Everything You Need to Know about Three Sisters Island

Overview

Three historic walking bridges link Goat Island to the Three Sisters Islands, where you get a unique view of the upper rapids as the water races for the Falls. Located about 500 yards east of Horseshoe Falls along the southeast side of Goat Island, the islands are part of Niagara Falls State Park — the oldest state park in the United States. Entry is completely free.

The Islands

Despite being called the “Three Sisters,” there are actually four islands. The islands are named Asenath (first), Angeline (second), and Celinda Eliza (third). The fourth island is named Solon, after the Whitney daughters’ little brother. Each island supports a variety of microhabitats and has its own distinct floristic character.

History

In 1843, these islands were called Moss Islands because the rock surfaces were covered in moss. They were renamed after the three daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney — Asenath, Angeline, and Celinda Eliza — whose father was an American commander during the War of 1812.

In the spring of 1816, when ice jams in the shallow rapids created natural bridges between the islands, Whitney took his three daughters on a walk out to the farthest island — they were the first settlers to make it that far. Whitney was so proud of their adventure that he convinced Augustus Porter, the islands’ owner, to name them after his daughters.

General Whitney is also a fascinating figure in his own right. He owned and operated the Cataract House, one of the most renowned hotels in the region during the 19th century. More than just a grand hotel, the Cataract House became a vital station on the Underground Railroad. Located near the Niagara River, it employed an all-African American waitstaff — many of whom were formerly enslaved — who helped freedom seekers escape to Canada, often ferrying them across the river under the cover of night. All three sisters are buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Niagara Falls, NY, as is General Whitney.

There’s also a peculiar piece of lore attached to the islands. In 1829, Francis Abbott, a young Englishman, came to Niagara Falls and was so taken by the beauty of the area that he decided to stay. He took up residence in a small cabin on the mainland close to the American Falls, living as a hermit and spending his days writing and painting. Abbott often bathed in the cascade between Goat Island and Asenath Island — thus it earned the name “Hermit’s Cascade.”

Before European settlers arrived, the islands held spiritual significance for indigenous peoples. Iroquois shamans made sacrifices of food and gifts on the islands and communed with He-No (Mighty Thunderer), the spirit believed to dwell in the mist-enshrouded cave at the base of the Falls. Learn more about the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and their deep connection to the Niagara region.

What to Expect When You Visit

Three historic walking bridges connect the three islands, with each island offering its own unique views and features. You can stroll along tree-lined paths while small creatures run and play. The views of the upper Niagara rapids here are unlike anything else in the park — you’re standing right in the river as it churns and surges toward the edge of Horseshoe Falls. It’s raw, close, and genuinely awe-inspiring.

You cannot drive to the islands — it’s foot traffic only. Park at Lot #2 on Goat Island (free Tuesday through Thursday) and walk from there. The path to the islands is well-marked and an easy walk from the Goat Island parking area.

In winter, ice coats the bridges, but chains and caution make it doable. Summer brings lush overgrowth that frames your photos perfectly. Picnic facilities are available near the islands, making it a great spot for a quiet lunch away from the crowds.

Wildlife & Nature

The natural surroundings and foliage of the islands provide a great place to observe wildlife such as birds and squirrels. From the southeast side of the third island, Horseshoe Falls dominates, its curve a horseshoe of raw power bending toward Canada. Interestingly, the islands have actually increased in size in recent years because of the diversion of water upriver for the hydroelectric power plants.

Practical Tips

Admission is free. The islands are open dawn to midnight as part of Niagara Falls State Park. Swimming is strictly prohibited anywhere in the area — the currents are extremely dangerous. If you want a guided experience, Go Niagara Tours offers walking tours that include the Three Sisters Islands and tie in the history and ecology of the area. The islands are less crowded than the main Falls viewpoints, making them one of the best-kept secrets on the American side for visitors who want to slow down and soak it all in.

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