I'm trying to stay contained as I write about this location because it truly holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it one of my favorite spots, but it has also flourished and developed tremendously over the past few years.
The Buffalo Harbor is a vibrant destination that truly caters to every type of traveler, offering endless experiences waiting to be explored. To fully appreciate its diverse offerings, I like to divide the harbor into different sections: The Buffalo Harbor State Park, Marina, Terminal B, Skate Park and Wilkeson Pointe.
Buffalo Harbor State Park & Marina: 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd Buffalo, NY 14203
Free to enter and park, the only charge is a boat launch charge which as of 1/2/2025 is $8
This state park is truly one-of-a-kind, as it proudly holds the title of the first state park in the vibrant city of Buffalo. Nestled alongside the stunning shores of Lake Erie it is also home to the Safe Harbor Marina which features boat slips, a boat launch, and a delightful spot to grab a bite to eat—currently known as Charlie's Boat Yard. (Charlie's Boat Yard)
If you're not a boating enthusiast, fear not! There are still plenty of exciting activities available for you to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, explore scenic trails, or engage in family-friendly fun, this park has something for everyone.
"When I was younger, our family had a cozy little boat that we docked at the boat harbor. Every time I pass the marina now, it brings back warm memories of those wonderful days spent together as a family. We would spend hours tubing, laughing, and enjoying delicious ham sandwiches that always seemed to taste better out on the water."
Within the park you will discover a nautical themed playground where children of all ages can embark on imaginative journeys. I can say from experience that when there is a nice day in Buffalo this playground can get very busy and may become overwhelming for younger children. A backup plan would be to bring a frisbee or football to play catch in the adjacent field, which still allows you to enjoy the beautiful waterfront atmosphere.
Outside the playground, there is a path that will take you around the park and right into the center of the marina. Along the way you will see families, fishermen, bikers, roller skaters, and walkers. This path is also lined with large stones where you can take a rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery at any time. In my opinion I would say this location is the best if you are looking for a place to have a picnic or sit and chat.
Next to the park you can venture over to Gallagher Beach near the grain elevator. Here is where you will find a wooded boardwalk, two pavilions and usually on nice days this area acts as wonderful haven for pets to play on the beach below the boardwalk.
One unique place I grew up visiting is right across from the state park, and it's called Tifft Nature Preserve. The preserve is an amazing spot to spend time learning about the creatures that make up the surrounding habitat. If you're a bird watcher or nature enthusiast, then this is a must visit location for you. They also have events running throughout the year, ranging from making eco-friendly crafts to themed hikes. For more info on the preserve, check it out here: Plan a Visit - Tifft Nature Preserve - Nature Next Door
Terminal B- Venue (Includes Bike & RC Car section) 850 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203
In the past there have been pop-up concerts and events in different sections of the harbor. Now we finally have a solid outdoor venue for concerts, shows, and charity events. 2024 marked the first year that the Terminal B venue has been up and running.
This venue is super unique as it utilizes a former structure and is right on the water, making it a perfect spot around sunset. I've personally attended three concerts here in its first year and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. The venue always has plenty of space to enjoy the shows and usually features local food trucks for a tasty bite on-site.
When it comes to parking for a concert, there’s a free parking lot but be ready to wait a while to get out since there’s only one exit. There’s also a lot of street parking available that does usually fill up pretty early before the show. (Street parking is definitely your best bet for an easy exit!)
The location is open even when there’s no show happening during your visit. Feel free to stroll around the structure, and don’t forget to check out the bike and RC car park on site.
The bike park, known as Lakeside Bike Park is conveniently located right off the main street near the parking lot. It’s totally free to ride! If you need a bike, rentals (as of 1/5/2025) are available for $15 to $40 depending on how long you want to keep it. The bike paths cater to riders of all skill levels, so everyone can join in on the fun.
If biking isn’t your thing and you’re more into RC (Radio Controlled Cars), you’ll love the unique RC Crawler Park designed for action. There’s a special section just for playing with your RC machines, complete with small bridges, rocks, and its own trails. It really brings the thrill of being a kid back to life on a bigger scale.
Skate Park and Wilkenson Point
The skate park parking lot is perfectly situated between Harbor State Park and Wilkinson Point. While the skate park itself isn't overly spacious, it offers just enough room for casual skaters to come out and enjoy the vibe. This is also a great place if you're looking for a leisure walk away from the bustle and want to enjoy some peace and quiet.
As you stroll toward the water from the parking lot, you'll hit a fork in the road at the welcome sign. Don't forget to check out the cool art installation called "Start Over Again" by the talented Kevin Kegler, crafted by the folks at Nickel City Metal Works before you pick what way you're going to go.
What You Will Find if You Veer to the Left: If you decide to go to the left, you will quickly arrive at the Terminal B section that was discussed previously. On your way, you will encounter the "Roundman" sculpture from Larry Griffis Jr. who has a well known Sculpture Park in East Otto (Griffis Sculpture Park - Outdoor Sculptures, Hiking and Art). A fun fact about this statue is that it is actually composed of steel from the famous Bethlehem Steel Plant. The Bethlehem Steel Plant is a well-known location among those in Buffalo, and most people who were born and raised in the area have had a relative who once worked at this bustling plant.
What You Will Find if You Veer to the Right: Many people can relate to one of the biggest challenges of enjoying nature: the lack of restrooms. The good news is that a new restroom has just been built at the Bell Ship Overlook near the skate park.
Just past the restroom, up the small hill and around the corner, you’ll discover Hammock Cove. During the summer months hammocks are strung up for everyone to enjoy. They tend to fill up quickly, but it’s the perfect spot for a cozy sunset hang with someone special. Even in the off-season the wooden poles remain in place, allowing me to set up my hammock and straps from time to time. If you see someone relaxing in a bright green and blue hammock down there, feel free to come say hi!
If you continue down the wellness trail, you'll eventually reach a charming area just shy of a mile away, featuring a small concrete pier and an open field. In this open space, you might catch sight of people flying enormous kites or even practicing with their paragliding equipment. It’s a unique spot where you never know what you might encounter.
The trail will eventually lead you all the way to Wilkinson Point, where you can also find parking if the round-trip walk is too much. Historically, Wilkinson Point has featured a small playground, art pieces, volleyball courts, a dog-friendly beach, and kickball fields.
As of January 5, 2025, the area is still under construction for an Improvement Project projected to be completed this year. (Outer Harbor Construction Projects | Buffalo Waterfront) This project will include updated bathrooms, food options, and new outdoor seating areas. I am beyond excited to witness these enhancements, especially since I have been very pleased with the improvements made over the past couple of seasons. Once this area is completed and I have the chance to check it out, I will report back here with my thoughts!
In summary, embarking on an adventure at Buffalo's Harbor offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery. From breathtaking landscapes to diverse activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Happy Adventuring!
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