...to the cool, damp air of the cave below. The elevator sinks lower and lower. Anticipation builds. The elevator doors open 156 feet below the earth’s surface. Slowly, your eyes adjust to the invading darkness. The silence of life below the surface overwhelms. Dripping water resounds off the glistening limestone walls. And as the dim light engulfs you, cool air fills your lungs.

 

Your journey winds through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, under massive boulders, to a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. Deep in the cave, solid rock appears fluid: creating strange formations, flowing sheets and dripping stalactites. Mysterious grottos lead off into distant, unexplored passages. Shadows hide secrets in every crack and crevice. The path twists and turns ever downward to the glassy surface of an underground lake that trails off into the absolute darkness of the cave’s Eastern Terminus... this is the Howe Caverns experience.

 

Your specially-trained tour guide will help you negotiate the cave and learn about the magnificent limestone formations, the stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone, and the tremendous conservation effort underway to protect and preserve Howe Caverns for future generations.

 

 

The Traditional Tour

 

The Lantern Tour

 

The Adventure Tour

 

 

 

THINGS TO REMEMBER

 

Please dress appropriately for maximum comfort during your tour. Bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes that give you a good level of traction. The cavern environment is a constant 52º Fahrenheit / 12º Celsius and 70-75% humidity, year round.

 

For the safety of our guests and preservation of the cavern, large bags, backpacks, food and beverages, etc. are not permitted underground.

 

To help protect the cave environment, touching rocks and formations is prohibited. Some cave formations are very fragile to the touch and may break easier than you might think. Also the oils in your skin may stop the growth of cave formations.

 

Wheeled devices and strollers are not permitted in the cavern. Above ground areas are accessible to mobility impaired visitors. A 25 minute video of the cavern tour is available for those who cannot tour the cave.

 

The cavern tour consists of a 12 city block walk with a 15 minute boat ride half way through the tour. Because we are at the whim of mother nature; anyone who has breathing problems or difficulty walking and negotiating stair steps should take note before purchasing tickets.

 

Bring your camera! We encourage you to take photographs, however, tripods are not permitted in the cavern. 

 

There are no restrooms in the cavern! Please remember to use the facilities above ground prior to your tour departure. You will be underground for 80 minutes. 

 

The cave provides a fun and educational environment for people of all ages; however, parents should be responsible for their child's behavior to ensure their safe enjoyment of the tour.

 

For the convenience of our guests who travel with their pets, we  have seasonal kennels available. Our kennels are comprised of individually fenced and covered pens. We will  also provide water for your pet. There is no charge for this convenience. However, donations are accepted and go to our local animal shelters.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact us before you plan to visit. For more information, please call 518-296-8900.