Grand Island (New York)

Interstate 190 (the Niagara Thruway) connects Grand Island with Buffalo to the south (via the South Grand Island Bridge) and Niagara Falls to the north (via the North Grand Island Bridge). Drivers must pay a toll of $1 before crossing either bridge into Grand Island; there is no toll charged when leaving the island.

• 🌍 Beaver Island State Park, 2136 W. Oakfield Rd., ☏ +1 716 773-3271. Dawn-dusk; beach open Jun-Sep daily 11AM-7PM, Nature Center open Jul-Sep Th-Su noon-5PM. Grand Island's beaches and lovely waterfront views made it a popular summer resort community for Buffalonians of the 19th Century, and visitors to Beaver Island State Park, a 950-acre (380-ha) expanse of greenery at the southern tip of the island which was founded on the site of several old summer estates, will quickly see why. In addition to the main attraction—a wonderful beach that is one of Western New York's most popular during the summer months—Beaver Island State Park boasts an 18-hole championship golf course as well as facilities for other sports such as disc golf, baseball, and horseshoes. Other activities enjoyed by visitors to the park include fishing, boating (the park boasts several boat launches), swimming, and walking and biking along the trails that crisscross the woods. River Lea, an old wooden farmhouse built about 1850 by Lewis Allen which has been restored as the home of the Grand Island Historical Society, is also located on the grounds of the park. Vehicle entry fee $7 ($6 when beach is closed). 
• 🌍 Buckhorn Island State Park. On the north tip of Grand Island. Buckhorn offers short walking and hiking trails, spots for fishing and kayaking. 

• 🌍 Red Carpet Inn Grand Island, 3030 Grand Island Blvd. (I-190 exit 20), ☏ +1 716 773-3902. Convenient to Niagara Falls via the North Grand Island Bridge. All guest rooms have extended-service cable TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. No wireless Internet service. 

• Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort, 2659 Whitehaven Rd., ☏ +1 716 773-7600, toll-free: +1-877-321-CAMP (2267), info@branchesofniagara.com. Check-in: 2PM (RV/tent sites), 3PM (Cabins/yurts), check-out: 11AM. (updated Apr 2017)