Beaver Island State Park
West River Shoreline Mowing and Landscape Plan
Landscapes bring us joy. They are the embodiment of the web of life, an ecology composed of soil, plants, air and light. As living beings, we are participants and a reflection in the health and vigor of the landscapes we live in.
State Park's mandate as stewards of public lands motivates us to reconsider the ecological management history of The West River Trail and Shoreline area. No longer a 55 mile per hour highway, this is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Western New York and in restoring a natural habitat, it will only serve to bring a broader sense of beauty.
Under our plan, this area will undergo a natural transition in select areas from mowed lawn to managed grassland. The plan calls for and we will strive for an approx. ration of 80/20 of low mow to high mow. This sort of landscape plan is best practice in parks and open spaces around the world. Beyond enhancing the quality of habitat, this plan will allow for the conservation of natural resources such as clean water and air and a reduction in fossil fuel consumption.
Tree plantings along the Trail in the wide space between West River Road and the Trail are also planned. Canopy species such as Oak, Hickory and Elm have a significant presence in some areas of the trail already. To supplement this, we will continue to work on removing dead trees and invasive species as human and financial resources allow.
Flowering native trees are planned as additions along the fringes of existing shrub and tree masses. Crabapples, Elderberry, and Dogwood give us Spring and Fall color, as well as enhance the ecology of the landscape.
We thank you for your ongoing patience as we work to develop this plan and urge continued cooperation in helping us achieve the goal of creating a trail and green space we can all be proud of. It is only with your help that we can accomplish this so as previously stated, please refrain from mowing the public property across from your home.
Of note, please review the legend which identifies the mowing schedule as well as current and future locations of portajohns and proposed plantings. View the landscape plan:
West River 1 | West River 2 | West River 3 | West River 4 | E. Oakfield & Plant Palette | Section 1| Section 2
2136 West Oakfield Road
Grand Island, NY 14072
- General Information: (716) 404-4214
Beaver Island State Park is located at the south end of Grand Island in the upper Niagara River. The 950 acre park has a half-mile sandy beach for swimming, adjacent 80 slip marina with both seasonal and transient boat slips, fishing access, car-top boat launch, multiple canoe/kayak launches, bike and nature trails, nature center, playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields, horseshoe pits, an 18 hole championship disc golf course, an 18-hole championship golf course. Also located in the park is the River Lea house and museum, home to the Grand Island Historical Society and built by William Cleveland Allen, cousin to Grover Cleveland who visited the family farm on several occasions. In winter, visitors can snowmobile by permit, cross-country ski, snowshoe, sled or ice fish. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in-season by permit.
Pavilion Information
Beaver Island has nine pavilions available. Prices range from $75 to $125 and can accommodate 50 to 450 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com.
NEW in 2019
Beaver Island is now the place to be and celebrate all seasons. Thanks to a new guest service provider, Montana International, you can enjoy a cold beverage after a day on the course at Bogey's! Find that one item you forgot at park store, The Hub! The Sand Stand snack bar will take care of your beach cravings! The spectacular 200 person event center, Falconwood (formally the casino/clubhouse) overlooking the river is available for booking and is better than ever! Beaver Island Marina even has some transient slips - join us by boat. Whether you are golfing or having your wedding at Beaver Island, you are sure to have a day you will remember. Call 716-404-4214 for more information
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
NYS DOT Traffic Counts for Grand Island
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 daily year round from dawn to dusk.
- Beaver Island Nature Center is open seasonally, from July 4 through Labor Day. Thur-Sun, 12 pm-5pm.
- Golf: 5/2 - 11/3 (weather permitting)Disc golf available year-round.
- Beaver Island Marina: 5/2 - 10/4
http://montanainternational.us/index.php/marinas/beaver-island-marina
Weekday Hours: 11 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sun: 8 am - 9 pm
weather and dusk dependent - Big Six Marina: 5/2 - 10/4
Fuel, beer, snacks, boating supplies & ice for sale at The Chandler http://montanainternational.us/index.php/marinas/big-six-marina
Hours of Operation: 8 am - 9 pm
weather and dusk dependent - Swimming: 5/23 - 9/1410:00am - 6:00pm
Weekends only 5/23 - 6/21
Daily 6/22 - 9/7
Weekends only 9/7 - 9/14 - Sledding: Seasonal, dawn to dusk when conditions allow.
Heated restrooms available - Snowmobiling: Seasonal. Trails open from 10 am - 10 pm.
By permit only, issued at Beaver Island Park Office. Proof of insurance required. - Water fowl hunting is by permit only 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.
- Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Beach Open $7
Non-Profit Buses $35
Commercial Buses $75
Non-Profit Seasonal Buss Pass $75
Collected:
5/26-6/24: 8am-6pm, weekends only
6/28-9/2: 9am-6pm, weekdays; 8am-6pm, weekends & holidays
*Option to use automated pay station available. - Beaver Island Marina
Seasonal Rate: $40 per foot of registered boat length - minimum cost is $720
Transient Rates: (Transient slips must be reserved and paid in advanced.)
Day and Overnight Stay: $25 per day plus a $10 Reservation Fee- Big 6 Marina
Seasonal Rate: $40 per foot of registered boat length - minimum cost is $720
Transient Rates: (Transient slips must be reserved and paid in advanced.)
Day and Overnight Stay: $25 per day plus a $10 Reservation Fee- Beaver Island Picnic Shelter
- Shelter Information and Price
- Disc Golf
- No fee to play.
Rentals/sales/accessories available at park office. - Golf
- For Golf Rates, please visit Beaver Island's Golf Course website.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
2019 - 2020 WATERFOWL HUNTING INFORMATION & REGULATIONS
First Half of Season
Second Half of Season
Waterfowl Hunting Blind Permit
Waterfowl Blind Map
West River Shoreline Trail Waterfowl Hunting Access Information
- The water fowl season runs from Oct 27 through the end of January.
- In order to secure a blind along the West River Trail, we hold regular lotteries to assign blinds.
- We have divided West River Shoreline Trail into seven, color coded zones.
- Those that secure a spot in any of the West River zones will also be given a vehicle permit—as well as directions on how they can enter and exit their zone. The permit should match the color of the zone.
- Vehicles will park along off the pathway.
- All traffic will head south—entering and exiting at set intersections on the trail—there will be no two way traffic.
- Barricades will be set up at each entrance and exit and hunters will be responsible for moving them.
- Drivers will be expected to drive with flashers and no faster than 15 miles per hour.
- Trail users always have the right away
Thursday, August 20, 2020 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Beaver Island State Park
Are you looking to learn more about your kayak, equipment, or paddle strokes and maneuvers? Look no further! Join ACA (American Canoe Association) certified kayak instructors for a paddle in the lagoon. Topics will include kayak/paddle anatomy and style, safety equipment all should carry, and strokes/ maneuvers that make kayaking a little easier. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.
Due to ongoing safety concerns related to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we will not be providing kayaks, paddles or life jackets for our kayaking programs. All participants will be required to provide their own equipment. Masks will be required while on shore and must be carried with you while on the water. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Thursday, September 10, 2020 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Beaver Island State Park
Are you looking to learn more about your kayak, equipment, or paddle strokes and maneuvers? Look no further! Join ACA (American Canoe Association) certified kayak instructors for a paddle in the lagoon. Topics will include kayak/paddle anatomy and style, safety equipment all should carry, and strokes/ maneuvers that make kayaking a little easier. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.
Due to ongoing safety concerns related to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we will not be providing kayaks, paddles or life jackets for our kayaking programs. All participants will be required to provide their own equipment. Masks will be required while on shore and must be carried with you while on the water. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Biking
- Boat Launches * Kayak/Canoe/Car-top boat launches
- Disc Golf
- Dockage
- Fishing
- Food
- Golf
- Hunting
- Ice Fishing
- Marina
- Nature Center
- Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
- Playgrounds
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Swimming Beach
- Visitor Center
- Documents
- West River Shoreline Trail Waterfowl Blind Access and Information (pdf)
- West River Connector Greenway Project (pdf)
- Beaver Island Business Opportunity (pdf)
- Niagara Restoration Project FAQ's (pdf)
- Waterfowl Hunting- Golf Course Supplement (pdf)
- Niagara Restoration- East River Marsh (pdf)
- Niagara Restoration-Site Locations (pdf)
- Waterfowl Hunting Information-Second Half (pdf)
- Final Option 5 Letter (pdf)
- Waterfowl Hunting Information-First Half (pdf)
- Waterfowl Hunting Blind Permit (pdf)
- Beaver Island Memorial Tree Planting Project (pdf)
- Shelter Information Sheet (pdf)
- Resources
- NYS DOT Traffic Counts for Grand Island