Joseph Davis State Park

Disc Golf at Joseph Davis State Park

One of the primary draws of the park is its legendary disc golf course. Established in 1980, the “Original 18” holes make it the second oldest permanent disc golf course in New York State. The course has since been expanded to a massive 27-hole layout, catering to players of all skill levels.

The terrain is beautifully rugged, featuring wooded areas, open fields, and strategic water hazards that provide a satisfying challenge. The course is free to play and is maintained throughout the year, meaning you’ll often find enthusiasts braving the winter elements for a round of snow golf.

Fishing and Water Recreation

Set right along the lower Niagara River, Joseph Davis State Park boasts exceptional fishing opportunities for both casual and serious anglers. The shoreline provides a perfect spot to cast a line, while several interior ponds within the park boundaries add freshwater fishing variety.

Fishing on the Niagara River is highly productive due to the swift currents and cold water temperatures coming from the Great Lakes. During prime seasons, anglers can catch a variety of game fish, making it a thrilling destination for fishing trips.

Trails and Wildlife Viewing

Joseph Davis State Park isn’t just about disc golf and fishing; it’s also a designated bird conservation area. With ecosystems ranging from wetlands to shrublands, fields, and old-growth forests, the park is a sanctuary for dozens of bird species, particularly migratory waterfowl arriving from Canada.

Hikers will find a network of multi-use unpaved trails winding through these habitats. While the trail terrain is relatively flat—making it perfectly accessible for families—the scenery is incredibly varied.

Winter Activities at the Park

When the New York winter arrives, Joseph Davis State Park transforms into a snow-covered playground. The relatively flat terrain of the park makes it an excellent destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The unplowed trails create natural tracks that wind safely through the scenic forest.

Additionally, designated areas within the park are opened for snowmobiling, connecting to the larger Niagara County snowmobile trail system. This makes the park a notable hub for winter motorized recreation in Western New York.

Park History and Management

Joseph Davis State Park has a compelling history deeply tied to the Niagara region’s state park development. Acquired by the state in stages spanning 1961 to 1969, the park originally opened under the name Lower Niagara State Park in 1964.

In 1970, recognizing the decades of dedication by Joseph Davis—the longest-serving president of the Niagara Frontier State Parks Commission (1948–1969)—the state officially renamed the park in his honor.

In a unique operational shift, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation formed a partnership with the Town of Lewiston in 2011 to manage and operate the park, ensuring its continued maintenance and accessibility to the public while utilizing local municipal resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Explore More New York State Parks

Joseph Davis State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New York. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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