Little Known Facts About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls aside from being a geological wonder is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Sharing the border between the United States and Canada, it has been a destination place for tourists for over 200 years, as well as a major source of hydroelectric power.  Living in Western New York we hold these truths to be self-evident.

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What about some of the lesser-known facts about Niagara Falls...

Has Niagara Falls ever been "turned off"? - Yes in 1969 a cofferdam was built diverting the flow of water from the American Falls to the Horseshoe Falls so engineers could study the effects of rockfalls on the flow of water.  I visited the Falls during the once-in-a-lifetime occurrence and remember it smelling "very fishy".

How many waterfalls make up Niagara Falls? -  Niagara Falls is actually made up of three separate waterfalls.  The Bridal Veil Falls, The American Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls.

How many people have died going over Niagara Falls? - There have, by accounts been an estimated 5,000 bodies found at the bottom of Niagara Falls between 1850 and 2011. On average about 30 or so people die going over the Falls each year, many of them being suicides, and not publicized.

Can You Walk Behind Niagara Falls? - Yes, but only on the Canadian side.  Journey Behind the Falls is an attraction that gives an unparalleled view from portals directly behind the Falls. I can personally tell you that it is breathtaking.

Does Niagara Falls ever freeze over, in the Winter? - According to Angela Berti, a spokesperson for Niagara Falls State Park ...

"it is impossible for the falls to fully freeze anymore. ... But "due to the installation of what we call the 'ice boom,' the falls will never freeze over again." The previous freezes in the 1930s were triggered by ice jams upriver.

How long until Niagara Falls disappears? - According to experts at the current rate of erosion, in roughly 50,000 years Niagara Falls will have eroded the remaining 20 or so miles to Lake Erie, and will, along with the Niagara River cease to exist.

(Wikipedia) (Niagara Falls Tourism)