Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Fort Niagara State Park

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Address
1 Maintenance Ave
Youngstown, NY 14174
Latitude 43.263283
Longitude -79.053886

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Pet Policy

A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Ladders to the Outdoors - programming and activities connecting Western New York youth with the outdoors

Fort Niagara State Park has a boat launche providing access to the Lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario, woodland hiking trails, swimming pools, a view of Lake Ontario, picnic grounds, playgrounds, water fowl hunting, 18 soccer fields. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and sled. The park is adjacent to Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site. 

Old Fort Niagara offers living-history programs year round, plus a museum and original 18th-century buildings. It is operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, a not-for-profit organization, and is a Registered National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site. Admission to the site is available through its Visitor Center.

Be sure to visit the Fort Niagara's Nature Center, located adjacent to the swimming pool. 

Pavilion Information
Fort Niagara has four pavilions. Prices range from $50 to $75 and can accommodate 50 to 60 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com.

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Hours of Operation

  • Open year round. Sunrise to sunset.
  • Nature Center Hours: 
    July - mid-September. Thursday - Sunday, Hours variable.
  • Swimming/Wading Pools:
    Late June - Labor Day
    11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.* last entry is at 5:45 p.m.

    $3 flat fee, ages 6 and up

    *only US Coast Guard approved Personal floatation devices allowed 

     No Alcohol or glass allowed in pool area.
  • Boat Launch: April - October weather permitting
  • Old Fort Niagara
    Mid – January to late March Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm 
    April – June Open daily: 10:00am – 4:00pm 
    July – August Open daily: 10:00am – 4:00pm
    September – Mid October Open Daily: 10:00am – 4:00pm
    Mid- October – December Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm

    Last admission 4pm.
  • Soccer Fields: April - October. Seasonal/weather permitting.
    Reservations taken beginning 1st business day after January 1st.
  • Water fowl hunting is permitted in season.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Boat Launch
  • $8
    *Collected via automated pay kiosk
  • Old Fort Niagara
  • For admission rates to Old Fort Niagara please visit https://www.oldfortniagara.org/admissions, or call (716) 745-7611.

    Toll Booths: mid-June to Labor Day 10am - 6pm

  • Soccer Fields
  • Fees charged for exclusive use only. Vehicle Use Fee charged during summer season.
  • Swimming/Wading Pool
  • FREE
  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • $8 per vehicle *pool additional
    Buses $35

Duck Blind Permit
2017-18 Duck Blind Drawings

Waterfowl hunting at Ft. Niagara, Joseph Davis, Wilson Tuscarora, and Golden Hill is by permit only during DEC & federal regulated seasons. Permits for all four parks are issued at a weekly Thursday evening draw at Ft. Niagara. Permitees are required to have a NYS hunting license, Federal HIP number, waterfowl identification certification, and a dog or boat for retrieval. Rules and restrictions from permit as follows:

DUCK BLIND PERMIT RULES
Fort Niagara, Wilson-Tuscarora, Joseph Davis, and Golden Hill State Parks

  • All Federal and State regulations apply.
  • A dog or boat is required for retrieving.
  • Only one person per hunting group is allowed to draw at any time.
  • All spent shell casings and any litter must be removed at the end of the hunt.
  • The permittee is responsible for listing all of the blind occupants on the permit; substitutions are not allowed.
  • All hunters must have a NYS hunting license, HIP number, and Federal "Duck" stamp.
  • The permittee must have successfully completed a satisfactory Waterfowl Identification course.
  • All blinds must be set up within fifty (50) feet of the blind number.
  • The intent of this Permit is to allow shooting over water only, not over land.
Fri 20 Dec
Wish Upon a Shooting Star
Friday, December 20, 2024 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fort Niagara State Park
On a cool, crisp night, take in the stars as we search for the largest meteor shower of the year – the Geminids! Registration required at Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Tue 31 Dec
Last Day Hike
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Fort Niagara State Park
Bring in the New Year while we enjoy a walk through one of our wooded paths and watch the last sunset of 2024! Registration required at Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fort Niagara State Park
Join us for a walk to welcome the New Year along Lake Ontario where we'll see migrating waterfowl and traverse the trail along the shore. Meet-up Location: Pool House, Approximate distance of hike: 1.5 miles Leashed pets welcome. Click here to register.
Registration: Required
Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Fort Niagara State Park
Join us for a walk to view the Niagara River and War of 1812 Cemetery, and to see the lighthouse and Old Fort Niagara from the parking lot. There will be a tour of the Officer's Club to view the paintings and visit the museum displays. Old Fort Niagara is closed on New Year's Day. Accessible entrance to Officers' Club available. Meet-up Location: Officers Club, Approximate distance of hike: <1 miles, No pets. Click here to register.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Feb
Birds on the Niagara – Feathers on Lake Ontario
Saturday, February 15, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Fort Niagara State Park
Join a naturalist with a spotting scope on the sun lawn in Fort Niagara to view the migrating waterfowl over Lake Ontario! Registration required on Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Boat Launches
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature Center
  • Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
  • Playgrounds
  • Playing Fields
  • Sledding
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Swimming Pool
  • Documents