Gratwick Riverside Park - North Tonawanda, NY
Gratwick Riverside Park – A Pet-Friendly Gem in North Tonawanda, New York
Located along the scenic Niagara River, Gratwick Riverside Park is a popular outdoor destination for families, dog owners, and nature enthusiasts in North Tonawanda, NY. Known for its expansive green spaces, walking paths, waterfront views, and vibrant community events, this park provides a tranquil setting for dog-friendly excursions. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll, a lively summer event, or simply a relaxing spot by the water, this park offers something for everyone.
The park features picnic tables, pavilions, grassy open fields, and shaded areas—making it a great place for picnics or a leisurely walk with your leashed pet. It is celebrated for its pet-friendly atmosphere, where locals enjoy bringing their dogs to explore the park’s riverside trails, especially during the warmer months. With access to playgrounds and seasonal restrooms, Gratwick Riverside Park is perfect for a family day out in North Tonawanda. While there isn’t a dedicated off-leash dog area, well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join in the fun and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome, but they must remain on-leash as there is no designated off-leash or fenced dog area.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are shaded areas and pavilions throughout the park, offering shelter from the sun.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available, but they are open seasonally and may not always be well maintained.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are picnic tables and pavilions with seating throughout the park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park offers mown walking paths along the riverside and through light wooded areas for scenic dog-friendly walks.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there are multiple playgrounds, making it a great spot for families with children and dogs.
- Is there parking available? Yes, parking is available at the park for visitors.
- Is the park pet friendly? Absolutely! Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome throughout Gratwick Riverside Park.
Reviews
Good for boaters but the upkeep on any of the bathrooms is nonexistent. Even the portable ones are terrible. Kite festival 2025 didn’t even inspire a deep clean. Whoever is responsible for park maintenance needs to do their job. What a shame to represent your town this way
Beautiful way side park, biking, picnicking, playground, small pier
Gratwick Park is one of my happy places. Very peaceful other than the occasional cry of the gulls. Today watched ducks partying on ice flows headed towards the Falls.
Much busier in the summer with free concerts and the boaters. Spectacular spot for July 4th fireworks in all directions. Pet friendly. Restrooms open seasonally.
This Park is typical of the riverside parks from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, being a long thin strip between a road and the Niagara River. This one has a great mix of aspects to keep people interested. At the southeast is a wilder section, with light trees, scrub bushes and plants, birdhouses, and mown walking paths. The northeastern end has the picnic tables and pavilions. In-between these are the soccer fields, the boat launches, and more grassy space and river edge.
One of the coolest things is the Tesla Coil monument that went up just a couple of years ago, which is located between the two pavilions, where it’s easy to see and access.
If you enjoy time beside water while sitting on your car…this is a lovely place. You can also have a walk beside water but there not much option to do so. The breeze, wave, sight and sound of Niagara river crushing on stone/shore makes this amazing. There are shades too for enjoying time at this park.