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 are provided to help protect you from getting soaked. Please wear footwear that can get wet – none will be provided to you.
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. And in the Winter, the abbreviated experience turns the Falls into a winter wonderland you have to see to believe!
Admission rates
Cave of the Winds à la carte tickets can be purchased at the Cave of the Winds on Goat Island or at the Ralph C. Wilson Welcome Center. Tickets are NOT available online.
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!
À La Carte Admission Rates
Now through October 19, 2025
- Adult: $23
- Youth (Ages 6-12): $19
- Ages 5 and under: Free
Beginning October 20, 2025
- Adult: $14
- Youth (Ages 6-12): $10
- Ages 5 and under: Free
All rates subject to change.
Group Rates
All Tour Guides/Bus Drivers must purchase a ticket to accompany group on attraction.
- Qualified bus groups/tour companies may contact niagarafallssp@parks.ny.gov to register for group rates for the 2025 season.
- Unfortunately due to program changes, Connect Kids does not cover the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park. For additional assistance, please contact the Connect Kids program at https://parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids/grant-program.aspx.
2025 Hours of Operation
The Cave of the Winds is open daily, year-round!
| Dates | Times |
| May 26 – June 11 | 9:00 AM to *6:15 PM (Sun-Fri) 9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sat) |
| June 12 – July 3 | 9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sun-Thu) 9:00 AM to *9:15 PM (Fri-Sat) |
| July 4 – July 6 (Independence Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to *9:15 PM |
| July 7 – August 28 | 9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sun-Thu) 9:00 AM to *9:15 PM (Fri-Sat) |
| August 29- August 31 (Labor Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to *9:15 PM |
| September 1 – October 10 | 9:00 AM to *6:15 PM (Sun-Fri) 9:00 AM to *8:15 PM (Sat) |
| October 11 – October 12 (Indigenous Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to *6:15 PM |
| October 13 – October 19 | 9:00 AM to *4:15 PM |
| October 20- November 26 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
| November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) | Closed |
| November 28 – December 23 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
| December 24 (Christmas Eve) | 9:00 AM to *2:15 PM |
| December 25 (Christmas Day) | Closed |
| December 26 – December 31 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
| January 1, 2026 | Closed |
| January 2 – March 31 | 9:00 AM to *4:00 PM |
*Last ticket sold. Schedule subject to change.
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)
Get Up Close With The Falls
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.