A Brief History (and Quiz!) of Niagara Falls — Plus a Guide to Becoming a Niagara Falls Tour Guide
The Mighty Niagara!
A Brief History (and Quiz!) of Niagara Falls
For all you eager students, teachers, and friends thinking about becoming a tour guide this summer!
Niagara Falls isn’t just a postcard—it’s a living, roaring piece of world history. From ancient glacial forces to daring barrel rides and power plants that lit up cities, the Falls have shaped culture, technology, and adventure. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more—or better yet, guide others through it—this is your starting point.
Read on, take the quiz, and if you like what you see… you might just be ready to lead your own tour!
(License info and how to join Go Niagara Tours at the end!) 👇
🌊 A Brief but Mighty History of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is more than a tourist stop—it’s 12,000 years of earth-shaping power, spiritual significance, industrial ambition, and human drama.
Born of Ice and Time
The Falls were carved at the end of the last Ice Age, when glacial meltwater from the Great Lakes surged over the Niagara Escarpment, forming a roaring cascade. Over millennia, this forceful flow cut a seven-mile gorge and slowly moved the Falls upstream. Today, efforts to harness hydroelectric power have slowed their movement—but not their awe.
Sacred Ground to the Seneca
Long before roads and observation towers, this land belonged to the Seneca, part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. They revered the Falls as a spiritual place, particularly Three Sisters Island, where shamans offered prayers to He-No, the Thunder Spirit believed to live behind the mist.
Explorers, Empires, and Industry
In 1678, French priest Father Louis Hennepin became the first European to write about the Falls. As France and Britain fought for dominance, Fort Niagara changed hands. Later, the Americans seized control.
In the 1800s, industry transformed Niagara. The Erie Canal officially opened on October 26, 1825. The Erie Canal opened up trade, and by 1895, Niagara became the birthplace of modern electricity, thanks to Nikola Tesla’s work at the Adams Power Station. This marked the first large-scale use of alternating current (AC) to transmit power long distances.
The Battle to Free Niagara
By the late 1800s, much of the Falls was privately owned and fenced off. Visitors were charged just to look. But landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) led the Free Niagara movement, arguing that this natural wonder belonged to everyone.
After a hard-fought campaign, New York State created the Niagara Reservation in 1885—the first state park in America. It ensured the public could forever enjoy the Falls, free of charge. Olmsted’s vision still guides park planning today.
Daredevils and Legends
Niagara’s power has lured thrill-seekers for over a century:
Annie Edson Taylor (1901): The first person to go over the Falls in a barrel—at age 63!
The Great Blondin (1859): Crossed the gorge on a tightrope with a man on his back.
Roger Woodward (1960): A 7-year-old who survived being swept over the Falls—without a barrel.
Robert Overacker (1995): Died attempting a parachute stunt off a jet ski.
Nik Wallenda (2012): Walked a tightrope across the Horseshoe Falls, broadcast to 13 million people.
Niagara Today
Now drawing 10 million visitors a year, Niagara Falls State Park balances access with preservation. With stunning views from Goat Island, Terrapin Point, and Three Sisters Island, plus boat rides on the Maid of the Mist, and exhibits on Indigenous history, it’s both a natural wonder and a living storybook.
You can take your test to be an officially licensed tour guide here, near the State Park and Go Niagara Tours offices at the Comfort Inn.
The Official Visitor Center (shown above) is right on this roundabout with this modern art piece depicting Niagara.
If you’re planning any kind of regional exploration of Niagara , you also need to know about the surrounding areas. Niagara County is full of charming small towns, scenic countryside, and hidden gems that make the region special. Here’s a quick list of wineries and attractions—outside of Niagara Falls proper—that you should definitely know about for your tour guide test:
🍷 Five Great Wineries in Niagara County (Beyond Niagara Falls)
Freedom Run Winery (Lockport)
A laid-back spot with estate-grown wines, vineyard views, and rotating art exhibits.
Arrowhead Spring Vineyards (Lockport)
Known for award-winning reds and whites grown on the Niagara Escarpment.
Spring Lake Winery (Lockport)
Offers a lake, hiking trails, and a Tuscan-inspired tasting room—perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Black Willow Winery (Burt)
Boutique winery with traditional wines, meads, and small-batch balsamic oils.
Chateau Niagara Winery (Newfane)
Specializes in European varietals, including unique blends you won’t find elsewhere. The Niagara Wine Trail offers a comprehensive map highlighting numerous wineries throughout Niagara, Orleans, and Monroe counties. This map is an excellent tool for planning your visits to various vineyards in the region. Click here.
🌟 Regional Attractions in Niagara County (Outside Niagara Falls)
Old Fort Niagara (Youngstown)
Step back in time at this 18th-century fort where French, British, and American history collide.
Artpark (Lewiston)
Live music, outdoor sculptures, and theater with views of the Niagara River gorge.
Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride (Lockport)
Explore man-made caves and canals from the Erie Canal days—underground!
Wilson-Tuscarora State Park (Wilson)
A serene park on Lake Ontario with hiking, fishing, and quiet beach spots.
Olcott Beach Carousel Park (Olcott)
A nostalgic, kid-friendly gem with a 1928 Herschell-Spillman carousel and vintage rides.
Riviera Theatre (North Tonawanda)
A beautifully restored 1920s movie palace with concerts, movies, and a Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine (Lewiston)
A peaceful pilgrimage site with towering statues, gardens, and a 15-story dome visible for miles.
Krull Park (Olcott)
A sprawling lakeside park perfect for family gatherings, sunset strolls, and summer festivals.
🎠 Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
📍 180 Thompson Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Step back in time at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, housed in the original Allan Herschell Company factory. This unique museum celebrates the rich history of carousel manufacturing in North Tonawanda, once known as the “Home of the Carousel.” Visitors can explore exhibits on the art of carousel carving, band organ music, and even enjoy rides on beautifully restored antique carousels.
🍫 Platter’s Chocolate Factory
908 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Indulge your sweet tooth at Platter’s Chocolate Factory, a beloved local chocolatier since 1938. Famous for their signature orange chocolate and sponge candy, Platter’s offers visitors a chance to witness the chocolate-making process through viewing areas. Don’t miss their café, where you can savor a variety of treats, including coffee, ice cream, and, of course, chocolates.
These places showcase the heart and soul of Niagara County—beyond the roar of the Falls. From peaceful vineyards and lakeside parks to historic forts and whimsical carousels, there’s much more to explore if you take the time to look around.
For a broader view of Niagara County’s attractions, including parks, historical sites, and other points of interest outside Niagara Falls, the Niagara County Tourism website provides detailed maps and guides. These resources can help you discover hidden gems in towns like Wilson, Olcott, Lewiston, and Lockport.
💡 Niagara Falls Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!
How old are Niagara Falls?
A. 500 years
B. 12,000 years
C. 2 million years
Which Indigenous spirit was believed to live in the mist?
A. Sasquatch
B. Hé-no
C. Thunderbird
Who went over the Falls in a barrel at age 63?
A. Dolly Madison
B. Annie Edson Taylor
C. Rosa Parks
What major engineering feat was powered by Niagara?
A. The first computer
B. The Brooklyn Bridge
C. Alternating current electricity
Which daredevil crossed the Falls on a tightrope in 2012?
A. David Blaine
B. Nik Wallenda
C. Evel Knievel
📝 Answers: 1: B | 2: B | 3: B | 4: C | 5: B
🎤 Want to Be a Tour Guide at Niagara Falls? Join Go Niagara Tours!
Love meeting people? Know how to tell a great story? If you’ve made it this far—you’re halfway there.
Go Niagara Tours is hiring new tour guides, and all you need to do is pass the simple Tourist Guide Test offered right at the Welcome Center near the roundabout, near the State Park. Here’s how to get started:
📞 Call the Welcome Center to make an appointment for the test. It’s straightforward and fun—especially if you’ve read this history.
👮♂️ After you pass, head to the police station (just a short drive away) for a quick 10-minute background check.
🏛️ Then take your test results and background check to City Hall to get your official tour guide license.
That’s it! We’ll train you on how to give amazing tours of the Falls—if you can pass the test, we’ll do the rest.
🌟 Apply today with Go Niagara Tours. Tell stories, meet travelers from all over the world, and get paid to hang out at the most powerful waterfall in North America! And a huge part of our shared Canadian and American history!