Howe Caverns Facts
What:
A living, limestone cave, carved by an underground river over the course of millions of years, located 156-feet (15 stories) below the earth's surface.
Discovered:
In 1842 by Schoharie County farmer, Lester Howe, for whom it is named.
Developed:
In the late 1920s and re-opened to the public with elevators, brick pathways, lights and handrails in 1929. Future plans include expanding the Caverns tour and to re-connect the cave to its original entrance.
Tour:
80-minute guided tour of this prehistoric world includes a boat ride on the quarter-mile, underground Lake of Venus. Lantern Tours and Adventure Tours also are available by reservation. Tour highlights include:
• Titan's Temple - the largest "room" in the cave;
• Bridal Altar - the site of nearly 600 weddings;
• Winding Way - curves and corners wind about 560 feet.
Location:
255 Discovery Drive in Howes Cave, Schoharie County, about 45 minutes
from Albany, between New York's Capital City and Cooperstown.
Visitors:
Howe Caverns welcomes about 200,000 guests annually -- with total number of guests approaching 15,000,000.
Hours:
Open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from April 1 - Oct. 31 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1-March 31.
More To Do:
Gemstone mining and geode cutting in the HC Mining Company, Gift Shop, Sweet Shop with homemade fudge, truffles and Starbucks coffee, newly remodeled Café in season. Year-round, AAA-rated, on-site motel. Special events throughout the year.
Traditional Tour Tickets:
2010 RATES (Plus Tax): $21 for adults (ages 16-64); $18 for seniors (ages 65+); $17 for juniors (ages 12-15); $11 for children (ages 5-11); FREE for children ages 4 and under (must be accompanied by an adult).
Groups:
Special group tour rates are available.
Contact Information:
www.howecaverns.com; PH. 518-296-8900; FAX 518-296-8992
E-mail: fun@howecaverns.com
Senior Management:
Robert A. Holt, General Manager & Corporate Secretary/Treasurer
