Niagara Falls Tours—American Side

Cave of the Winds. Cave of the Winds. In this walking tour, an elevator takes you down 175 feet into the gorge, where you follow walkways to an observation deck less than 20 feet from the thundering waters of Bridal Veil falls—you will get drenched (it's called Hurricane Deck for a reason). Souvenir ponchos and sandals are provided. Departures from Goat Island, next to American Falls, Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, New York, 14302. 716/278–1730; www.niagarafallsstatepark.com. $7. May–Oct., daily from 9am; closing times vary..

Maid of the Mist.. Maid of the Mist. View the three falls from up close during a spectacular 30-minute ride on the world-famousboat tour, in operation since 1846, when it was conducted with wooden-hulled, coal-fired steamboats. Today double-deck steel ships tow passengers on 30-minute journeys to the foot of the falls, where the spray is so heavy that ponchos must be distributed. The Maid of the Mist tour originating from the Canadian side of the falls is almost exactly the same. 1 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, New York. 716/284–8897; www.maidofthemist.com. $19.25.

Rainbow Air, Inc. Helicopter Tours. Rainbow Air, Inc. Helicopter Tours. For rare aerial views of the falls and some impressive vacation photos, take a day- or nighttime helicopter ride. The 10-minute tours are on a first-come, first-served basis. 454 Main St., Niagara Falls, New York, 14304. 716/284–2800; www.rainbowairinc.com. $115. May–Oct., daily 9am–dusk; Apr. and Nov., weekends 9am–dusk.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Veer around and hurdle white-water rapids on a one-hour thrill ride that follows Niagara canyons up to the wall of rolling waters, just below the falls. Children must be at least six years old for the open-boat Wet Jet Tour and four years old for the Jet Dome Tour, in a (dry!) covered boat. Tours departs from Lewiston, New York, a 15-minute drive north of Niagara Falls and from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Reserve ahead; check the Web site for discounts. 115 S. Water St., Lewiston, New York, L0S 1T0. 905/468–4800; 888/438–4444; www.whirlpooljet.com. $67. Daily late Apr.–Oct.