Spend a day at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor
Looking to get the most out of a beautiful summer day?
Just outside of downtown Buffalo is an oasis of natural beauty, packed with amenities and things to do, where the city and the lake converge. Buffalo’s Outer Harbor is a one-stop shop for summer activities – from waterfront dining, to biking trails and concert venues. A unique urban waterfront experience, the Outer Harbor has over 200 acres of greenspace and views of both Lake Erie and the Buffalo city skyline. If you haven’t been to the Outer Harbor in a couple of years, it’s time to make the visit, as the area has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years.
Here’s how to spend a day at the Outer Harbor.
Getting there
The Outer Harbor can be accessed via Ohio Street, Route 5, or fromCanalside via the Queen City Bike Ferry (running seasonally at $2 per ride). Free parking is available along Fuhrmann Boulevard, at Wilkeson Pointe (225 Fuhrmann Boulevard) at the Lakeside Complex in the Terminal B parking lot (850 Fuhrmann Boulevard).
Buffalo Harbor State Park
Buffalo Harbor State Park is the first state park in the city of Buffalo and just underwent a $50 million improvement project. The park now features a 6,700-square-foot splash pad, an accessible playground, bathrooms, a community room, and a 13-foot Buffalo sculpture – a great spot for a photo op. The park also has a 1,000-slip marina, picnic areas, and beach access.
Wilkeson Pointe
At the other end of the Outer Harbor is Wilkeson Pointe – a seven-acre site with walking trails, kayak launches, wind sculptures, volleyball courts, bike rentals, sand seating, and more. Wilkeson Pointe underwent $11 million in state improvements recently and reopened in 2025. New to the site is Perro & Poni, an outdoor restaurant that features Mexicali food and a full bar, with beer garden seating. Free fitness classes presented by Independent Health are available all summer long.
Lakeside Complex
The Lakeside Complex is home to walking and biking trails, an off-road bike course, and Lakeside RC Crawler Park, a course designed for slower off-road RC vehicles called crawlers to climb and maneuver through obstacle. You can also find bike rentals there.
Independent Health Wellness Trail
The Independent Health Wellness Trail is a 3-mile paved trail along the shoreline from Wilkeson Pointe to the Lakeside Complex, perfect for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. It features gorgeous views of Lake Erie, hammocks, and the 20-foot Round Man sculpture.
Bell Slip
Located along the Independent Health Wellness Trail is an inlet called the Bell Slip. This peaceful spot is a great place to do some bird watching, fish, or just enjoy nature. Public restrooms are also available here.
Terminal B Events Center
A new outdoor events center with a canopied stage, the Terminal B Events Center is home to the Outer Harbor Live Concert Series, as well as non-profit and cultural events.
Times Beach Nature Preserve
Times Beach was a public beach along the Lake Erie Shoreline until the late 1950s, when the US Army Corps of Engineers designated the area into a contained disposal facility for harbor and Buffalo River dredge. It was eventually abandoned and became an oasis for plants and wildlife, including millions of migrating birds and butterflies. Times Beach Nature Preserve is open to the public and is a great spot for birdwatching. You can find it at 11 Fuhrmann Blvd.
Buffalo Lighthouse Tours
For a birds’ eye view of the waterfront, stop by the 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse and take the about 50 steps up to the top. Tickets are $4 general admission; $2 for kids 12-15, free for kids under 12 and active and retired military. Check out the Buffalo Lighthouse Facebook page for the most updated information on tours.
Queen City Bike Ferry
The Queen City Bike Ferry is a memorable way to get to the Outer Harbor each summer! The cost of fare is $2 each way, and a one-way trip between the Commercial Slip at Canalside and the Bike Ferry Landing on the Outer Harbor takes about five to ten minutes. The last trip to the Outer Harbor departs from Canalside at 5:30pm Monday – Friday and at 7:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The last trip back to Canalside departs the Outer Harbor at 5:45 pm Monday – Friday and at 7:45pm on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more info.
Other things to do
Bring a blanket and a picnic and watch the sun set anywhere at the Outer Harbor for a memorable and affordable experience!
