surrounds most of the room, inspiring and children find it cool too. After the film, there's a large exhibit dedicated to Native Americans, before entering the construction exhibit. All of the exhibits are beautifully laid out, interesting, and very modern. Then you go upstairs which is all games and interactive exhibits, including an exercise bike that you can pedal until generating enough energy to power a cell phone. Quite a few activities make you aware of how much energy household items use. There's also a "ride" - it's like a theatre room where the chairs rock and move, it's cool! Museum is great for kids and adults! Would highly recommend, we spent two hours here!! read more

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Very Cool place visit, onlooks the Hydro Power plants on the US and Canadian Side of the Niagara Gorge. There are tours daily and alot of Educational Exhibits for kids. read more

Niagara Power Vista - Niagara Gorge - Museums Near Me - Lewiston, New York

There was a Wildlife Festival at the Niagara Power Vista today. They had wildlife shows including Nickel City Reptiles and live birds of prey like owls and eagles. There were K9 dog demonstrations and Iroquois dancers. Lots for the kiddies to do. Such events as rock climbing, archery, a fishing pond,face painting, basket weaving, and corn husk doll crafts. Oh and lets not forget that this was all at the power plant. Great exhibits inside which we decided to come back to see when there werent as many people there, especially since it started raining and tons of families headed inside! Cant wait to check it out on our next visit. Did I mention it was all free? Beside that is whatever you got to eat or drink. And plenty of free parking. read more

I was not expecting much since it is free I thought there would be some bunch of pictures around and just look around take in and around photos and that's it Oh man I was not expecting this, the whole exhibition is a total game changer. I wish every free exhibition in the country have this kind of design and deep thinking for the whole experience The have this power play card concept and I register and start ur journey and go across each and every exhibit . Every bit of the exhibit u feel like u are doing something int the whole concept. Be it the ordinary exhibit or highly interactive one every one in my family liked it . Be an adult or a kid u will enjoy all the exhibit and get information about how u get the power. I highly recommend it and do mind that u might easily loose track or time read more

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Went here today with my grandsons for a birthday party. It turns out you can host parties here in the snack bar and other areas of the museum. Other than a lack of clear signage to the parking lot entrance, getting here was very, very easy. The reception area was clean and bright. Staffing the welcome desk was a very helpful lady who greeted us like we were the only people coming in today. Her clear directions helped us get where we were going without any problems. On the other side of the access bridge was a second reception area staffed again by a very knowledgeable man who directed us to the event site. He was everywhere during the party making sure everything was running well and pointing out special areas to the children. The staff were incredible, trying to be as helpful as they could possibly be. Party attendees were aged 8 and under but it didn't matter to these people at all. Each of the children was treated with respect and made to feel very special. They provided explanations of the exhibits when asked but took great pains to do it in a way that the children could understand. This is a "hands on" museum where nothing is off limits. You don't hear you can't touch that but hear encouragement instead. Just to be clear, this is not a kids only museum. All of the displays and films are interesting for all ages. From a surround style film to one that actually sprays water on the viewers, everything was aimed at explaining electricity and the generation process. Everyone had a great time. Our 6 year old grandson is Autistic but the exhibits were so well done they kept his interest. When it was time to go, he didn't want to. The 4 hours we spent here flew by. We will definitely be coming back with the grandsons. This is an experience. read more

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In 2014, a study of Thomas Hart Benton's 'Father Hennepin at Niagara Falls' sold at a Christie's auction for $785,000. Well, the original 1961 painting is here hanging high overhead as you enter. You can't get a closer look at this large work of a major mid-20th century artist because this ain't an art museum and there are no stern guards standing about so bring your binoculars. It looks like few dollars were spent after 1961 to maintain many of the exhibits that explain how energy is generated and distributed. Some are in complete disrepair and some don't work at all: this in a place that is all about power. That's oxymoronically disingenuous. Is that a reason not to go? Oh, no, certainly not. Children will still find exhibits to engage them -- even the broken ones -- and adults will appreciate the spectacular views from the expansive observation platform. There is a truly overwhelming sea of parking spaces yet very few visitors. Admission is free. Why wouldn't you go? read more

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It seems like man has been drawing on the resources of the Niagara River since the beginning of time as we know it, starting in 1759, Daniel Joncairs was the first recorded person to have harnessed any type of power in Niagara. He did this by digging a narrow ditch above the falls, on the American side, and from this was able to draw enough water from the river to turn a waterwheel to power a small sawmill and taking advantage of this power force still continues today. There are basically two ways to draw revenue from this magnificent river you either get the dollars from the tourist who can't seem to get enough of its beauty or use its massive power to operate machinery to generate a profit. Nothing has captured the power of this river like the giant hydroelectric plants have, their ever increasing thirst continues to exploit what seems to be an endless supply of energy. Carefully executed designs have kept both revenue models thriving up to this point but constant changes in technology have slowly eroded the landscape and functionality of this mighty river and controlling the flow rates over generations have almost gone unnoticed by most. In August of 1957, the U.S. Congress approved the building of the Niagara Power Project with the capacity to produce 2.4 million kilowatts. During the construction, twenty men died in construction related accidents. At peak operating times this plant alone is allocated 43 million gallons of water per minute of the 72 million gallons per minute used to generate electricity from the Niagara River above Niagara Falls and returns the water into the lower portion of the river near Lake Ontario. It uses 13 generators at an installed capacity of 2,675 megawatts (3,587,000 hp). The American Falls are allocated 9 million gallons per minute while the Canadian Falls are allocated 36 million gallons per minute both use only about 38% of the total water available proving the lights are substantially more important than the sights... . read more

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Excellent spot. 1) It is free, got nothing to lose. 2) There is ample parking. 3) The museum is fantastic and very informative. 4) The view of the vista is well worth a quick visit. read more

I would rate this place 10 stars if I could. First and foremost they just refurb'd the entire place. Lots and lots of FUNCTIONAL hands on experiments for the kids and adults. I would spend and hour on the grid creation table if I could. I honestly cannot think of a better way to set this place up. Next the staff, half educators the other half great people. Everyone I have ever met working there makes your time there educational and about you. I am honestly amazed with the staff here. If your son asked 80 questions, they will answer all 80 questions. My family and I check this place out every few weeks. Here's the best part.....it's free. Seriously one of the best layed out "museum"? in the area is a 15 minute drive away and free and open 7 days a week. This is THE hidden gems of WNY if you're a parent that doesn't hand your kids a tablet at dinner. read more

Niagara Power Vista - Mural! - Museums Near Me - Lewiston, New York

A free museum with simulator rides and multi-floor spaces and exhibits and a community room for hundreds of people that they let you use for free?! WHAT?! What an incredible museum! It's off the beaten path, but pretty close to the Devil Hole trail. I am amazed that admission to the museum is free. It's a great place to take your kids to learn about the power generative abilities of water and ride the free simulator ride. It's really cool! The museum is interactive and has great digital components to it and some amazing views outside of the gorge. Check it out! read more

The best thing for this is that there is no admission fee!!! I enjoyed this place a lot! I don't get why it was not very "popular" but even as an adult myself I had a great time with my parents! ;) It was very refreshing and eye opening to understand how the water in the falls work and how it generates electricity! It was great to find out about it while learning things "hands on" Did not regret coming here! I will definitely recommend this place the next time I come here with my kids/ nieces/nephews etc! It is a good place to learn, and FREEEEEEE! Love it :) read more

I really enjoyed this museum, which is what I'd consider a "hidden gem" in the Niagara Falls area. Part of our goal this day was a bike ride from Goat Island up to this place and back. It's pretty accessible from the bike path, requiring a little detour over a pedestrian bridge and then up a side road. There's a bike rack out front, although it's kind of hidden. This place is pretty enormous, and I expected to see more people here, especially considering how busy the rest of Niagara Falls was, but I suppose since it's a few miles north of the downtown, it's a little bit off the beaten path. It is free admission wise, and that is pretty great. There's a receiving area, and then a pedestrian walkway over the parkway to the museum itself with some temporary exhibits. I would love to know who the architect was for the building, it's a great mid-century modern building, and has beautiful clean lines. So the top level is mostly interactive exhibits about electricity, covering how it works and other stuff that kids will enjoy doing. One of my favorite pieces is a large diorama of the Niagara Falls region, with a narration that lights up the map, showing where the intakes are, where the water goes (in a GIGANTIC pipe under the city) and how the generation works depending on the load. The next level down there's a well done mural on the European discovery of the falls, and a very nice exhibition on the Tuscarora, covering the very controversial Supreme Court case of Federal Power Commission vs Tuscarora Nation. After that, there's a nifty little display where you can get an "e-postcard" of yourself standing in front a greenscreen backdrop, with your own choice of postcard. It sends you an email with the postcard. I have to admit, we were kind of goofy with the postcard. Sometimes the kiosk isn't working very well, though. Also, something we appreciated is there's a really nice indoor and outdoor picnic area. I kind of wish I'd known about this in advance, we would have packed a lunch -- so future people, you're welcome. There's also a few vending machines. Anyhow, if you're looking for something "different" when you're in the Niagara Falls area, give this museum a try. It's free! read more

Niagara Power Vista - View from the Power Project - Museums Near Me - Lewiston, New York

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I do not give out five stars easily, but the Niagara Power Vista deserves every one of these stars, and more if I could give them. This tour and all exhibits - including a 4D ride and film - are FREE! And all of the exhibits work! And they're informative, and interesting, and the complex concepts are easily accessed!!! My husband and I are in our mid-40s and do not have kids, and we stopped for the tour and played at almost every exhibit and we had a BALL! This tour and the exhibits are WORTH the drive from wherever you are coming from, and a MUST DO when in the Niagara Falls area. School groups -- bring your students! Families -- stop and recharge (or wear your kids out so they nap on the ride home ... hahaha). **Everyone -- don't miss this unique tour with immersive exhibits! SUPER interesting and surprisingly fun!** read more

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Most interesting, hands on, free admission, free parking, interactive exhibit in WNY. A hidden gem - read the 5 star reviews and make plans to go here. Almost forgot to mention .. The staff here are super!! read more

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This is a very cool afternoon stop when you are looking for something free to do. The size of the place is mind expanding. It is amazing how those guys worked three shifts all year round to get the project done in three years. The view of the gorge is tremendous. The best part is the scale model that explains how the whole system works. The on hands gadgets are cool too. read more

What a local gem this is! You get to learn all about hydroelectric power and how the Niagara River generates something like 20% of New York State's power. When you arrive, you get a Power Play Badge which allows you to play with all the interactive exhibits. Don't forget to get your picture for the badge when you enter. You can use the code on the badge to access your pictures and video after you return home. There are all sorts of activities like building or operating a power grid, touching the Van De Graaff Generator (the aluminum ball of static electricity) for a hair raising experience, or going on the 4D ride. Fun for all ages! And best of all, it's all free ( including on site parking.) You should go! read more

I'm an engineer, so I'm biased towards all things engineering. And there's few things on planet earth more wondrous than the power vista. When people from out of town come to visit us here we make two plans. First to see the Falls. Next to see the Vista! I could give tours there. The history, the physics, the massive complexities neatly explained and presented in a way for all ages. I've been there dozens of times and look forward to going back. read more

FREE tour of the power plant. Energy of Niagara falls. Open year-round. Lots of history and interactive displays. Walk in and get a RFID card and short introduction movie. Up the escalator to cross over the road to the visitor museum. Entertaining for all, but geared for pre-teens. Plenty of exhibits and a overlook of the lower Niagara River gorge, Lewiston-Queenston bridge, and power station. More than you'd expect. Something for everyone. read more

This was a great site to visit. You can't go into the actual power facility, but they have a great visitor center. You do get awesome views of the river, the power pieces, and the bridge from an outside wrap around balcony. The visitor center is wonderful and free. The lowest floor explains the history and making of the power facilities. The upper floor has lots of interesting hands on exhibits. The kids, 2-13, loved it as it was very interactive. read more

Excellent collection of historical photos and information. We'll worth the visit, even for locals.

Hydro Projects are amazing and greening our state. I visited the power vista which offered amazing views and had an interactive exhibit on green energy. I was highly impressed. Some of the most amazing views to be captured are from the Vista's deck. Most importantly Vista admission is free read more

It was closed. I really wanted to show my boys the power plant and how it worked. Bummer.

This was a great FREE family activity. Most displays are interactive and they were very informative. It is hard to explain some of the concepts to kids but they did a great job at translating in a manner children will understand. The 4D movie while short was phenomenal, better than the 4D movie we just went to at Ripleys. There was adequate staff and all were friendly as well as helpful. We spent close to two hours here and would highly recommend it. read more

Always drive under this bridge and didn't realize how cool the place is until you go in. Whole thing is free. The interactive physics displays are legit and numerous, cool as an adult, would have been blown away as a kid. There's a little ride where you sit on chairs that move just slightly as you go from a molecule of water through the turbine and turn into electricity, pretty cool and even made me slightly dizzy after. read more

This is a fun, interactive and free activity! Great for all ages. Really gives you a look at how hydropower is generated. Excellent learning experience. read more

My family and I had so much fun here! The museum is free to enter and is super interactive and interesting. All of us learned so much and would go again. read more