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Military Veterans Advocacy (MVA) will host the Third Annual Veterans Get Outside Day at Niagara Falls, New York June 14, 2025. The event that connects Veterans with resources and encourages outdoor activities to improve mental health. This is a free event and everyone is invited.
This year’s event will be held on Old Falls Street between First Street and Riverway, with some activities in Niagara Falls State Park. The event will feature music and other entertainment throughout the day. Guests will have an opportunity to visit local and regional vendors. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New York State Department of Veterans Services, as well as community providers will be available to discuss benefits and health care. During the event a special emphasis will be put on sports and outdoor activities, including information on adaptive sports. vETERANS gET OUTSIDE dAY sCHEDULE
Niagara Falls State Park Interpretive Walks: Take a one hour guided walk in Niagara Falls State Park to explore the local natural and cultural history in and around the park. Walks leave from State Park booth at corner of Old Falls Street and Rainbow Blvd at 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. An additional walk may be added at 1:30 p.m. based on demand. Walking Trails: We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the beautiful and scenic park trails in and around Niagara Falls, New York! Race Management Solutions will be at Old Falls Street and Rainbow Blvd providing maps and recommendations for park trails. You can walk, jog, or run north towards Whirlpool State Park and Devils Hole or head towards Niagara Falls and Goat Island. Participants can start/finish at their discretion throughout the afternoon. Free State Park Parking: Free parking at Niagara Falls State Park for New York Lifetime Liberty Pass holders (Veterans, Gold Star parents, spouses or children) and New York Veterans with proof of residency and veteran status on June 14. Cave of the Winds: Free admission to Cave of the Winds and parking at Niagara Falls State Park for New York Lifetime Liberty Pass holders (Veterans, Gold Star parents, spouses or children) and New York Veterans with proof of residency and veteran status. Free admission for the first 100 non-Veteran spouses, children, or Veterans from outside of NY State with a sticker from the event on June 14. Maid of the Mist: $3 off adult admission to the Maid of the Mist original Niagara Falls boat tour for Veterans and family members with Military Veterans Advocacy sticker from the event. The discounted fare of $27.25 is available June 14 only. Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley: 150 free all-day hop-on hop-off passes available for the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley. Vouchers can be picked up at the New York Veterans Services Van at the event. Good for June 14 only. Niagara Falls Aerospace Museum: Free admission for a docent-led guided tour of the Niagara Falls Aerospace Museum at 1 p.m. with a Military Veterans Advocacy sticker from the event. Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center: Free admission for a docent-led guided tour of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center at 3 p.m. with a Military Veterans Advocacy sticker from the event. The center is accessible by the Scenic Trolley. Old Ft. Niagara: Veterans with a sticker from the event and proof of Veterans status can get free admission at Old Ft. Niagara June 14 or 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience history where it happened. Event attendees can get the free Discover Niagara Shuttle at the corner of Old Falls Street and 1st Street for transportation to and from the Fort. Vendors: Visit local and regional vendors featuring jewelry, pottery and glassware and other items. Information booths: VA Benefits representatives and New York Veterans Services representatives will provide information on state and federal veterans benefits. Additional organizations on hand to discuss Veterans programs and opportunities, scholarships, adaptive sports and other outdoor opportunities. Thank you to our Sponsors!
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Why do we have Veterans Get Outside Day? MVA leadership is deeply concerned about the Veteran suicide rate. It is no secret that suicide claims far too many people. Military Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are at an even greater risk of depression, unclear thinking, and suicide. In 2022, the most recent data available, 6,407 Veterans took their lives. Of the 47,891 Americans who died from suicide in 2022, 13.37% were Veterans. Since Veterans make up about 6% of the U.S. adult population, this is significant. The 2024 VA National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found that we lose an average of 17.6 Veterans per day to suicide, of which only 7 had received VA healthcare services in the previous two years. They may not even be aware of the resources available. With events like Veterans Get Outside Day, we hope to connect all Veterans with government or community resources that can improve their lives. Studies have shown that individuals who spend time outdoors in natural settings, whether they are doing sports or other activities, have a better outlook on life. It is hoped that this event will encourage Veterans and others that may be struggling to find an activity or resources that will excite them about spending more time outside and enjoy life. Events like Veterans Get Outside Day can help bridge that gap. |
