Things to Do in Buffalo

Just a half-hour drive from Niagara Falls State Park, Buffalo sidelines a famous American attraction—but it’s got plenty of its own unique entertainment to keep your vacationing family on the go.

All Wright, All Right

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural genius is on full display in Buffalo. Wright's designs were guided by his love for harmonizing buildings with their time, place and inhabitants. Reserve a seat on the All Wright All Day Trolley Tour, beginning with the architect’s signature Darwin Martin House Complex. Explore Graycliff Estate, with its meticulous restoration, gorgeous grounds and cliff-top view of Lake Erie. The catered lunch at Fontana Boathouse on the Black Rock Canal is included in the price. Roll back in time to the Roaring '20s, the T-Birding '50s and other eras in the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum, home to Wright’s Filling Station. Ride through the exquisite landscapes of Forest Lawn Cemetery, where you will tour Wright’s Blue Sky Mausoleum.

Fall in Love with the Falls

If you drive just 30 minutes northwest of Buffalo, you can stand in awe at the roaring falls and natural beauty of Niagara Falls State Park. Water plummets at 150,000 gallons per second over the 1,060-foot brink of Niagara Falls' American and Bridal Veil Falls. Be prepared to experience tropical-storm conditions when you stand on Cave of the Winds' Hurricane Deck, and the Maid of the Mist boat gets you right up next to Horseshoe Falls. When you’re ready to dry off, shed your rain poncho and hike the trails, spy on wildlife or marvel at the gardens in America's oldest state park, which was designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Begin your day at the park's visitor center or the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center.

Waterside Fun for All Seasons

Canalside Park is the go-to place for outdoor fun in downtown Buffalo. In the winter, rent ice skates and feel the freedom of gliding on frozen canals. Watch amateur hockey leagues practice—Buffalo is big on hockey and home to the NHL Buffalo Sabres. During warmer weather, rent water bikes or kayaks. Waterside events from concerts to art shows entertain almost daily during the summer. This is also the place to set sail on the Spirit of Buffalo, a topsail schooner that offers an array of adventures, such as pirate parties for the kids and educational sailing trips that take you on a journey through Lake Erie’s past.

Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Wings come in many variations —mild, medium or hot—but for a taste from the place where it all began, meet up with friends at the original Anchor Bar . Or join the ranks of Buffalonians doing the chicken-wing crawl—no, it’s not a dance. Follow the map beginning with Anchor Bar in Buffalo and take your last tasty bite 30 minutes south at Bar Bill Tavern. Attending a Buffalo Bills game? Impress your friends at a tailgate party with a big batch of wings and drums.

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