The Niagara Frontier Trail Medal Program

The Niagara Frontier is one of the most historically significant areas in the United States. Few regions can claim as much impact on our early development as a nation: The Iroquois Confederacy; military fortresses and battlegrounds; the development of hydro-electric power; gateway for the mass movement of settlers and goods across the Great Lakes and Mid-West heartland of America; home to immigrants and refugees from all lands; and, the awesome natural wonder of Niagara Falls, are just a few of the unique heritage-treasures that should be known and appreciated by people of all ages.

The WNY Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America, established and maintains the Niagara Frontier Trail as an opportunity for families of Scouts, and non-Scouts alike, to discover the rich heritage of the Niagara Frontier. Through this program, the Council also has an incomparable opportunity to further its work in providing educational support to young people, and fostering family unity.

The Niagara Frontier Family Trail is a unique program, centered around a two day experience that includes a 30 mile motor tour of many of the historical highlights of the area, with specific activities along the way and follow-up projects afterward. Upon completion, each participant –Scout or not, young or old is eligible to receive the trail medal. This program can be completed at any time during the year, however, it is strongly urged that it be attempted between April 1st and October 31st, as some of the sites maintain seasonal closing periods .

The Niagara Frontier Trail begins at Old Fort Niagara National Historic Landmark (Youngstown) and proceeds to the New York Power Vista (Lewiston), then the Niagara Reservation State Park and the mighty Falls of Niagara (Niagara Falls). Continuing on, the other sites are: the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Museum (Buffalo); the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Buffalo); Forest Lawn Cemetery (Buffalo), which is the burial site of burial site of President Millard Fillmore, famed Seneca orator ?Red Jacket,? US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and “Pony Express” partner William D. Fargo; and concludes at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park (Buffalo). Numerous side-trip options abound including: the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima(Lewiston); the Aquarium of Niagara (Niagara Falls); and, in Buffalo, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Museum of Science, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House.

An important part of the Trail program is its “Hunt for Knowledge”. At each stop on the tour, you must look for answers to certain questions – listed in the Trail Booklet – which deal specifically with each site. Good touring, good learning, and, Good Luck! The list of specific requirements follows.

To view/print a copy of the booklet please Download

For more information please contact:

Bob Blatz Bob.Blatz@scouting.org (716) 512-6215

Related Websites

http://oldfortniagara.org/
Old fort Niagara National HIstoric Landmark

http://www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm
Niagara Power Vista

http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/
Niagara Falls State Park

http://buffalohistory.org/
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society

http://www.nps.gov/thri/
Theodore Roosevelt Innaugural National Hisotric Site

http://www.forest-lawn.com/
Forest Lawn Cemetery

http://www.buffalonavalpark.org/
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park

http://www.fatimashrine.com/
National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima