Cave of The Winds Attractions and Activities

The Cave of The Winds offers a range of attractions and activities that allow visitors to experience the power and beauty of Niagara Falls up close. The main highlight is the Hurricane Deck, where brave souls can venture within feet of the crashing Bridal Veil Falls.

To reach the Hurricane Deck, visitors must first don a provided poncho and special footwear. From there, they will embark on a journey of wooden staircases, walkways, and platforms that take them closer to the falls. As they ascend, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and the mist from the falls becomes more intense.

Once on the Hurricane Deck, visitors are enveloped in a cloud of mist, and the sheer force of the falls can be felt vibrating through their body. The experience is both exhilarating and humbling, as the power and beauty of nature are on full display.

the view of the Cave of the Winds attraction and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

Safety precautions

While the Cave of The Winds tour is a thrilling adventure, it’s important to prioritize safety. The park provides safety instructions at the beginning of the tour, and it’s essential to follow them closely. The wooden walkways can become slippery, especially when wet, so it’s crucial to wear the provided sandals and take caution while walking. Additionally, it’s important to listen to the instructions of the guides and not go off the designated paths.

The park also provides rain ponchos to protect visitors from the mist and water, but it’s advisable to bring a change of clothes as you may get wet during the tour. It’s also important to note that the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or health conditions that may be aggravated by the physical exertion required to navigate the stairs and walkways.

Ticket Prices

Now through October 15, 2023

  • Adult: $21
  • Youth: $17

October 16, 2023 through March 31, 2024

  • Adult: $14
  • Youth: $10

Open Hours

DatesTimes
September 4 – October 69:00 AM to *6:15 PM (Sun-Fri)
9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sat)
October 7 – October 89:00 AM to *6:15 PM
October 9 – October 159:00 AM to *4:15 PM
October 16 – November 229:00 AM to *4:00 PM
November 23Closed
November 24 – December 239:00 AM to *4:00 PM
December 249:00 AM to *2:15 PM
December 25Closed
December 26 – December 319:00 AM to *4:00 PM
January 1Closed
January 2 – March 319:00 AM to *4:00 PM

My Unforgettable Experience at Cave of the Winds

hurricane deck cave of the winds picture2
From the moment I set foot on the Niagara Falls State Park, I knew that my journey to the Cave of the Winds would be one for the books. There’s something about the roar of the falls, the mist rising like ethereal spirits, and the allure of venturing behind one of nature’s most majestic cascades that fills one with anticipation.

As I began my descent towards the cave, I learned that this wasn’t a traditional cave at all. While the original Cave of the Winds was a naturally formed cavern discovered in 1834 behind Bridal Veil Falls, rockfalls and erosion over the years had changed its face. Now, the attraction is a series of wooden walkways that lead daring souls like myself to the very base of the falls. These platforms are built and removed annually, a testament to nature’s power to reclaim its territory during the harsh winter months.

The cool spray greeted me with every step, becoming more pronounced as I approached the main attraction: the Hurricane Deck. Clad in the provided poncho and sandals, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline. Standing there, a mere few feet away from the ferocious torrents of the Bridal Veil Falls, I truly understood why it was named the “Hurricane Deck.” The water’s force and the gusty winds combined to create a sensation that felt as if I was caught in a benevolent storm, surrounded by the roar and splendor of the falls.

Time seemed to lose meaning as I stood there, letting the mist engulf me. The raw power of nature was palpable, reminding me of our planet’s grandeur and the moments of sheer awe it can inspire.

Emerging from the experience, I felt a connection. Not just to the falls, but to the generations of visitors who had stood where I stood, feeling that same sense of wonder. The Cave of the Winds isn’t just an attraction—it’s a rite of passage for every visitor to Niagara.

As I walked away, my clothes drenched but spirits lifted, I realized that this journey was more than just a close encounter with a waterfall. It was a testament to nature’s timeless allure, an experience that leaves you changed, humbled, and profoundly grateful.

Location and Access to Cave of The Winds

The Cave of The Winds is located in Niagara Falls State Park, on Goat Island in Niagara Falls NY. It is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby. For those traveling by public transport, there are also bus and taxi services that can take you directly to the park.

Once you arrive at the park, simply follow the signs to the Cave of The Winds entrance. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance to avoid long queues. The attraction is open from spring to fall, with specific opening hours varying depending on the season.

Map

Virtual Tour

History

Discovered in 1834, it was initially named “Aeolus’s Cave” after the Greek god of winds, owing to the powerful gusts that echoed from its depths. This reference to winds gave the cave its present name, “Cave of the Winds.”

The original cave’s dimensions were impressive, standing about 130 feet high, 100 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. Guided tours began in 1841, offering visitors a chance to experience the cave’s strong winds and the powerful mist from the falls, making it a popular attraction.

However, the structure of the cave changed over time due to natural processes. A significant rockfall in 1920 altered the cave’s configuration, and another in 1954 raised safety concerns, leading to its closure. Today, while the original cave no longer stands as it once did due to erosion and rockfalls, its legacy lives on as a beloved attraction. The modern “Cave of the Winds” consists of wooden walkways that guide visitors to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. These walkways are reconstructed each year to combat the wear and tear from harsh winter conditions.

A standout feature of the current experience is the “Hurricane Deck.” Here, visitors, clad in ponchos and sandals, can stand a mere few feet from the torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. The sheer intensity of the water and wind at this spot provides an experience reminiscent of hurricane conditions, staying true to the attraction’s name.

Over the years, the Cave of the Winds has not only offered visitors a thrilling experience but has also embedded itself in popular culture, finding mentions in literature, movies, and television. Whether you’re diving into its historical significance or reveling in the mist of the falls, the Cave of the Winds promises a memorable encounter with nature’s grandeur.

Video Tour

FAQ

How long is the Cave of the Winds tour Niagara Falls?

Around 1 hour.

Is there a cave behind Niagara Falls?

In our days NO. The name "Cave of the Winds" is not entirely accurate. In the 1800s, people could stand under the Falls because there was a rock overhang or a cave-like structure. The Cave fell apart at the beginning of the 1900s, but the name remained the same.

How much walking is Cave of the Winds?

1/4 mile, plus steps to hurricane deck.

Is Cave of the Winds in USA or Canada?

It is located in the USA part of the Niagara Falls

Is Cave of the Winds hard to walk?

No, but the steps are very steep and wet. There is a possibility of slipping. Take your time and use the railing. Walk slowly because the stairs are wide enough for someone to pass you if they want to.

Do you get shoes at Cave of the Winds?

You will be given sandals to wear when you visit Cave of the Winds. You don't need to worry specifically about what shoes to wear because Cave of the Winds will provide you with free waterproof shoes to wear (sandals). Because you will be taking off your shoes to put on the sandals Cave of the Winds provides, it really makes no difference what shoes you wear to Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls.

Does Cave of the Winds have a place to store shoes?

The Cave of the Winds does not have a designated space for visitors to store their shoes. You also are not permitted to put your shoes down somewhere with the intention of retrieving them on your way out of the building.

nicole valerio

Hey there, adventure seekers! I’m Nicole Valerio, your personal guide to the awe-inspiring world of Niagara Falls. With a background in Environmental Science and a pen that never rests, I’m on a mission to take you behind the mist and into the heart of one of Earth’s most spellbinding natural wonders. Join me on this unforgettable journey as we explore every nook and cranny, capturing moments that will leave you in awe. Get ready to be spellbound by the power and beauty of Niagara Falls!

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