Gallagher Beach - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Tifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre nature preserve in Erie County, New York, owned and operated by Buffalo Audubon Society. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including beavers, foxes, great blue herons, and over 250 species of birds, including bald eagles. The preserve contains a variety of ecosystems, including marshland, woods, meadows, and ponds, as well as a 1.5-mile boardwalk which allows visitors to explore the wetlands and observe wildlife.

Buffalo Harbor State Park is a premier waterfront destination in Western New York. Located on the banks of the Buffalo River near downtown Buffalo, the park offers spectacular views of Lake Erie and a unique mix of recreational facilities. Highlights include a boardwalk, fishing pier, boat launch, playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails. Visitors can also explore the park’s wetlands, nature center, and shoreline beach.

The SS Columbia was a side wheel steamer that operated on Lake Erie in the 19th century. Built in Buffalo, New York in 1859 for the Union Steamboat Company, it was one of the first modern steamers to be built on the Great Lakes. The ship sailed out of Buffalo and offered trips up and down Lake Erie between Detroit, Cleveland, Sandusky, and Buffalo. It was a popular passenger ship, with the capacity to carry 1,500 passengers and up to 500 tons of cargo.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, is a historic 10-acre botanical garden featuring over 2,000 species of plants from around the world. The gardens provide a wide variety of attractions, including a 36-foot high domed glass conservatory, a Japanese Garden, a Bromeliad Conservatory, a Bonsai Display, a large collection of orchids, and a variety of seasonal displays. The gardens also host events and programs throughout the year, such as educational classes and demonstrations.

The Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica is a beautiful and storied landmark. Built in 1926, it was originally designed as a shrine to Father Nelson Baker, a 19th century priest who served the poor and disadvantaged of Western New York. The basilica is constructed in the Romanesque Revival style with stunning Italian marble altars, dramatic stained glass windows and magnificent frescos. In addition to the basilica, the shrine has a museum, library, gift shop and auditorium

The Edward M. Cotter is a fireboat located in Buffalo, New York on the Erie Canal. It was built in 1900 and has served as an active fireboat since then, making it one of the oldest operating fireboats in the United States. The boat is named after Edward Martin Cotter, who was killed in the line of duty while fighting a five-alarm fire in Buffalo.