Overview
Grand Island is an island and town sandwiched between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, in the Northtowns region of New York.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Grand Island
Beaver Island State Park
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 …
Buckhorn Island State Park
On the north tip of Grand Island. Buckhorn offers short walking and hiking trails, spots for fishing and kayaking.
Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Sep and Oct. (climate data from nearby Buffalo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- IAG Niagara Falls International Airport, Niagara Falls — 6 mi away. Directions
- BUF Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Buffalo — 13 mi away (major hub). Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Beaver Island State Park, Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World
- Afternoon Buckhorn Island State Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
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.
See
State parks
See Beaver Island State Park
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.
Do
Fantasy Island theme park closed in 2020 after a 59-year run, but is scheduled to reopen in 2023.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Camping
Nearby
North Tonawanda
City / town · 14 listings · 5 mi away
Tonawanda
City / town · 12 listings · 5 mi away
Niagara Falls
City / town · 50 listings · 7 mi away
Lewiston
City / town · 9 listings · 10 mi away
Amherst
City / town · 29 listings · 10 mi away
Buffalo
City / town · 92 listings · 10 mi away
Cheektowaga
City / town · 27 listings · 13 mi away
Lackawanna
City / town · 4 listings · 16 mi away
My experience
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