A Work In Progress

A new era for Howe Caverns began in 2007 when the great Schoharie County landmark was purchased by Emil Galasso and Charles Wright, emerging as a new Howe Caverns, Inc.

As part of the new owners’ vision for a renewed Howe Caverns, work continues to expand the Caverns’ tour and to enhance the entire Howe Caverns’ experience.
“The efforts to expand the cave tour and to improve the facilities are underway. It’s very exciting to see the plans and dreams take shape,” said General Manager Robert Holt.

Cave Development:
First steps have been taken to expand the Caverns tour beyond the Lake of Venus by an additional 150 feet.

Roy Davis, a consultant from Cumberland Caverns in Tennessee, is working on engineering plans for this development of the cave. Mr. Davis has visited Howe Caverns and has surveyed the cave to outline what needs to be done to develop the cave tour. Mr. Davis advises caves all around the world and is a member of the National Caves Association

The goal: To enhance the tour experience and eventually unite the entire caverns, allowing visitors to see parts of the caverns that haven’t been available to public view in more than a century.

Mr. Davis is no stranger to Howe Caverns. From 1972 through 1973, Mr. Davis was at the caverns to build the man-made tunnel at the end of Winding Way that leads to the elevators. In 1976, Mr. Davis returned to rewire all the lighting in the cave.

The long-range plan will create a new tour that will take visitors back in time, with electric lighting that replicates that used to illuminate this section in the 1800s. This extended tour will highlight several formations, including Signature Rock, plus the old gas pipelines still attached to the walls. It is anticipated that it will take several years to complete this project and to reach the quarry entrance with visitors entering the Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology.

Visitor Center Remodeling:
Work is progressing to recapture the Tudor look of Visitor Center (Lodge) lobby, as it appeared when it opened to the public in 1929.

As part of the restoration, a museum area that tells the tale of Howe Caverns through its long history is being expanded -- showcasing more items for visitors to enjoy.

Along with the restoration, a larger Gift Shop area is being developed that will feature many new items.

In addition, a new Sweet Shop is being put into place, expanding upon Howe Caverns’ long-standing tradition of offering fresh, homemade fudge. The Sweet Shop will include homemade cookies and other treats, such as truffles. Popular cave-aged cheese from the Fly Creek Cider Mill will be featured on display as well. The shop also will offer Cappuccino, coffee, tea and other beverages.

As a result of requests from Howe Caverns’ visitors, conversion of the restaurant into an upscale café is planned – a café that will offer new menu items in time for the summer season. One thing that will remain -- the breathtaking view of the mountains and the Schoharie Valley afforded by the site.

The long-range plan for available dining options at Howe Caverns includes the creation of an enlarged banquet space. Because this will take some time to complete, only small parties and events may be accommodated in the restaurant area in the near future.


On-Site Attractions – From Gems to Heavy Equipment:
Before summer starts, visitors will experience a newly enlarged Gemstone Mining and Geode Cutting facility, plus the addition of a heavy equipment display.

A new building is planned for the wooded picnic area on the Howe Caverns Estate and will feature a Rock Shop and a covered porch where guests may pan for gems. The mining sluice will have a water tower with running water. And, following the tradition of most caves in the United States, the new gemstone and geode center will be called the Howe Caverns Mining Company.

In the nearby picnic grove, a display of heavy equipment – once used in quarrying operations – will be on display. Owner Emil Galasso is arranging to have the display set up in the spring. Adults and children alike will be amazed at the size of the equipment, especially “The Shovel.”

As part of the long-range plan for the area, Howe Caverns’ is exploring the idea of offering rock-climbing walls as well.

Throughout 2007, work progressed on exterior amenities, with many portions of roadway, parking lot and walkway paved.


Cave House Museum:
Throughout 2007, Howe Caverns worked with the Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology and enabled the museum to open its doors to guests a year ahead of schedule.

To date, the Museum has welcomed more than 1,300 visitors since the opening in May. The Museum has many offerings, including:

•The entrance room focuses on the community of Howes Cave – its history and people. It also serves as the retail area.

•The large West Room is a meeting/presentation area. It also houses displays, cave and geological items, including magnetic rocks and a rock that contains a baby cave. From windows of this room, the Natural Entrance of Howe Caverns can be seen – the first thing visitors coming from Howe Caverns want to see!

•The East Room is dedicated to mining and wildlife. It has a relief table, constructed by Clemens McGiver, that shows the lay of the land as well as where we are and where we are going. Kevin Berner has set up many displays that include local insects and wildlife, including a mounted Barred Owl and a mounted Bobcat.

The Museum will reopen around Memorial Day weekend and everyone is invited to visit as the fourth room on the ground floor will be opened with new displays to be showcased. Tentatively, the Museum will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through July 1. From July 2 through Labor Day, hours will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon to 5 p.m. From Labor Day through Columbus Weekend, plan to visit on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon to 5 p.m.

Howe Caverns is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas days when it is closed. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about all there is to do and see at Howe Caverns, including special tours, events and overnight packages offered by its on-site motel, call 518-296-8900 or visit www.howecaverns.com.

The second most-visited natural attraction in New York State, Howe Caverns is located off Exit 22 of I-88, between Albany and Cooperstown. Howe Caverns opens daily at 9 a.m. and is closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
For further information about Howe Caverns, call 518-296-8900 or visit www.howecaverns.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Condon * Condon Communications
PH: 518-436-1103 * FAX: 518-436-7346
E-MAIL: kcondon@howecaverns.com