Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Joseph Davis State Park has facilities for a wide variety of recreational activities. The terrain is generally flat, with fields, woodlands and ponds. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass in the pond near the park entrance or for a variety of freshwater fish from the fishing dock on the lower Niagara River. The park also has a nature trail, as well as cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails and a 27-hole frisbee disc golf course along with a 9-holde disc golf course.

History of Joseph Davis State Park

The Hopkins family operated a fruit farm on the land until 1961, when the State of New York purchased the 260 acres as parkland in 1964, the park opened to the public under the name of Lower Niagara State Park. Five years later, an additional 98 acres were purchased from the Riverview Land and Improvement Co. In 1970, the park's name was changed to honor Joseph Davis, who served as president of the Niagara Frontier State Parks Commission for 21 years. As chairman, director, and member of many organizations. Joseph Davis was influential in shaping the future of the Niagara Frontier. 

Governor Thomas E. Dewey named Joseph Davis to the Niagara Frontier State Parks Commission in 1948. At that time, the commission had only a few state parks under its jurisdiction. With the addition of many more parks, the Niagara Frontier Region parks system grew into a multimillion-dollar program under Joseph Davis's capable leadership. Davis also served on the State Council of Parks and Recreation

Pavilion Information
Joseph Davis has three pavilions. The day use price varies and can accommodate up to 50 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).