Originally Niagara Falls came from the Iroquois name Ongiara, or ‘Thunder of Waters.’  The legend goes that the Ongiara tribe was going through a time of suffering and death, believed to be caused by the Thunder god Hinum.  To appease the god, they began sacrificing the most beautiful women in their tribe to the falls.  The last to be sacrificed was the chief’s daughter, Lelawala, who Hinum’s sons desired.  As she fell they caught her, and promised to stay with the one that would bring an end to the curse upon her tribe.  Vying for her love, the youngest revealed and killed the giant water snake that lived beneath the raging waters and threatened her people.  With that, Lelawala was bound to live with him in the caves underneath the falls, and became forever known as the Maid of the Mist.

Now known as the boat tour that brings the intensity of Niagara Falls right before your eyes, Maid of the Mist has been a favorite among tourists, locals, and celebrities alike.   Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Theodore Roosevelt, and even some of The Office cast have been known to get soaked by the fall’s frothy aftermath.  Jim Carrey has even made a comedic cameo on the Maid of the Mist’s deck in the movie, Bruce Almighty. 

This year the Niagara Fall’s boat operates from April 10th to October 24th, offering a 30 minute ride every 15 minutes.  Also, if you’re afraid about getting too soaked, Maid of the Mist offers free raincoats to avoid the powerful spray of the falls.  One of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, Niagara Fall’s consists of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.  Reaching between 167 and 170ft high they release 6 million cubic feet of water a year.