Camping Companions

Whether you are planning a vacation or you live here and haven’t been since you were in elementary school, a great free thing to do near Niagara Falls, NY is the Niagara Power Vista. The Niagara Power Vista is the perfect place to learn about electricity, how it is harnessed, what the average American household uses it for, and so much more. I’ll admit that I have not been since that field trip way back when. The best thing about it then was watching my friend put her hand on a a glass ball, and watch her hair stand up wildly as the electricity played with her otherwise smooth tresses. We quickly discovered that it has changed a LOT since the last time we were there.

After parking in the lot, and making our way to the front gate, you are greeted by staff that will hand you a free badge that you can use to chart your progress over the different displays inside. You can sign in and get a sticker of yourself printed for the back of the badge, and later, you can go online to view your personal experience. Next we went up the escalators so that we could make our way across the enclosed bridge that crosses the Niagara Parkway. We made a couple of stops to take pictures along the way. but beelined it to the registration to make our badges complete. Once that was done, we backtracked to the beginning so we didn’t miss any of the displays. First thing we noticed – this was NOT the way we remembered this place to be. There is so much more to do and see here.

First stop was the interactive display that teaches you how to save energy in the winter. Next – the Power House, which teaches you how the standard American home consumes electricity and what you can do to reduce your usage. A few more displays later, and we were waiting in line to go into the 4D simulator that follows a single drop of water from rain drop to electricity, using moving chairs, leg ticklers, and spray mist, to heighten the experience. Next we hear from Thomas Edison & Nikola Tesla as they debate the types of electricity – DC, which is direct current, or AC, which is alternating current. I think my favorite display was the one that shows how the great lakes were formed and how Niagara Falls has traveled due to erosion to where it is today.

It was an amazing experience – one I hope you can experience for yourself one day, but in the meantime, you can watch our video tour by clicking below. Pressed for time? We also have a 60 second highlight version to see quickly and easily if this would be something you would want to do.

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