Luna Island
Coordinates: 43°5′0″N 79°4′13″W / 43.08333°N 79.07028°W
Luna Island is a very small uninhabited island in Niagara Falls, New York, part of Niagara Falls State Park. It separates Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls which are part of Niagara Falls.
Location and features
It is between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which are two of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. It is approximately 130 feet (40 m) wide (between the two falls) and 350 feet (110 m) long (extending upstream from the falls). The geology of the island is dolostone rock and concrete base in the area around the falls.[1] White cedar trees cover the south end of the island and shrubs along north end.[1] The original bridge to the island was wooden, added in the 1800s, and replaced with the current bridge in the 20th century.
Spectator opportunities
Spectators can view the falls from Luna Island and the proximate Goat Island, both of which are accessible by pedestrian bridges that cross the rapids of the Niagara River upstream from the falls. Spectators on Luna Island can stand a few feet away from both Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls by walking across the island. Representatives of the nearby Schoellkopf Geological Museum often come to Luna Island where they bring photographs and answer questions about Niagara Falls.
Name
The island is said to derive its name from the ability of an observer, when standing on the island during a full moon, to see "lunar rainbows" in the Niagara mist.[2]
References
- 1 2 "Niagara Falls: The Islands – A History of the Niagara River Islands". Thunder Alley. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ↑ "How did Luna Island get its name? - (Frequently Asked Questions)". Niagara Falls Heritage Portal Partners. Retrieved 26 December 2014.