Activities

UU Niagara Experience

Guests are encouraged to come before or stay beyond the four days of the UUNEX. Some of the many
attractions of the Niagara area are listed below. In previous years many of our UUNEX guests have
extended their time in this area. Especially popular have been the Shaw Theatres and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Some have combined it with time at Chautauqua or Stratford. Others have stayed right here to enjoy
additional attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory and Artpark.

Sunday, when guests arrive and Wednesday as they leave, many attractions in the Niagara area are
available. Detailed information about these will be available at the Church. It will be open and staffed to
help guests choose activities they do on their own. In addition, small groups will be led by Church members
to view the Falls and on hikes into the Niagara Gorge.

A Few of the Many Niagara Attractions:

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

This world-famous scenic boat tour of the American and Canadian Falls is a spectacular half
hour ride. The memory will last a lifetime.

NOTE: THE MAID OF THE MIST IS PART OF THE TOUR MONDAY.

Old Fort Niagara

On the banks of magnificent Lake Ontario, Old Fort Niagara was the site of historic battles
and sieges, trading and conquest. It is an exciting place where the past lives on! Preserved
as they stood in the 1700's when France and Britain controlled Niagara, the Fort's structures
include the oldest building on the Great Lakes and a serene lighthouse overlooking the water.
Guests will see and interact with the Fort staff who reenact these previous times in period
dress.

NOTE: OLD FORT NIAGARA WILL BE VISITED AS PART OF THE TOUR TUESDAY.

Flight of Angels

Fantastic 15 minute ride aboard a tethered helium balloon. The ride goes 400 feet in the air
for a wonderful view of the Falls, the city, downtown Buffalo and Toronto.

NOTE: THE FLIGHT OF ANGELS IS PART OF THE TOUR MONDAY, IF WEATHER PERMITS.
THIS RIDE ONLY FLIES WHEN THE WIND CONDITIONS ARE SAFE. IF IT IS NOT FLYING ON
MONDAY, WE WILL TRY IT AGAIN ON TUESDAY.

Nature Walks

Walks in Niagara Gorge are the up-close and personal experience nature lovers will adore!
Touted by many as being a rival to the mighty Falls themselves, the Niagara Gorge contains
wonderful hiking trails along the banks of the thundering lower rapids. Geology and nature
combine to fill your senses with the amazement only nature itself can provide. A naturalist
with New York State Parks, who is a Church member, will lead some nature walks in Niagara
River Gorge and can direct guests to many other possibilities in the State Parks in the Niagara
area.

Shopping Possibilities

Shoppers, get ready for fun! The Niagara area is home to a variety of shopping experiences.
For bargain hunters, Niagara Falls hosts a large factory outlet mall which contains over 100
stores offering great discounts on famous name clothing, shoes, home decor and more!

For a different shopping experience, guests may visit the quaint villages of
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and Lewiston, New York which contain many special craft and
boutique shops, as well as antique hunting and invite leisurely strolling to enjoy the
atmosphere and treats available. These great villages are just minutes from the church and
guests may enjoy the benefit of currency exchange rates when shopping in Canada! The
villages themselves are beautiful to browse and offer excellent restaurants and coffee houses.

Butterflies and Horticulture

There are wonderful public gardens as part of The Niagara Parks Commission in Canada. The
best of these are the gardens surrounding the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of
Horticulture. This also contains a Butterfly Conservatory which would be a great greenhouse
itself, but it also houses thousands of butterflies which are guaranteed to delight every
visitor who strolls through them.

Electric Power Generation

Large scale generation of electric power was pioneered and developed in Niagara Falls. Large
hydro generators are still a vital aspect of the area. The New York State Power Authority has
a display explaining the generation of power with interesting hands-on activities, all
overlooking a scenic vista of the Niagara Gorge.

Casino

Just a few blocks from the Church, the Seneca Niagara Casino offers table games and 2,900
coin-operated machines, fabulous entertainment, and terrific food. For adults who want to
have the thrill of playing at a world class casino, this is the place to spend some time and
money.

Aquarium of Niagara

A very short walk from the Church. Dive into a world of discovery with over 1,500 aquatic
animals, including sharks, piranhas, California Sea Lions, Moray Eels and a colony of
endangered Peruvian Penguins!

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours above and around the Falls. Everyone will enjoy the majestic power and
beauty of the Falls from the air. This is a special perspective of the Falls. It is an expensive
15 minute ride.
.
Jet Boat

Both "Wet Jet" and "Jet Dome" rides are available in the Niagara river canyon. Experience the
ultimate white water tour. This is an expensive short ride.

Niagara Aerospace Museum

Discover the rich aviation history of Western New York. Explore a vast and important
collection of aviation artifacts. See antique aircrafts and get into the picture with the full
surround-sound DVD presentations in the 200 seat theater. Military aviation veterans should
not miss this!

Art Park

Musical and theatrical productions in a picturesque State Park over-looking the breath taking
Niagara River Gorge. Visual artists can be seen at work in a variety of medias. Much more
available on a daily basis.

Native American Museum at Smokin' Joe's

Visiting the museum is a great opportunity to look at Iroquois history, learn ancient traditions
of the Niagara area and see contemporary Tuscarora culture. Purchase gasoline, tobacco
products, gifts and art, tax free.

Architecture

Buffalo and Niagara Falls have some of the most outstanding architecture to be seen
anywhere. This includes several Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and an outstanding Louis
Sullivan building, to mention only a few. An architect, who is a Church member, can give
detailed directions or even lead a tour of interested UUNEX guests on Sunday or Wednesday.

Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (The NACC)

The NACC is located in a landmark 1924 former high school. It is home to more than 75 artist
studios. It has galleries, a gift shop, and more.

Shaw Theatres

There are several professional theaters in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario which produce plays
by George Bernard Shaw and others. These are of excellent quality demanding the attention
of the serious drama enthusiast.