Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, (New York and Ontario)

Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls along the border between the United States and Canada, in New York and Ontario. Formed from the melting of glaciers after the last ice age, Niagara Falls consists of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. On the Canadian side of the border is Horseshoe Falls, while American and Bridal Veil Falls are on the American side of the boundary.

Visitors can view the waterfalls at the observation stations, or take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist, or take a tour behind the falls.

In addition to the waterfalls, there are many other entertaining attractions, like the boardwalk, White Water Walk, and Niagara Skywheel. The nearby Marineland Theme Park offers close encounters with marine life, like whales and dolphins.

Statue of Liberty National Monument

Statue of Liberty National Monument

A symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty stands in the New York Harbor, welcoming newcomers to the United States. Given to the United States as a gift from France, the statue was designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated in 1886.

The sculpture is designed in the neoclassical style, and represents the Roman goddess of freedom, Libertas. Lady Liberty, as she is often called, holds a lit torch and a tablet, called thetabula ansata, on which is written July 4, 1776 — the date of US independence. A broken chain sits around the base of her feet, symbolizing breaking free.

The Statue of Liberty is maintained by the National Parks Service, and visitors can make reservations to voyage up into the statue to the crown observation deck.