After being built in 1853, the Table Rock Center has been a major part of the Niagara Falls family. The NPC (Niagara Park Commission) took over the Table Rock Center in 1886, making Table Rock Center one of the oldest buildings governed by NPC. The Table Rock Center was the origination of the Scenic Tunnels, which are now called the Journey Behind the Falls.
Like many great, historical buildings, the original Table Rock Center was torn down and relocated closer to the Falls in 1926. To start, the center housed a lunch area, visitors’ shop, washrooms, and dressing rooms. In the 1920s, electric railway was the main source of transportation in the park. The second Table Rock Center became the station for this railway.
A major event for the Table Rock Center was in 1960 when the second floor became a display for replicas of the British Royal Crown Jewels. In 1974, new additions to the Table Rock Center included a new dining area and viewing area with a panoramic view.
From all 82 years in its new home, the Table Rock Center has changed a great deal. Now, the center houses the Journey Behind the Falls walking tunnels and observation decks, a visitor’s welcome and information center, various shops, and a few restaurants.
