Three Sisters Islands

The islands are named after Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney, the daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney, an early settler in Niagara Falls. He and his daughters are believed to have been the first settlers to visit all three of these islands, before a bridge connected them. Spray from the falls makes the parkland here particularly rich with plant life.

The Three Sisters Islands are a peaceful and pretty place to walk when touring Niagara Falls State Park. Guided tours of Niagara Falls often make a detour to the islands, or allow for some free time, during which you can visit.

• There is no entry fee to enter Niagara Falls State Park or the Three Sisters Islands.

• Bicycles can be rented in the Niagara Falls State Park and are a good way of getting to the Three Sisters Islands.

• There are several parking lots beside the park. They tend to fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.

The Three Sisters Islands are to the southeast of Goat Island. They can only be reached by footbridge from Goat Island, which is itself on the southern edge of Niagara Falls State Park. The parking lots around the park get busy at the weekends and during holidays, so if staying in or near Buffalo, an alternative way of reaching the park is by bus no. 40.

The Niagara Falls area sees very heavy snowfall in winter. While the falls themselves can be visited at any time of year, access to Goat Island and the Three Sisters Islands is blocked once snow falls in the winter, usually by late November through to March.

The US side of Niagara Gorge is lined with several state parks, linked by hiking trails offering views of the Niagara River and the whirlpools and rapids along it. At the northern end of Niagara Falls State Park is the trailhead for the Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail. Other parks a couple of miles to the north include Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park.