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Decew Falls – St. Catharines, ON

May 17, 2022 by Barbara and Rebecca Scarlett Leave a Comment

Photo by The Standard

Decew Falls in St. Catherines, ON is a picturesque area with lovely waterfalls. A far cry from the commercialism that Niagara is known for, this beauty revels in nature, peace, and history.

Read on to learn more about Decew Falls in Niagara Falls!


The word ‘Decew‘

Rocky, textured walls, falls, pool plunge, hill, grass, trees
Photo by Tripadvisor

Decew Falls is named after John DeCew. Around 1788, he bought the land with an ax and an Indian blanket. During the War of 1812, DeCew served in the Lincoln Militia. His house served as British headquarters. It’s also the site where Laura Secord brought her important news. More on her later in this article.


Morningstar Mill

Mill, historical, red barn, falls, bridge,, ropes, trees, wheel
Photo by Thorold Today

A popular destination for picnickers and hikers, Decew Falls is home to the Morningstar Mill. The heritage site features an operational grist mill and a long history.

Wilson Morningstar ran Mountain Mills from 1883 to 1933. A fire destroyed the building’s interior, giving Morningstar a chance to update the equipment.

The mill and accompanying house were gifted to the City of St. Catharines in 1994.

Morningstar Mill is one of only a few mills in Ontario that contains all of its original equipment as well as operating its millstones with its original water source, Lake Gibson.


Tunnel Falls

man checking out the tunnel, rocky and dry floor, blue shity, red bag, crocs, wild plants
Photo by Rock Watching

The man-made Tunnel Falls rests at the base of Decew Falls. Water from the Decew Falls Generating Station drains out of the tunnel, giving onlookers a splendid sight. Intrepid explorers can traverse a cave here – at their own risk.


The Generating Station

Aerial shot of Decew Falls Generating Station, trees, machineries, establishment, pathways, green scenery
Photo by Archive OPG

The Decew Falls plant was originally built in 1898 to provide electricity to the electric street railway in nearby Hamilton. Four turbines that were added in 1903 are still in use today.


Ready to Hike?

Rocky trail, tall trees, mosses, dry leaves, orange walkway
Photo by jec2200’s Blog

Bruce Trail rests within the area, taking travelers to and from the falls. Markers along it indicate the Laura Secord Legacy Trail. This is part of the path Laura Secord took during the War of 1812 to warn the British of an impending American attack. It is just one of the great hiking trails in the Niagara Escarpment area.


The Cascades of St. Catharines

Photo by Tripadvisor

Decew Falls contains three wonderful cascades: the main waterfall at Decew proper, the aforementioned Tunnel Falls, and Lower Decew Falls, which can be found downstream from Decew.


Make History with The Scarlett Real Estate Group

If you’re searching for an easy way to buy or sell a St. Catharines property, the Scarlett Real Estate Group is here to help. Our team of Niagara-born-and-raised real estate professionals brings a wealth of local knowledge to every home sale. We can help you get the best value when buying or selling a St. Catharine’s property

We look forward to chatting with you. Reach out to us today!

Filed Under: Real Estate, St Catharines

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