Where is Fort Niagara, Youngstown, New York?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Fort Niagara is located in Youngstown, New York, USA. It lies between Lake Ontario and the Niagara River and is situated in a lakeside area. It is famous for its role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Fort Niagara Location Map, Youngstown, New York

Where is Fort Niagara Located in Youngstown, New York
About Map: The map showing location of Fort Niagara in the Youngstown, New York in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Fort Niagara

  • Historic Fort Structure – Well-preserved military fort with original stone walls and bastions.
  • French Castle – The oldest building on site, representing French colonial architecture.
  • Artillery & Cannons – Historic weapons displayed on the fort’s ramparts and defensive positions.
  • Visitor Center & Museum – Exhibits on the fort’s history, military campaigns, and local heritage.
  • Guided Tours – Educational tours exploring the fort’s construction, battles, and daily life of soldiers.
  • Lakeside Views – Scenic overlooks of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.
  • Special Events & Reenactments – Living history demonstrations featuring drills, period clothing, and military exercises.

Fort Niagara Facts

Official NameFort Niagara
LocationYoungstown / Porter, Niagara County, New York, USA (at the mouth of the Niagara River, on Lake Ontario)
Latitude & Longitude≈ 43.2626° N, 79.0633° W
Total Area~250 acres (the fort & state park grounds) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Established / BuiltFirst fortification 1678 (as “Fort Conti”); current stone fort (“French Castle”) built 1726 by the French :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Occupations / ControlFrance (until 1759) → Great Britain (1759–1796) → United States (post‑1796) → U.S. Army (until 1963) → U.S. Coast Guard & historic‑site / state park (1963–present) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Managed ByState of New York / Old Fort Niagara Association (for historic fort) & New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (for park grounds) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Region / Strategic PositionMouth of Niagara River, on Lake Ontario — strategic defense for Great Lakes / waterway access between lake and river
Purpose / Concept18th‑century fortification / defensive stronghold controlling access between the Great Lakes and inland waters — trading post, military fort, border defense
Structure / FeaturesStone “French Castle” fortress (1726), colonial‑era buildings, ramparts, walls, original 18th‑century structures (storehouse, bake house, powder magazine, etc.), plus later barracks and military‑era buildings; plus access to lake/river, parade grounds, and park amenities :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Historical SignificanceKey fortress for France, Britain and the United States over 300+ years; played roles in the French & Indian War, British‑American conflicts, War of 1812, colonial trade and frontier control :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Later Use / ModificationsUsed by U.S. Army until 1963; during 19th/20th centuries expanded with barracks, reception & training camps, POW camp in WWII, Cold‑War anti‑aircraft & missile installations (Nike system) — most removed by 1966 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Current StatusHistoric site & museum (Old Fort Niagara) + public recreation park (Fort Niagara State Park) — open to public for tours, living‑history programs, events, lake/river access, swimming, hiking, picnic & recreational activities :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Visitor Facilities & ActivitiesHistoric‑site tours, museum & exhibits, living‑history reenactments; state‑park amenities: hiking trails, boat launches, fishing, swimming pool (seasonal), picnic areas, playgrounds, nature center, sports fields, waterfront views of Lake Ontario & Niagara River :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Admission & Access InfoFort (Old Fort Niagara) admission: adult/child fees (varies — site posts rates). Fort Niagara State Park open year‑round sunrise to sunset; park & historic site accessible via roads from Youngstown/Porter, NY. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.oldfortniagara.org & https://parks.ny.gov/parks/fortniagara

Distances from Fort Niagara to Nearby Landmarks

  • Niagara Falls, New York – 22 km (14 mi)
  • Lewiston, New York (village) – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Buffalo, New York (city center) – 55 km (34 mi)
  • Grand Island, New York – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Wilson, New York (lake‑shore village) – 25 km (16 mi)
  • Olcott, New York (shore town) – 30 km (19 mi)
  • Youngstown, New York (village center) – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Lake Ontario shore (near Fort Niagara) – 0.1 km (0.06 mi)
  • Lower Niagara River (mouth) – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Ontario, Canada (across river) — viewpoint across river – 1 km (0.6 mi)