Old Fort Niagara is a historic fort at the mouth of the Niagara River in Youngstown, New York, where the river meets Lake Ontario.
- Location: 102 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, New York 14174
- Typical visit: 1–2 hours
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: $21 for adults and $13 for children age 12 and under; children age 5 and under enter free
What can you see at Old Fort Niagara?
Old Fort Niagara’s historic buildings, fortifications and artifacts tell the story of its military role on the Niagara River. The French Castle remains the site’s best-known building, alongside six original 18th-century buildings and 18th-century fortifications.
Inside the historic site, exhibits include original artifacts such as an 1812 garrison flag. Living-history programming varies by season: summer can include hourly video presentations, historic weapons demonstrations, Native American history programs, Women of the Army programs, tactics demonstrations and military music.
Winter programming is limited to hourly historic weapons demonstrations. Special tours and programs can be arranged for groups.
Site amenities include costumed interpreters, reenactments, tours, a gift shop and a picnic area. The surrounding Fort Niagara State Park also offers things to do.
A brief history of Old Fort Niagara
Old Fort Niagara controlled access from the Niagara River to the Great Lakes and the westward route into the continent. The French established the first post at the site in 1679 and built the French Castle in 1726; it still stands.
Britain took control in 1759, held the fort through the American Revolution and yielded it to the United States in 1796. British forces captured it during the War of 1812, then ceded it back to the United States in 1815.
From the Civil War until the last Army units withdrew in 1963, the fort served as a training station and active barracks. Its buildings and defensive grounds span these successive periods of military use.
What are Old Fort Niagara’s hours and ticket prices?
Old Fort Niagara is open year-round, but its hours and days of operation change with the season:
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
- January through March: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- April through June: Daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- July through August: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- September through October 15: Daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- October 15 through December 31: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; daily opening December 26–31
The fort closes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing.
Daily admission is $21 for adults, $13 for children age 12 and under, and free for children age 5 and under. Special-event admission may differ.
Discounts are available for senior citizens, military personnel and veterans with ID, AAA/CAA members with a valid card, holders of a New York State Parks Discovery Pass coupon, and guests of Old Fort Niagara Association members. Groups of 12 or more paying people can access group rates; the group leader pays for the party in one transaction.
Hours may change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Old Fort Niagara?
Getting to Old Fort Niagara from Niagara-on-the-Lake means crossing the international border and continuing by road to Youngstown. The Lewiston–Queenston Bridge connects Lewiston, New York, with Queenston in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. From The Old Bank House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Old Fort Niagara is about a 52-minute drive, including a US border crossing. You can stay at a guesthouse in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Rainbow Bridge is another Niagara River crossing, connecting the tourist districts of Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Its primary US feeder is Interstate 190; on the Canadian side, the primary feeder is the QEW at exit 420.
If you’re entering Canada as an international traveler, Niagara Parks advises carrying acceptable identification and any required visa. It describes a passport as the only reliable, universally accepted travel and identification document for international travel.
What should you know about parking and planning a visit?
Allow 1–2 hours for a typical tour, and check the seasonal schedule before setting out so you can plan around the fort’s opening days and ticket cutoff.
Before you go: Confirm current hours, admission details and practical arrangements on the fort’s official site.
FAQs
Where is Old Fort Niagara?
It’s at 102 Morrow Plaza in Youngstown, New York, at the mouth of the Niagara River.
Can you visit Old Fort Niagara in winter?
Yes. The fort is open year-round, though winter programming is limited to hourly historic weapons demonstrations.
Do you need a passport for the border crossing?
Niagara Parks describes a passport as the only reliable, universally accepted travel and identification document for international travel. Carry any required visa as well.
How long does a visit take?
A typical tour takes 1–2 hours.