Goat Island Map

Description:

Description: This map shows where the island is located in New York State.

Goat Island is a small island located between the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls in the Niagara River. Despite its name suggesting it belongs to New York, it is technically part of Niagara Falls, New York, and serves as one of the most significant attractions within the Niagara Falls State Park system. The island spans approximately 70 acres and was originally called Iris Island by the early French explorers before receiving its current name in the late 18th century when John Stedman placed goats on the island for safekeeping. Unfortunately, the goats did not survive the harsh winter, but the name remained.

The island became accessible to visitors in 1817 when the first bridge connecting it to the mainland was constructed. Today, Goat Island provides spectacular viewing opportunities of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. The island is connected to the mainland by two vehicle bridges and a pedestrian bridge, making it easily accessible for the millions of tourists who visit annually. There are no permanent residents on the island as it functions exclusively as a park area.

Cave of the Winds is one of the most popular attractions on Goat Island. This experience allows visitors to descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge and walk along wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck, where they can stand just feet from the powerful Bridal Veil Falls, experiencing tropical storm-like conditions. The wooden platforms are removed each fall and reconstructed each spring due to the harsh winter conditions and ice buildup. Another significant attraction is Terrapin Point, which offers breathtaking views of the Horseshoe Falls from the American side. The Three Sisters Islands, accessible via footbridges from Goat Island, provide additional viewing perspectives of the rapids above the falls.

The island plays an important role in power generation as well. The first hydroelectric power plant in the United States was built on Goat Island in 1881. Today, water from the upper Niagara River is diverted around the island through control gates to the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant and the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Power Stations on the Canadian side.

Historically, Goat Island was considered a sacred site by Native American tribes. In the 19th century, it became a popular tourist destination and was preserved as part of the Niagara Reservation, which was established in 1885 as the first state park in the United States. The island was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who is also known for designing New York City's Central Park.