Overview Cave of the winds
Cave of the Winds is a popular attraction on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. Visitors experience the power and beauty of the falls up close. The attraction is a series of wooden walkways at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. It offers an exhilarating experience as visitors can get just a few feet from the rushing water. The most thrilling part is the Hurricane Deck, where you can stand directly under the falls and feel the force of the water. Waterproof ponchos and special sandals are provided to help protect you from getting soaked.
visitor Experience
When you visit Cave of the Winds, you start with an elevator ride 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge. The adventure begins with a visit to the World Changed Here Pavilion, where you can learn about the history and geology of the falls through interactive exhibits. Afterward, you follow a series of wooden walkways and platforms leading to different viewpoints. The highlight is the Hurricane Deck, which is so close to the Bridal Veil Falls that you can feel the spray and hear the thunderous roar of the water. It’s an awe-inspiring experience and a great way to connect with nature.
Explore beneath the American Falls, navigating under the falls to the famous Hurricane Deck. Those rain ponchos you see aren’t optional – you’ll be surrounded by the thundering power of water cascading down. Please wear footwear that can get wet – none will be provided to you. And in the Winter, the abbreviated experience turns the Falls into a winter wonderland you have to see to believe! You’ll also have access to the new indoor multimedia experience, the “World Changed Here” Pavilion.
Cave of the Winds tickets can be purchased at the Cave of the Winds on Goat Island OR the Ralph C. Wilson Welcome Center.
As the Cave of the Winds is a timed ticketed attraction, plan to make it your first stop of the day to make your reservation!
As we work to ensure that we are doing our part to care for the Earth, we have phased out distribution of the famous Cave of the Winds sandals. Please bring footwear that can get wet.
Location
Hours of Operation
The Cave of the Winds is open daily, year-round!
| Dates | Times |
| July 8 – August 29 | 9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sun-Thur)9:00 AM to *9:15 PM (Fri-Sat) |
| August 30 – September 2(Labor Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to *9:15 PM (Fri-Sun)9:00 AM to *6:15 PM (Mon) |
| September 3 – October 11 | 9:00 AM to *6:15 PM (Sun-Fri)9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sat) |
| October 12 – October 14(Indigenous Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to *6:15 PM (Sat-Sun)9:00 AM to *4:15 PM (Mon) |
| October 15 – October 20 | 9:00 AM to *4:15 PM |
| October 21 – November 27 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
| November 28(Thanksgiving Day) | Closed |
| November 29 – December 24 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
| December 25(Christmas Day) | Closed |
| December 26 – December 31 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
| January 1(New Years Day) | Closed |
| January 2 – March 31 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
*Last ticket sold. Schedule subject to change.
Holidays
- Thanksgiving (November 28): Closed
- Christmas Day (December 25): Closed
- New Year’s Day (January 1): Closed
Admission rates
À La Carte Admission Rates
Now through October 20, 2024
- Adult: $21
- Youth (Ages 6-12): $17
- Ages 5 and under: Free
Beginning October 21, 2024
- Adult: $14
- Youth (Ages 6-12): $10
- Ages 5 and under: Free
À La Carte Admission Rates
Now through October 20, 2024
- $13
Beginning October 21, 2024
- $7
All rates subject to change.
Cave of the Winds à la carte tickets are available at the attraction. Tickets are NOT available online.
Group Rates
- $8
Now through October 20, 2024
- Friday-Sunday: $17
- Monday-Thursday: $15
Beginning October 21, 2024
Group Rate Ticket Policies for Groups without Park Direct Billing Privileges
- A group is defined as 20 or more people
- One person must pay for the entire group with the entire group present at the time of purchase using one form of payment
- The group must all purchase tickets for the same attraction and tour time to qualify for discount
- Tour companies who wish to set up direct billing with us should contact our operations office at niagarafallssp@parks.ny.gov
- Group rates may not be offered during special events
History of Cave of the Winds
The original Cave of the Winds was a natural cave behind Bridal Veil Falls. It was discovered in 1834 and named by Professor Horace H. Day. The cave was 130 feet high, 100 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. In the early days, visitors could walk into the cave to experience the falls from behind. However, the natural cave was eroded by the constant flow of water and eventually collapsed in 1954.
In 1924, a new version of the Cave of the Winds was constructed. Wooden walkways and platforms were built to allow visitors to get close to the falls safely. These walkways are removed and rebuilt every year to prevent damage from ice and snow during the winter months. The attraction has undergone several renovations to improve safety and accessibility for visitors.
Stories About Cave of the Winds
- Charles Blondin’s Tightrope Walks: In the mid-19th century, famous tightrope walker Charles Blondin performed daring feats at Niagara Falls. On several occasions, he crossed the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope near the Cave of the Winds. Blondin’s stunts attracted large crowds and added to the mystique of the falls. One of his most famous walks was in 1859 when he crossed with a man on his back.
- Nik Wallenda’s High-Wire Walk: In 2012, Nik Wallenda, a seventh-generation member of the Flying Wallendas, walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls. Starting on the U.S. side near Goat Island, he made his way across the gorge to the Canadian side. The walk took place just above the Cave of the Winds and drew a global audience. Wallenda wore a safety harness, marking the first time such equipment was used in a high-wire walk at Niagara Falls.
The Hurricane Deck Proposal: A romantic story associated with Cave of the Winds is about a couple who got engaged on the Hurricane Deck. Despite the roaring water and the powerful spray, the man knelt down and proposed to his girlfriend, who joyfully accepted. This unique proposal spot has inspired many others to pop the question at the falls.
Distances to Downtown Niagara Falls Hotels
Here are the distances from Cave of the Winds to various hotels in downtown Niagara Falls, NY:
- Passport Inn Niagara Falls: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Hyatt Place Niagara Falls: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- Red Coach Inn: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Holiday Inn Niagara Falls-Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York: 1.0 miles (1.6 km)
- Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls, USA: 1.0 miles (1.6 km)
- Fairfield by Marriott Niagara Falls: 1.1 miles (1.7 km)
- Hampton Inn Niagara Falls: 1.0 miles (1.6 km)
- Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
- voco – The Cadence, an IHG Hotel: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino: 1.0 miles (1.6 km)
- Sheraton Niagara Falls: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
Conclusion
Cave of the Winds offers a thrilling and immersive experience, allowing visitors to get incredibly close to the powerful Bridal Veil Falls. The attraction’s history, from the natural cave to the modern wooden walkways, is rich with stories of adventure and romance. Its proximity to various downtown hotels makes it easily accessible for those staying in Niagara Falls, NY. Whether you are seeking excitement, romance, or simply a deeper connection with nature, Cave of the Winds is a must-visit destination.