Welcome to Youngstown, New York, a charming speck on the map where the Niagara River meets with the Great Lake Ontario! This quaint little town has enough history and culinary quirks to keep both your camera and taste buds buzzing from sunrise to sunset.
Plan on arriving via Buffalo International Airport and renting a car! Uber, Lyft, and public transit aren’t a thing when heading to Youngstown, NY!
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How to Plan a Trip to Youngstown, NY and Niagara Falls
Lodging in Youngstown
There are just a handful of lodging options in the Village of Youngstown available via Airbnb. One of our favorites is The Parkview Cottage. This two-unit property is cozy and sweet, boasting historical bones and modern amenities. The two-unit property is centrally located in the heart of Youngstown, with views of Falkner Park and Canada just beyond the rocking chair-clad front porch.
The cottage offers a cozy living space complete with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. Attached to the main home is a private apartment featuring a separate entrance, one bedroom, one bathroom, and a convenient kitchenette. These units can be booked separately or together which makes it ideal for a small group.
Each offers a unique ambiance, ensuring a restful retreat after your Youngstown and Niagara Falls adventures.
Things To Do In Youngstown
Visit the Old Fort Niagara
Located at the mouth of the Niagara River, this historic fort offers a glimpse into the past with original 18th-century buildings, historical reenactments, and stunning views over Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.
It’s a must-visit for history buffs, not to mention the park itself boasting beautiful mature trees, walking and biking paths, a seasonal public pool, and multiple playgrounds and picnic areas scattered throughout the 500-acre park. Fort Niagara Beach is the locals’ favorite spot to catch an amazing sunset!
Try The Local Cuisine and Pub Fare
Join the Bills Mafia at the local pub, The Ontario House aka Stone Jug. On Friday nights they have the best ‘fish fry’ around (‘fish fry’ is Western NY’s fish n’ chips). Another must try is their reuben sandwich. The Ontario House has a seasonal outdoor area and live music throughout the week.
Check Out The Wing Scene
No stay in Youngstown would be complete without a visit to Main Street Pizza! While they do serve up the best pizza in town, you really have to try their Buffalo wings. Our personal favorite wing flavor is honey garlic!
And don’t forget to ask for them “extra crispy”.
Go Wine Tasting at Schulze Vineyards & Winery
The Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Lake Ontario are part of the larger Niagara Wine Trail. The unique climate and fertile soil of this area allow for the production of a variety of wines, but it is most known for dessert wine.
Schulze Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated amidst a picturesque setting in Burt, NY, which is about a 20-minute drive from Youngstown. We recommend trying the Niagara Wine! It has a unique grapey flavor reminiscent of classic white grape juice… yum dessert!
Take a Day trip to Niagara Falls
Of course, no trip to Youngstown is complete without a jaunt to the granddaddy of all waterworks – Niagara Falls! Whether you’re in it for the majestic views or just some misty selfies, the Falls are a spectacular backdrop for adventurers.
Niagara Falls State Park is huge! Prepare to walk a few miles to experience both American and Canadian Falls. There is also an in-park trolley that costs a few dollars and takes you all over the park. Bring a dry set of clothes to keep in your car or carry in a dry backpack. You will get wet if you choose to experience the Cave of the Winds and Mind of the Mist.
Getting To Niagara Falls, NY
From Main Street in Youngstown, the Discover Niagara Shuttle is FREE for all! Hop on and off as you wish between Fort Niagara to Niagara Falls State Park. Pickups are approximately every 40 minutes. Pay attention to the last shuttle times and days as they do vary! Details of schedule and pickup/drop off locations can be found on their website.
Driving your own car? Consider using Parking Lot 2 on Goat Island (GPS/navigate to the Cave of the Winds).
See all the Sights
Stop in the Visitors Center or a park gift shop for a map and be sure to hit up all the viewpoints this park has to offer. Terrapin Point, Bridal Veil Falls, and Prospect Point are all breathtaking!
The two ‘must dos’ while visiting Niagara Falls are the iconic Maid of Mist boat ride and The Cave of the Winds. Remember the “bring a change of clothes” suggestion above?
The iconic Maid of the Mist is the little boat you see in postcards and pictures that takes you literally into the bowl of the Canadian Falls. It’s a rush! And you will get wet. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and loads from Prospect Point. We do recommend experiencing the Maid first, you will get moderately wet despite the sweet plastic ponchos they provide.
Next, head back toward the Cave of the Winds! Unfortunately, they do not have online pre-purchase options, but you can make a reservation in the morning for later on in the afternoon. You can expect a very cool history lesson in their museum before taking the elevator to the base of American Falls. Here you’ll be able to get up close and personal with Bridal Veil Falls. The Hurricane Deck is a blast and you will get absolutely soaked here! Hence, the dry clothes in your car for after this attraction.
After drying off, Three Sisters Islands is a tranquil, romantic spot for a picnic lunch.
I hope that you’ll consider Youngstown, NY for your next family vacation or friends’ weekend! It really does have something for everyone and will be a memorable trip for all. Youngstown isn’t just a place – it’s a pilgrimage for waterfall enthusiasts, history buffs, culinary adventurers, and anyone in need of a good night’s sleep in a cozy cottage.
So whether you end up coming for the natural beauty, the history, or the food and beverage scene, you will surely leave with great memories and a full heart.
