Niagara Falls in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Eddy Basin
Whirlpool Scenic Overlook Trail
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 13, 2014
1. Eddy Basin Marker
The wide point of the river at this spot is called the "Eddy Basin".
If you look over the edge you will see an extensive shelf of Whirlpool Sandstone at river level. This was covered by water prior to the large water diversions for hydro-electric power generation.
Before 1921 the full flow of the Niagara River surged through this section of the gorge. After 1921 both the Canadian and the American sides started diverting a portion of the rivers flow for the production of hydro-electric power.
Currently, only about 25% to 50% of the rivers actual flow passes over the falls and through the gorge at this point. The result is a river level much lower that at full flow.
The cable car that spans the whirlpool was built by the Niagara Spanish Aerocar Company. It made its maiden voyage across the whirlpool on August 8, 1916.
The attraction has operated trouble-free since its opening day and has made thousands of trips across the swirling waters.
Erected by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
Topics. This historical marker
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 13, 2014
2. Wide View Southward, Eddy Basin Marker
this page online
Location. 43° 7.175′ N, 79° 3.908′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, New York, in Niagara County. Marker can be reached from Robert Moses Parkway. Marker is located in Whirpool State Park. The park is accessed from the Niagara Scenic Parkway (nee: Robert Moses Parkway). There is no fee. The marker is on a paved trail at the rim of the gorge, south of the tourist shelter. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Niagara Falls NY 14303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Whirlpool Rapids (within shouting distance of this marker); Niagara Gorge Natural History (within shouting distance of this marker); Challenging the Whirlpool Rapids (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Whirlpool State Park (about 300 feet away); Niagara Spanish Aero Car (approx. 0.2 miles away in Canada); Whirlpool Rapids Gorge (approx. half a kilometer away in Canada); Pastimes and Parkways (approx. half a kilometer away); Thompson Point (approx. 0.6 kilometers away in Canada). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 13, 2014
3. Eddy Basin
1. Whirlpool State Park. New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website entry (Submitted on June 16, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
2. Whirlpool Aero Car. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 16, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
3. Niagara Falls. Wikipedia entry:
Includes a paragraph about the diversion of water for hydro-electric production. (Submitted on June 16, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 13, 2014
4. Eddy Basin Emptying into the Whirlpool
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
