Goat Island (New York)

Goat Island is a small island in the Niagara River, immediately upstream of Niagara Falls in the city of Niagara Falls, New York. It separates the larger Horseshoe Falls from the American and Bridal Veil Falls and contains several principal viewing areas.

The island is a natural river island shaped by glacial and river erosion and has been developed for public access since the 19th century as tourism at Niagara Falls grew. It is administered as part of Niagara Falls State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the United States.

Goat Island sits in the Niagara River at the crest of Niagara Falls, within the city of Niagara Falls, New York, directly across from the Canadian side and a short distance from downtown Niagara Falls, NY.

• Park management and views: Part of Niagara Falls State Park with pedestrian bridges linking observation points, the island offers some of the closest over-water views of the falls on the U.S. side.
• Access and seasonal notes: Access is on foot via short bridges from the mainland; paths and viewing platforms can be crowded in summer and winter viewing conditions are icy.

What to See #

• Terrapin Point: A rocky viewpoint at the western end of the island providing close-up views of Horseshoe Falls and the crestline where the Niagara River drops.
• Three Sisters Islands: A group of small islands connected to Goat Island by pedestrian bridges, offering additional vantage points over the American and Bridal Veil Falls.