The Cave of the Winds is an amazing natural wonder. Visitors to the Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY, have the opportunity to travel almost directly under the American Falls and feel the intensity of The Falls firsthand. I am not sure who originally decided on the name “Cave” of the Winds. It is very misleading because there isn’t a cave involved at all. It is all out in the open, under the waterfall. Regardless of this, it is still an incredible experience and well worth the visit and cost of admission.
Visiting the Cave of the Winds
Museum & Film
When you enter the Cave of the Winds pavilion, guests have the opportunity to explore the museum as well as a fascinating movie about the history of the Falls. While you can skip this step if you really want to get the most out of your visit, I recommend taking these both in. Also, the film is quite well done and very informative.
Visitors used to be issued foam sandals in the past; however, these have been phased out. Visitors are ushered into an elevator that takes them to a long tunnel leading out to the Falls. You will also be issued a (very) lightweight rain poncho once you get down to the bottom at the end of the tunnel.
Helpful Information
This is a very popular attraction. I recommend arriving as early as possible in the day. Wait times can exceed 1 1/2 hours, especially on warm summer weekends. If possible, visit during the week. Also, plan to get wet, regardless of your free State Park-provided lightweight rain poncho. You will also need shoes that you won’t mind getting wet since the park no longer issues foam sandals.
If the day is chilly, it will be uncomfortable due to the mist and wind. The Hurricane Deck, which is the place closest to the falls with the highest velocity winds and water, can be incredibly uncomfortable if the weather is anything less than warm.
The Cave of the Winds is a must-see attraction that is fun for the entire family. My kids got a huge kick out of it and were really in awe of being that close to the waterfalls. It was one of those rare attractions that put you up close and personal with Mother Nature and really puts the sheer size of the falls into true perspective.
Children must be directly supervised by adults. This is not a suggestion. The mist and wind from the waterfall make the steps slippery, and you are extremely close to rushing water and near hurricane-force winds.
Winter at the Cave of the Winds
In the last few years, the Cave of the Winds has been open to visitors during the winter. The price is significantly discounted compared to the rest of the year, but that might have a lot to do with freezing your tail off.
We recently revisited in the winter, and I have to say that I almost prefer the Cave of the Winds in the Winter to the Summer. With the exception of one other person, we had the entire place to ourselves. (If you have ever visited in the summer, I don’t have to tell you how unusual that is.) We were able to take our time and really enjoy the falls without feeling rushed to get in and get out so that others could have the opportunity to experience the Falls.
Know Before You Go:
Cave of the Winds is opening every day (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) regardless of the weather. If you plan to visit in the Wintertime, you need to dress appropriately and still plan on getting wet. (We were also not given a rain poncho this time.) You will either want to bring your own (you can pick up a cheap one at the dollar store) or wear water-repellent clothing (such as a ski jacket, snow boots, etc.)
Yes, this is definitely a cold place, but it is an amazing experience that allows visitors to experience the ice formations and snow-covered falls up-close in all of their glory. The upper decks are removed in the winter, so visitors are only allowed to walk on the two lower decks.
Getting to The Cave of the Winds
You can purchase your tickets directly at the Cave of the Winds ticket window. The price varies through the years. Please check the website for updated ticket prices.
Address: Prospect Street & Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY