By Amy L. Gouger
The Big Apple hogs most of the tourists to
New York, but Western New York state has just as many attractions. Major western New York cities of note include Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester. Buffalo claims to have invented Buffalo wings and the windshield wiper, and to be the first city to have electric street lamps. Niagara Falls hosts views of the beautiful American and Canadian falls and the many daredevils who sought fame from it. Because of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a large deaf population thrives in Rochester. The western half of the state has many cultural, historical and fun attractions.
Buffalo Zoo
In 1870, the Buffalo Zoo began as a gift. The gift, two deer, lived in a section of Delaware Park. Slowly animal by animal, building by building in the following 100 plus years the Zoo expanded. Today, it houses many mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Animals present at the zoo include American alligator, king cobra, maned wolf, vampire bat, snow leopard, Panamanian golden frog, princess parrot and superb starlings.
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214-1999
(716)837-3900
Seneca Park Zoo
Seneca Park Zoo is in the process of transitioning from the old to the new. It recently opened a new Baboon exhibit to bring a new direction to the zoo in 2008. In 1893, Seneca Park opened. It hosted animal exhibits the following year. Animals residing in the zoo today include the two-toed sloth, red tailed hawk, burmese python, California sea lions, along with several types of turtles and monkeys.
Seneca Park Zoo
2222 St Paul St
Rochester, NY 14621
(585)-336-7200
Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara focuses a variety of sea life. Shows at the aquarium consist of "Penguin Feedings," "Shark Feedings," "Tidal Pool Feedings," "Sea Lion Shows" and "Seal Presentations." The aquarium offers an interactive "AquaVenture" that lets visitors with advance reservations to get close to their penguins, sea lions and seals. Visitors can also feed the seals fish.
Aquarium of Niagara Falls
701 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575
Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride
Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride is a piece of American history. The cave uses the Erie Canal waterworks to show the history of the miners and workers of the system. In October, Lockport Cave provides the Haunted version of the tour which including walking and a boat ride.
Lockport Cave
2 Pine Street
Lockport, NY 14126
(716) 438-0174
New York State Capitol
It took 32 years, 5 architects and 25 million dollars to construct the capital building. Used since 1880's, the building rests on a hill and tours are offered regularly of the masterpiece. For history enthusiasts and school-aged children, the tour offers insight into the workings of the state and nation.
Buffalo Naval and Military Park
Buffalo Navel and Military Park shows many military weapons and vehicles. Early drones were one-man operated flyers with a range of 60 miles and a possibility of 68 miles per hour. The XRon1 is present at the park as an early representation. Displayed at the park, the ships, USS Little Rock, USS Croaker, and USS The Sullivans attract many visitors. The park also provides exhibits on many aspects of war.
One Naval Park Cove
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 847-1773
Tifft Nature Preserve
The Tifft Nature Preserve, named after George Washington Tifft, once was a landfill. After two decades of that function, public demand turned the location to its present occupation. Soil from another location within the preserve covered the remains of the landfill. Today, the site teems with plant and animal life. The 264-acre preserve hosts 5 miles of trials. It's a popular spot for fishing, hiking and bird-watching. Tifft Nature Preserve is currently under the care of the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, New York 14211
(716) 896-5200
About the Author:
Amy L. Gouger holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Stroudsburg University. Previously a technical agent, she now serves as a ghostwriter and contributor to various online publications.
