Prospect Point Observation Tower in Niagara Falls State Park, New York, gives you a view of all three falls and the Niagara River from above the gorge. It’s a practical stop for taking in the falls from a different angle, with elevator access to the gorge base and Maid of the Mist boarding site.
- Location: Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, New York
- View: All three falls and the Niagara River
- Access: Elevator to the gorge base and boat boarding site
- Boat ticket: Not required to use the elevator and viewing deck
Where Prospect Point sits in the park
Prospect Point Observation Tower stands at Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, on the New York side of the border—not in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The park gives its address as 304 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.
Prospect Point overlooks the American Falls and sits close to both the tower and the Maid of the Mist. From a two-star Niagara Falls inn, the tower is about 1.5 km away; the two-star Courtside Inn is in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
What can you see from Prospect Point Observation Tower?
The tower’s viewing deck projects over the Niagara Gorge, opening up views of the Niagara River and all three falls. Niagara Falls State Park describes it as the only panoramic viewpoint of all three cataracts, including the American Falls.
That broad outlook makes the tower a useful point to pause and take in the falls together, rather than viewing one section from the riverbank. The elevator also reaches the base of the gorge, where the Maid of the Mist boarding site is located.
How do you plan access and tickets?
You can use the tower’s elevator and viewing deck without buying a Maid of the Mist boat ticket. If you’re planning to take the boat as well, the tower and boarding site are close together, so you can combine them in one stop.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00–16:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The tower operates weather permitting, and the last ticket is sold 15 minutes before closing. Hours and schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Parking Lot 1, at 333 Prospect Street, is identified by the park as the closest parking to the Welcome Center and Maid of the Mist. It is open year-round, but fees vary by season and day of the week.
How can you combine the tower with other viewpoints?
Prospect Point is a natural place to start exploring Niagara Falls State Park viewpoints: take in the American Falls, visit the tower, then continue to the Maid of the Mist boarding area if that’s part of your plans.
The park recommends setting aside at least a day to see everything in the park, and a one-day Niagara Falls route from the Courtside Inn area can help you plan the wider visit.
The Scenic Trolley lets you get off at stops to explore and reboard later, though capacity can limit service. An express shuttle runs between Prospect Point and the Aquarium of Niagara/Great Lakes 360, with pickup just north of the Maid of the Mist.
If your visit crosses the border from Canada, the park’s location and access are covered in this guide to visiting Niagara Falls State Park from Canada. On Prospect Point and Goat Island, the park has no designated multiuse or bicycle paths, and wheeled recreational devices are prohibited.
FAQs
Is Prospect Point Observation Tower in Canada?
No. The tower is in Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, New York, across the border from Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Do you need a Maid of the Mist ticket to go up the tower?
No. The viewing deck and elevator are open to visitors without a boat ticket.
Can you see all three falls from the tower?
Yes. The deck provides a panoramic view of all three falls, including the American Falls, as well as the Niagara River.