20 Attractions to Explore Near Akron Falls Park

Veterans Park in Erie County is a memorial park dedicated to the brave service men and women who have served our country. The memorial was first built in 1923, making it one of the oldest veterans’ parks in Pennsylvania. It is located on East 13th Street and includes a large monument honoring all branches of the United States military services. There are flags representing each branch of the military and a large stone tablet engraved with the names of all Erie County veterans.

Ride of Steel is not your average roller coaster. Located in Genesse County, this stunning attraction boasts an impressive 208-foot drop, reaching a maximum speed of 73 miles per hour. As you board this thrill ride, be prepared to feel your heart racing with every twist and turn. The adrenaline rush you'll experience as you plummet down from the top will leave you breathless and exhilarated. With its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Motocoaster is an exciting roller coaster located in Genesee County, Michigan. It features a unique launch system, which propels passengers from 0 to 55 mph in less than three seconds, and a special inversion element offering a 360-degree barrel roll. Riders also experience a 75-degree dive into a 90-foot tunnel and a series of high-speed turns and drops. This thrilling coaster ride is a must-see for coaster enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike!

Experience the thrill of soaring high above the ground on the Six Flags SkyScreamer ride. This towering attraction is a must-ride for any adrenaline-seeking adventure seeker. Measuring in at a daunting 242-feet-tall, this ride sends brave souls spinning around and around, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area from a unique vantage point. As you ascend higher and higher, nerves are likely to kick in, but the feeling of weightlessness as you reach the peak is worth it.

Six Flags Darien Lake is an amusement park located in Genesee County, New York. It is the largest theme park in Western and Central New York and has been a top tourist destination for generations. With rides ranging from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly attractions, there’s something here for everyone. The park also has a 20-acre water park and offers seasonal events like Fright Fest for Halloween and Christmas in the Park.

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a vast and ecologically significant protected area. Situated primarily in Genesee and Orleans counties, the refuge spans over 10,000 acres and plays a crucial role in preserving and providing habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species.Established in 1958, It serves as a critical stopover and nesting area for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Darien Lakes State Park is a 1,356-acre park is located between Buffalo and Rochester on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. Darien Lakes offers an abundance of recreational opportunities including camping, boating, fishing, hiking and swimming.The park also boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when Jell-O was first produced in nearby LeRoy. During this time, locals would frequently visit Darien Lakes State Park to enjoy the swimming and fishing it offered.

Hoot N Holler, is an exciting destination for those who love getting outdoors and exploring nature. This charming, family-owned outdoor recreation center has something for everyone, from ziplining and rock climbing to paintball and laser tag. Visitors can spend hours enjoying the lush forests and scenic views while engaging in thrilling activities that offer an adrenaline rush. Hoot N Holler is the perfect place to create lasting memories with friends and family.

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge located in Genesse County is a nature lover's paradise. Spanning over 10,800 acres, it offers a sanctuary for a variety of species of plants and animals, some of which are rare and endangered. It's not uncommon to see bald eagles soaring overhead, or hear the haunting call of a loon. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking on one of the many trails or launch a canoe or kayak into one of the several waterways.

Draves Arboretum is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. This sprawling 48-acre park features a beautiful collection of native plants and trees, as well as several exotic species that have been carefully cultivated over the years. Stroll along winding paths and take in the natural beauty around you, including serene ponds and trickling streams. The arboretum is also home to an impressive collection of sculptures and outdoor art installations, adding a unique dimension to your visit.

Como Lake Park in Erie County is an outdoor adventure wonderland. The park features over 300 acres of breathtaking scenery, including a mile of shoreline on Como Lake. Visitors can explore the lush forests, tranquil meadows, and scenic trails that surround the lake. In addition to hiking and water activities such as swimming and fishing, visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as bike riding, picnicking, and bird watching.

Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area in Genesee County is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This sprawling sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, showcasing the best of western New York's natural beauty. Visitors can spend hours hiking through the winding trails, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the picturesque scenery. The area's resident wild animals, including white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and birds of prey, are a sight to behold.

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a living history museum, preserves the culture and legacy of various communities that settled in the area between 1797-1948. Visitors are invited to explore 200 years of history through authentic interpretive programs, educational workshops, and guided tours. There’s also an extensive collection of artifacts from the region’s various historic sites and buildings, including a fully-restored 1820s log cabin, an 1800s schoolhouse, and a 1840s grist mill.

Glen Park is a suburban community located in Erie County, Pennsylvania. It is home to just under 13,000 residents and is known for its picturesque lakeside setting. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, camping and hiking as well as many shopping and dining options. Glen Park also boasts an impressive array of cultural attractions such as the Erie Philharmonic and the Erie County Historical Society.

Amherst State Park is located in Erie County, New York. The park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking and biking trails, fishing, picnicking areas, playgrounds, nature programs and more. There are also several historic sites located within the park boundaries such as an old mill site and a Native American fortification. The park also offers cabins and campsites for overnight stays, as well as canoe and kayak rentals.

Ellicott Creek Trailway Park is located in Erie County, New York and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail runs along Ellicott Creek and follows the creek's natural bends and curves for over seven miles. It provides visitors with a tranquil experience of nature, no matter what season you visit.The park is home to many natural attractions, including a variety of birds and other wildlife. It also features some great views of the Buffalo skyline from the creek's banks.

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a popular outdoor destination located in Erie County, New York, that covers over 200 acres of wetland, meadow, and woodlands. It features five miles of walking trails and a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, including birds, turtles, frogs, and beavers. Reinstein Woods is also a great place to learn about the environment, as it offers educational programs, classes, and workshops for children and adults alike.

Walton Woods Park is a popular park located in Erie County. Situated within the heart of this bustling county, Walton Woods provides visitors with an array of outdoor activities and amenities to enjoy. With over 300 acres of land, there is plenty of space for walking, jogging and biking trails as well as fishing ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds, a disc golf course and a dog park. Additionally, the park features athletic fields for sports such as basketball, softball, and soccer.

Cornerstone CFCU Arena, also known as the Cornerstone Ice Arena, is a notable sports and entertainment facility located in Lockport, Niagara County, New York. The arena serves as a hub for ice sports and various community events, catering to people of all ages and interests.The Cornerstone CFCU Arena primarily functions as an ice skating rink and hosts various ice-related sports and activities, including ice hockey, figure skating, and public skating sessions.

The "Flight of Five" Combined Locks on the Historic Erie Canal in Niagara is an exceptional engineering marvel and historical site. This series of five consecutive locks was a critical component of the Erie Canal, a significant waterway that played a pivotal role in the economic development of the United States.Constructed in the 1820s, the "Flight of Five" locks were designed to navigate the Niagara Escarpment, a significant geological obstacle that posed a challenge for canal transportation.