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The Retro Advice 45-Day Mom & Daughter Road Trip
My 13 year old daughter and I embarked on a 50 day/23 city road trip in honor of her…
Cave Of The Winds
Category: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Landmarks & Historical Buildings
Goat IslandNiagara Falls, NY 14303
(719) 685-5444
23 reviews for Cave Of The Winds
Review Highlights
"Also, make sure that your camera is water-proof."
(in 4 reviews)
"This is a really fun experience."
(in 4 reviews)
"A MUST SEE on the American side."
(in 3 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Mark L.
East China, MI
10/4/2011 13 photos
Visited here the second week of September. It was nice to walk through it all without the huge summer crowds.
"MY" suggestion would be to wear shorts, then take your shoes and socks off before hand and leave them in the car (walking up to the ticket booth barefoot). If you do THAT, you won't have to carry your shoes around with you during the adventure (in a provided bag). They also provide you with a new pair of cheap sandals (which you can keep), so that's nice.
Also, make sure that your camera is water-proof... or at the very least, water-resistant. A lot of other reviewers on here mentioned that the provided poncho didn't help much, but I think it did the job just fine (as long as you were wearing shorts and kept your hood up and tight). Oh... and you don't need to put your poncho "ON" until you get down there, so you might want to just hold on to it for the elevator ride down. That way, you won't get too hot ahead of time (especially if there are long lines).
I really think this is one of the "MUST DO" attractions at the falls. This experience is MUCH BETTER than the "Journey Behind the Falls" attraction over on the Canadian side.
And yep... don't miss the "Hurricane Deck"!! -
Review from ana l.
Brookline, MA
8/28/2011
$11: to get soaked. If that is your call and you don't mind waiting an hour or more in line then this is for you!
I will say being THAT close to the falls is amazing, but the cost, the line, and ponchos that don't protect you from getting wet is not really worth it. I'd rather pay to experience the Maid of the Mist again. -
Review from Janet D.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I chuckled at how far - literally and figuratively - my newly teenaged daughter had come on our 45 day summer road trip. She willingly donned the bright yellow poncho (accessorized with royal blue recycled rubber sandals) and joined me on the Cave of the Winds tour. After squeezing into a crowded elevator and descending down a 175 foot shaft into Niagara Gorge, we emerged on a man-made wooden path. Said daughter immediately started pulling me toward the Hurricane Deck. Standing with your back against the railing only 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls, you can feel firsthand what it might be like to hang out with Hurricane Irene. Yeah, not for me. My "little girl" dropped my hand in favor of the railing. Gone was the five-year old who once clung to my leg in fear - making herself sick - on the first day of kindergarten. I was now watching a brave young woman determined to live a life without regrets. This was one of my most treasured souvenirs from this trip.
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Review from Alena B.
6/5/2011
This is a really fun tour. It's the only one of worth on the American side in my opinion. I really don't think that anyone should take Maid of the Mist from the American side. The Cave of Winds is great though. You get shoes (which you should take for the rest of the tours) and you get a poncho. This really is your chance to bathe in the falls. When we were there it was early April and warmer than usual but still quite cold. No one was really interested in actually walking into the falls themselves but we figured "what the heck?" We jumped in and let it pound on us...totally fun. The rest of the tour soon their turn, not wanting to miss out on the fun, and soon we were all soaking wet but thoroughly happy. Our tour guide complimented us...we were the first to go in that weekend!
This is a really fun experience...they have to rebuild the wooden deck platforms constantly. I highly recommend it! -
Review from Lura M.
Atlanta, GA
10/2/2011
This was totally amazing! I definitely recommend this as the last activity of the day because you will be drenched. They give complimentary ponchos and sandals, but that only helps a little. If you have gone on the Maid of the Mist right before, I would recommend double-bagging your ponchos which I saw some other tourists doing. If you want pictures, you definitely need a waterproof camera. The Hurricane Deck was awesome.
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Review from cliff s.
Camarillo, CA
9/21/2011
Visited Niagara falls last Saturday afternoon. We were in town for the Raiders/Bills football game. Since we were there in mid-September, the lines were short. I hear the lines are well over an hour in the summer.
We found free street parking near Buffalo Avenue and 1st Street. There are also several pay lots in the same area. From there, it's about 5-10 walk through the park to the ticket booth.
This was first time taking this tour. It was great! After you purchase your ticket, they give you a yellow pancho, and shoes. I wore beach sandals, so I didn't take the shoes. Next, they take your picture in front of a picture of the falls. You can purchase the picture after the tour for $15. Then, you take an elevator down to ground level.
At that point, it's a self guided tour. It's a loop that starts on ground level, works up to the Hurricane deck, then back down to ground level.
You can use a nice camera on the ground level, but as you start up towards the Hurricane deck, it's too risky with a nice camera. Before we started up the stairs, we switched over to disposable cameras.
You will get soaked. I followed an great tip and brought a quart size ziplock bag for my wallet, iphone, and digital camera. Even with the pancho, you will get soaked.
If you are also planning to see Maiden of the Mist, I would do the Maiden first, then Cave second. Wear shorts, and sandals to avoid getting your pants, socks, and shoes wet. Also, you wont have to carry around extra shoes.
If you are also planning to visit the Cave of the Winds, I would do the Maiden of the Mist first. Then walk to the Cave of the Winds. -
Review from Edward P.
Lansdale, PA
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really fun! We went on a muggy day so it was very refreshing.
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Review from Igor A.
South Windsor, CT
9/8/2011
Really fun! You get to be veeeeery close the Bridal Veil falls (a few feet from the water). You get soaked and it really is like being in a hurricane weather since it's so strong.
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Review from Peggy R.
Sioux Falls, SD
7/12/2010
Just do it!! You will get soaked, but you will laugh and enjoy the force of this natural wonder.
Don't plan on taking pictures without a water proof camera. This was one of the most fun things we did in Niagara Falls.
Plus you get those styling sandals! -
Review from DIANE S.
5/13/2011
Take an elevator to get closer to the falls. its half priced in the winter since you don't get to see the actual cave or veil of water. You do get really close. I didn't personally do because i went in april/may and it was way to cold. The mist is so strong at the bottom because as I stood on top of the area mist was flying up from that area. I'd say its worth it, in the summer. only $12
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Review from Mike P.
Broadview Heights, OH
7/7/2009 1 photo
This was one of the best parts of the American side of the Falls!
After you pay the admission (11.00 for one adult as of this review) you are given a souvenir rain poncho and sandals. They give you a plastic shopping bag to carry your shoes in.
You then go down a shaft elevator, which takes you to the bottom of the Falls. A path leads you to a wooden plank walkway, which gives you a very close up view of the Falls and of the Niagara River. At this point, its easy to take pictures of the Falls and you're not getting too wet.
As you proceed, you get closer to the Falls. Soon, you'll feel a flood of water on the walkway, hence the need for the sandals! You then feel more and more of the Falls mist, which turn into drops of rain. You start to get wet.
The water continues to flood the walkway and the rain of water from the Falls becomes more intense. This is a good time to NOT take any pictures, unless your camera or video recorder is water proof.
Soon you reach the deck which is very close to the Bridal Vein Falls known as the Hurricane Deck. Here you feel the wind caused by the falling water, and this is where most of the water falls. This is the part where you get 110% soaked! Seriously. You realize the poncho is USELESS because you're all wet.
I also found out the 'waterproof' backpack Ive carried isn't totally waterproof. Advice- do NOT carry bags or heavy items to this attraction, and do NOT wear nor bring anything you don't want to get wet.
You can stay here for as long as you like during operating hours. I recommend an hour, which allows you to enjoy the view of the American Falls, the Niagara River and the Niagara Gorge in a unique way. If you're like me, then you'll want to get completely soaked and spend much of the time on the Hurricane Deck. This is especially refreshing on a very warm or hot day.
The only downside are the daffy tourists who are rude, have no manners and no sense of American and Canadian culture. Then again, many American and Canadian tourists were the same way. Don't let these knuckleheads screw up your day. I didn't.
As for the poncho and sandals, you have the option to keep them, donate the sandals to charity (they have large bins at the exit) and have the rain ponchos recycled (recycling bins all over the exhibit).Listed in: Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
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Review from Miko L.
Torrance, CA
5/31/2011 1 photo
Really fun experience! I like how you can take as much time as you want wandering around the "caves." My most favorite parts is getting as close to the falls as possible and getting super soaked underneath the falls.
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Review from Erika E.
Tampa, FL
6/27/2011
So much fun! A must do for kids and kids at heart who are willing to get soaked on the hurricane deck! The poncho is useless, but we went expecting and wanting to get soaked. A must do at Niagara.
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Review from Matthew W.
Aurora, IL
6/18/2010
Kids LOVED IT.....so much fun....we were there on July 2, 2009 and they had the barriers prepared for HUGE crowds...luckily we didn't experience that.
Bought our tickets and headed right to the elevator, got our rain ponchos, and right to the tour......so much fun to be that close to the American Falls....
Kids loved romping around in the mist and we got some great pictures...little guy and Hot Mamma didn't enjoy quite as much (he was 4)...but we sure did.
A MUST SEE on the American side
Adult Cave of the Winds (2 @ 11) 22.00
Junior Cave of the Winds (2 @ 8) 16.00
Total - $38.00 -
Review from Nicole L.
5/26/2009
This was a fun tour at Niagara Falls. You get both ponchos and sandals and walk right below part of the Falls. There are plenty of places where you can get some great shots of the water and for the daring (or polar bears), some of the pictures can involve a person getting drenched by the freezing water of the falls. The great thing about this tour is that you can stay in the area as long as you like. The bad thing is that there is a lot of spray from the waterfall so good electronic equipment may need to be put away. Disposable water-proof cameras are great, although the picture quality may not be the best. There is enough water all around that you should roll up your pants to ABOVE the knees if you don't want to get them wet.
Definitely a must see if visiting Niagara Falls!! -
Review from Bailey Z.
I thought this would include an actual cave, but later I learned that the natural cave was actually closed in 1920 after a rock fall. How amazing would it have been to see the Bridal Veil Falls from behind? The line for this is ridiculously long only because people can take their time walking up and down the redwood decks, which is actually removed and rebuilt every year in the winter and spring and is secured only by being wedged into the rock crevices without any bolting (interesting factoid). The best part of the tour is the hurricane deck, which allows you stand in front of Bridal Veil and experience its awesome power. The ponchos you get for this tour isn't as nice as the ones for Maid of the Mist and I ended up getting soaked because it was too short, but you do get sandals. If you're Asian, you keep the sandals after the tour and subsequently wear them around for the rest of the day.
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Review from Jenna A.
Westchester, NY
4/27/2010
AWESOME!!! Very beautiful and thrilling experience! Prepare to be soaked. :)
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Review from Moe G.
Bellmore, NY
6/9/2009
Taking a cold shower on the Hurricane Deck at Cave of the Winds is probably the most fun you can have at the falls that doesn't involve a barrel, (or two Clifton Hill hookers, a slab of Canadian bacon and a hockey stick.).
As Leo Bloom once said, "I'm wet. I'm still hysterical and I'm wet".
Some tips for you folks who are contemplating the Falls version of hydrotherapy:
1) Don't take your camera unless you already have a waterproof housing.
Your best bet is a FujiFilm Quicksnap Waterproof disposable (27 exposure) available from B&H Photo (online) for $6 each plus $3 shipping for the whole order. (Cost me $20 total for 3 cameras shipped within 4 days). Water and high end electronics do not play well together.
Don't trash your sparkly new digital. And if your Rolex ain't waterproof, now's the time to bag it.
2) You'll be issued a big plastic garbage bag with a hoodie to cover you. It ain't gonna help much. If you're doing this right, you're gonna get completely soaked anyway, so don't wear your Sunday best. If possible, wear shorts, or roll up your pants/jeans. Lose your socks too, if possible.
3) You'll also be issued a pair of non-slip rubber sandals. You'll be carrying your own shoes in a plastic bag, so don't bring anything heavy.
Take off the knee-high UGGS and put on a pair of flip-flops or that pair of sneakers that's about to bite the dust BEFORE you head for the Cave.
Keep those sandals on if you're going to the Journey Behind The Falls on the Canadian side. They don't give you any sandals there, and the tunnel floor at Journey is a slippery mess.
3) Grab a quart-zized ziplock bag at the grocery and put your wallet, passport or any other important papers inside. Same goes for any wet activities in or around the falls.
4) There are thousands of gulls and other birds that use the Goat Island cliff between the falls as a nesting area. Our feathered friends eat. Then they get airborne. Then they do pretty much what we do after we've ingested our daily repast. Ergo, the area around the Cave deck looks like an avian Jackson Pollack art installation, with the appurtenant odors that accompany said artistry. Close your eyes and think of roses or mama's homemade cookies if you need to. And wear a cap or your hoodie. 'Nuff said. Worst case scenario---you're a victim of aerial bombing---go take a shower on the Hurricane deck.
We who are about to be saturated salute you!! -
Review from Liza M.
Reading, MA
7/30/2009
loved loved loved this. by far the best, most unique way to see the falls. it is a winding stairway down and up, and you end up at one point on what is called the hurricane deck. no kidding!! walking up the stairs approaching the American Falls pouring down on you, it is hard to climb the stairs or even breathe with the sheer force of water coming at you. it was amazing, exhilarating and terrifying!! it was awesome, this can not be missed and is the best way to really see (read: be in!) the falls. they give you cute little shoes to wear that you then can donate to charity which I thought was so awesome as well. we had some great ice cream right outside the exit. yummy!!!!
we we really lucky, we barely waited in line for any of the activities, no more than about 5 minutes. I think this was because it was still early in the season and it was a Friday. -
Review from J. Burke M.
Frederick, MD
7/30/2009
A truly amazing experience. Do it the right way and go poncho-less!
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Review from Helen L.
8/23/2009 8 photos
This is the most awesome experience for $11. You get a poncho, bag for your shoes, and a pair of sandals, which you can keep or donate afterwards. I was walking in them the whole day. The sandal is the latest fashion in Niagara Falls. You walk through the maze of the stairs and come right under the falls. You get an exhilarating feeling of how powerful the waterfalls. You get drenched! Amazing staff builds the staircase every summer and takes it apart at the end of the summer.
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Review from sweet t.
San Jose, CA
9/13/2009
You have to do the cave of the winds. AMAZING!!!
We had such a GREAT time here. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera and store all your belongings in a ziplock bag. I also brought and extra plastic bag for my purse. You will get wet but the experience is TRULY AMAZING!!! -
Review from Paul J.
Brooklyn, NY
2/24/2009 2 photos
you should visit this place for a cool break of the hot summer heat but remember to protect your cameras and electronic devices 'cause you will get wet to put it mildly, learn from my mistakes, i busted my brand spankin' new canon camcorder here. but its awesome.
